This is actually amazing! Those imac monitors come calibrated! Which is perfect for any graphic design, video editing, illustration type of work. Man this can save you ablot of money! Calibrated monitors are not cheap. I'll be using this method until i can buy or i feel the the need to buy a new one, thnx so much for the video!!
Apple always talks about how "green" they are but removed this function from later imacs. So now my 2017 27in iMac display will be trash in a few years. I would love to get a new Mac mini and connect it.
I use my 2011 21” iMac in display mode connected through its Thunderbolt port, using an adapter available at a price from Apple, connected to a 2019 Intel Core i9 27” iMac. Works great and toggles the 21” between display and independent modes by simply CMD-F2 using its keyboard.
This will also work with Ventura if you are running OCLP. I have a video on my channel with proof of concept. Runs great and has updated to the most current OS
I ordered a mini display port to display port cable and hooked it up between my windows 11 PC and my 2017 iMac but after over an hour of testing, I couldn't get it to display my computer. Command + F2 didn't work, there's nothing in the settings for it, rebooting my computer didn't work, turning it off and back on didn't, getting the imac up to date didnt work, and swapping the ports did nothing. I'm so frustrated
Ahh, unfortunately the reason it doesn't work is that the 2017 iMacs never supported Target Display mode. Like I say in the video, the 2011-2014 iMacs have limited support to be used with certain other types of Macs. While the 24" and 27" 2009-2010 iMacs can be used with almost anything. Sorry you had to find out the hard way.
KEYBOARD!!! Brilliant Video - thank you! NONE of my 27 inch 2011 iMacs would connect in target display mode until I switched to the long flat wired keyboard with numeric keypad on the right. Like was mentioned in one of these helpful videos - the keyboard that came with the iMAC. Keyboard model A1243 EMC 2171. Now all four DO connect to my Macbook pro. The iMac wireless ones, Imac long wired ones with typewriter-like keys - none of these worked. Just the flat long keyboard (17 inch x 4.5 inch x less than 1/2 inch)
I bought a Mac Studio to replace my old Imac and I also bought a new monitor - and I just couldn't deal with a different monitor after using apple screens since 2003 so I am going to use target disc mode till I find the right monitor.
EDIT: Your linked video answered my question. So NVM, but here's the original question: Ok, here's my setup: Main computer 2019 Macbook pro. Want to use 2012 21" imac as 2nd monitor. What cable do I need? Is the one end of the mini display cable HDMI?
Very Useful Video!!! One Clarification though. Can I use my 2011 iMac running High Sierra 13.6 as a display for my MacBook Pro running Sonoma 14.2? Also can I use the iMac as a display with the new M2 Mac mini? Thanks in Advance!!!!
Wow. Thanks very much for this. I'm disabled with limited resources, and my late 2010 iMac 27" is letting me down in many situations, not the least of which being dropped by Apple for security updates. I've been looking at getting a Mac Mini M2 pro to finish my life with, but a good monitor for my uses pushes the upgrade price up too high. Not NOW!
@@Da-mk3fy Yes, it works amazingly well and very easy. There are one or two videos and written instructions. It takes the cable and a few clicks to get there. There is one glitch I've had that is no big deal. I'd tell you what it is, but I don't have it hooked up that way right now and can't remember.
Repeatedly tried, but was unable to get my late 2013 iMac into Target Disply mode, despite using a thunderbolt to HDMI connector, along with an HDMI cable connected to my PC laptop.
Thanks for sharing this helpful video. I am trying to connect a mid-2011 iMac to a Lenovo X13 Yoga, Gen 1. Could you let me know which cable I should get? Thanks!
Unfortunately a mid-2011 iMac won't be able to be used with any PC. Only the 2009 and 2010 iMac models supported connecting to anything with DisplayPort.
i have 2010 imac i tried with the display port to mini display port cable but nothing happens i have high sierra i dont know if this could be the problem?
Thank you for this, I have a Mid '09 20 inch iMac with El Capitan - but it doesn't seam to work for me. You mentioned 24 & 27 inch imac, do you know if it should work on the 20 inch imac?
I have a MacMini M1 2020 running Ventura 13.4.1 - with 2010 iMac Hi Sierra - Mini display to HDMI, not working, Thunderbolt 2 to USBC not working?? Any suggestions ? What cable configuration do you recommend. Should the keyboard and mouse be plugged in on the Mini or the OLD iMAC to get it to switch over ( CMD-F2). It is not switching over automatically like your video. Thanks for sharing nice video :)
This is the cable that I use to connect a M1 Mac Mini to a 2009 27" iMac. www.amazon.com/gp/product/B073CVK6P6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 The keyboard where you press CMD-F2 is connected to the old iMac. Also to note, I don't believe this works on the 21" iMac models from 2010, only the 27". Hope this helps you!
@@CorkyBallasdancewithme Your a champ, I have a MacMini NOW RUNNING AND WORKING with an OLD 27 INCH iMac 27 inch display, thanks for the aweSome Video and Precise cable, the cable made all the difference, all the one's I had and tried FAILED, Happy Fourth, nice work :) thanks for sharing this :)
Hi, Im kinda in the same boat but still learning what cable I need to connect mac mini m2 with 27 inch late 2013 iMac. Were you successful in your connection?
it needs to be more specific on the most important aspect : what is the exact description of the mini display port cable cable ?? there are so many types !
Wow. I always thought there was a way to do this... just seemed like a waist to not be able to use it as a monitor! Thank you for this video! Love finding stuff like this. I sub'd too!
There's the "Share Screen" option. Apple document "Share the screen of another Mac." The Macs need to be networked. Once connected, you'll see on an iMac 'A' an any(?)Mac 'B' window. The window can be resized, and on iMac 'A' you can operate the any(?)Mac 'B'. If you have the room and the patience ... You can network Functional iMacs with broken screens, and display them all on an iMac with a working screen. Invest in RAM.
Nice video man! Thx for the info :) I'm thinking about connecting my notebook to an iMac doing this process but I don't have a displayport input on the notebook, if I use an HDMI to Displayport adapter on my pc that should do the trick, right?
Thank you! I have a second video that might help answer that question here too: th-cam.com/video/eaBTzQBGDUE/w-d-xo.html It will depend on what model of iMac you have. If it is a 24 or 27 inch iMac from 2009 or 2010, then yes, you can use a specific HDMI to Mini Display Port adapter and cable. I'll put links for them here: www.amazon.com/dp/B0752D33PJ?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07NW9XKGL/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1 If you have any other model of iMac, it won't work unfortunately. Hope this helps you out.
Thank you! The brand itself isn't important, But if you're going the Mini DisplayPort to HDMI route they are unidirectional and need to go from HDMI source to DisplayPort display.
@@TimPlaster22 I haven't tried it personally so I can't say how well it works, but Luna Display is said to allow an iMac from 2014 to be used as a display for a new Mac Mini. astropad.com/product/lunadisplay/
Hello, would you please tell me if I can I use the same cable in video and connect this imac 2009 model to the mac mini m2? And which is better/easier to buy (imac 2009) or (imac 2011) if i wana use it as display monitor to my mac mini m2? Any quick help please?
At 1:15 you say compatible with thunderbolt 1 or 2 only. Just to be clear are you saying a 2011-14 iMac would not be compatible with a modern day Mac with a thunderbolt 4 port?
i have mid 2010 i5 mac 27 inch. just got new m4 pro mac mini. is there any way to use its monitor. currently i have a display port to hdmi cable to connect my iMac to my tv
Thnx much. Good to know. Do you know if this will work with KVM switch too. I have 2012 Mac mini, 2023 Mac notebook. Wanted to use KVM switch to switch back forth. 2022 Mac has usb c n hdmi whereas Mac mini has hdmi.
I have an IMAC late 2012 that I want to connect with my Macbook Air 2017. Are you saying I simply need a thunderbolt to thunderbolt cable then initiate TDM? What OS version is needed for both machines?
I'd like to use my 2013 IMac 27inch as a screen for my 2019 Macobook Pro 16 but have read that it wont work unless I regress my Macbook to Catalina to match the most recent iOS that the iMac will run (namely Catalina)? I want to sure it will work before I fork out £49 for a Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 adaptor.
I have a 2010, 27" iMac that I want to connect my Lenovo Thinkpad vPRO laptop to. I bought a HMDI to MiniDisplay port cable, but it doesn't seem to work. Any ideas? The laptop also has 2 USB C ports. Should I try connecting that way?
Hello man, im really impressed about how youve connected it to windows here, ive got a mini display to hdmi cable but nothing is happening even after trying the keys. im using an imac 2009 (high sierra) and a windows laptop .
Unfortunately not. Apple says the Mac you're connecting the iMac to has to be from 2019 or earlier, and run Mac OS Catalina or earlier. Which means any Apple Silicon (M1, M2) Mac cant use Target Display Mode.
@@Shady.Moustafa Unfortunately it will not. Besides either requiring Display Port or Thunderbolt 2 depending on the iMac model, Apple says that only 2019 and earlier Mac models work with an iMac using Target Display Mode.
Hi, can you help me? I have an early 2009 with a display port. But what I'm reading is that the OS needs to be High Sierra. It's a newer OS, I can't remember what version, but I couldn't update to the lastest because of space. My question is, do I need High Sierra to run my old mac as a monitor?
Unfortunately that won't work with Target Display Mode. You can research Luna Display and see if that would work for your needs. You may also want to look into Open Core Legacy Patcher to allow the 2013 iMac to use a more recent Mac OS so you can use AirPlay to use the iMac as a second screen.
I have a 2013 iMac, will I be able to plug my gaming pc into it and use the iMac as a monitor with a thunderbolt to hdmi adapter? About to test it out tomorrow curious if you could answer beforehand
@@DavidAscarrunz Unfortunately that won’t work. The 2013 iMacs were only able to do Target Display Mode with certain other Mac models and nothing else.
My 27" iMac from around 2011 finally stopped working, so I upgraded to a iMac 24" (2021) just a couple months ago. The display on my 27" iMac still works great, but the computer won't boot up any longer due to hard drive errors. Do you know if I can use it as just a second display with my iMac 24" without it being able to boot up? That's what I was looking to do when I found this video. Thanks!
Unfortunately not with Target Display Mode for two reasons. First, the computer has to be able to boot up fully for it to work. Second, the 2021 iMac won't be able to work with a 2011 iMac, Apple made some changes so the new Apple Silicon Macs can't connect to it with Target Display Mode. However, there is one possibility that you can try with a lot of work but it does require the computer to boot. I'll link it below. If you can replace, or repair, the hard drive so that it can boot, you can try this option to upgrade the OS up to Monterey or Ventura so that the 2011 iMac can use AirPlay. th-cam.com/video/sO0yc3_hOE8/w-d-xo.html
@@PittersComputers There is a good chance you can still safe your old iMac. Depends on what the symptoms are. But you can always changte the hard drive for a modern SSD (they are really affordable today, like $40 for 512 GB SSD). And with the tool Opencore Legacy Patcher (freeware) you can even get your old iMac to run the latest macOS versions smoothly. :) Trust me, I own a few of them old Macs. They all are running latest system versions. Search TH-cam for Mr. Macintosh and watch his videos about installing let's say Ventura or even Sonoma on unsupported Macs. You will be amazed!
Agh I have an imac 2011 model. Does this change things? Looking to hook up my work PC. I have a thunderbolt - HDMI connector. Plugged straight into my PC but nothing happened. Any advice?
I want to use an iMac from mid 2010 and it doesn't use the computer automatically as a display. Also nothing works if I press command and F2. Any ideas what could be wrong?
I just want to connect my phone to my old Mac, it dosent have an hdmi port so I bought a couple of adapters, usb to hdmi and an hdmi to iPhone adapter, no luck. Please help if you can. 🤷🏻♂️
They don’t exist. Only thunderbolt/Mini DisplayPort to HDMI… and they’re not bi-directional. it’s bullshit. You literally can’t find it the other way around. He said in the video the 2011-2014 iMac’s with “Thunderbolt 1 and 2” connectors can really only connect to OTHER thunderbolt 1 and 2 devices… then he showed how the 09’s don’t have that issue. I’ve come to realize this after spending 3+hrs searching for a number of combinations trying to figure out how the hell to make this work…
Awesome video! Thank you for your explanation! I have the exact same iMac model, but the graphics card is broken =( Do you think I can still use the Target mode or should I fix the graphics card first?
Hmm, that's an interesting situation. If the iMac turns on and you can get to the desktop, then you could try Target Display Mode and see if it works. If you can't boot, or see anything on the screen, then you would have to try and repair it first.
@@PittersComputers Thank you for your response! As my graphics card is broken, I don't think that visually I can get to the desktop, but maybe if I wait long enough for the iMac to boot and log in, I can blindly press the CMD+F2 and see if the Target Display Mode works.
Pitter, I just saw your video, can I make my imac 21.5 display use as a monitor from connect my laptop 2013 15 ' to my imac and what cable do I need if that is possiable. Jim
Hello, would you be so kind as to tell me how I can use my old 2011 iMac with a Windows PC. I don't know which cable I need. I'm bored of trying and I can't get it. Thank you very much in advance. 😢😢😂
Unfortunately you won't be able to connect a 2011 iMac to a Windows PC with Target Display Mode. Only the 2009-2010 24" or 27" iMacs are able to do that.
My 2015 iMac has 2 Thunderbolt connections, so if I buy an Apple Notebook Pro, I can still use my 27" iMac as a monitor and switch it between the desktop and the laptop?
For that model of iMac it can. Just make sure whatever adapter you're using, it works in the right direction. I've used this one with my 2010 27" iMac, only downside is it requires and extra USB port free to work. www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0752D33PJ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8
Just got off the phone with apple support, was advised that my newly purchased Mac Mini M2 will not allow target mode feature to connect to my 2011 27 inch iMac. Is this something recently or am I being misinformed? Great tutorial.
That is correct. An M2 Mac Mini won't be able to connect to any of the 2011- mid 2014 iMacs that did Target Display Mode through Thunderbolt. It will only work with a 2009 or 2010 27" which did the connection through DisplayPort.
I have a late iMac 2013 with a 27 inch running Ventura, I’m trying to see how I can get a video game consult dongle that is HDMI to view it on my Mac, I have an HDMI to thunderbolt but my computer doesn’t see it. Any suggestions please thank you.
I think the problem is the 2013 only accepts Thunderbolt 2 signals as opposed to mini display. I'm having the same issues. The output device has to have Thunderbolt 2 output. Let me know if you come up with a solution and I'll do the same!
@@MrRCRCRCRC no worries I will let you know, but I gave up from what I understand the thunderbolt two input it’s only going from out so there’s nothing to go in. There was a HDMI converter and it worked at one point, but it was too slow, so just gave up on the hole shenanigans.
yeah it would be nice if it just had a button on the back that it would allow it to do this or somewhere to just change the sitting and it only works as a monitor. We just recently got Mac Studios at work replace our 2019 iMacs 5k and comparable monitors to the iMacs cost just as much as Mac Studios.
Tips use a capture card if your rocking a iMac from 2015-2023 or using a MacBook Air if your not gonna hook it up to a gaming pc use a cheap Capture card or otherwise buy a more expensive one from the Minimum of 50$
My iMac has a real awesome speakers built in but it's a retina version so Target Display mode will not work so this video show an old iMac that is not a retina version. I need to know this iMac in the video like how good is the speakers compared to retina version of the iMac since the bass sound of it's speakers is real heavy duty. Please and thanks.
I have a iMac mid 2014 which is slow and unsupported by apple. will I be able to use this mode to connect Mac mini M2 and use the iMac as a monitor for the Mac mini please?
Unfortunately you won't be able to use Target Display Mode with any iMac past mid-2014, and even then only the 2009-2010 models will work with a Windows computer.
If you have a 2009 or 2010 27" iMac (or 2009 or 2010 24" iMac but some report difficulties using them) you could use a USB-C to Mini-Display Port cable with the Mac Mini. Any other model year iMac is not going to work.
This is a very nice tip. So can you confirm I can use my late 2013 iMac 27 (no 5K display) as a display with a mac mini M2 pro. This way I could upgrade "slowly" without buyin a new screen.
Unfortunately it won't work. The 2011-mid 2014 iMacs can only use Target Display Mode with other Macs made before 2020 and running Catalina or earlier.
This is the least convoluted and therefore best demonstration of using your old iMac as a monitor.
I agree ... I would need it soon as I bought a mini PC and I want to use my old imac 2010 as a monitor
This is actually amazing! Those imac monitors come calibrated! Which is perfect for any graphic design, video editing, illustration type of work. Man this can save you ablot of money! Calibrated monitors are not cheap. I'll be using this method until i can buy or i feel the the need to buy a new one, thnx so much for the video!!
What is the name of the cable ?
@@radikaweerasinghe9822 Mini DisplayPort to HDMI
Apple always talks about how "green" they are but removed this function from later imacs. So now my 2017 27in iMac display will be trash in a few years. I would love to get a new Mac mini and connect it.
There are some tutorials on converting the 2017 iMac into a monitor.
You can! You can get a adapter but only hitch is you cant be scared to open it up….. ive done it and its super easy
Sell it bro don't throw it in the bin people still buy this shit
You can enable the Target Mode on your 2017 iMac using OCLP
Because Apple under Tim Cook are a bunch of liars
I use my 2011 21” iMac in display mode connected through its Thunderbolt port, using an adapter available at a price from Apple, connected to a 2019 Intel Core i9 27” iMac. Works great and toggles the 21” between display and independent modes by simply CMD-F2 using its keyboard.
Thats great! And probably as close to the use case as possible for what Apple intended for the technology.
@huw Williams hi , can you please share the adapter link >?
This is what I am trying to do but it's not working. What OS are you running on the main computer? Does it need to be Catalina or earlier?
@@ethansolouki3533 It does have to be Catalina or earlier. I'm personally using OS 10.6 on the iMac.
This will also work with Ventura if you are running OCLP. I have a video on my channel with proof of concept. Runs great and has updated to the most current OS
I ordered a mini display port to display port cable and hooked it up between my windows 11 PC and my 2017 iMac but after over an hour of testing, I couldn't get it to display my computer.
Command + F2 didn't work, there's nothing in the settings for it, rebooting my computer didn't work, turning it off and back on didn't, getting the imac up to date didnt work, and swapping the ports did nothing. I'm so frustrated
Ahh, unfortunately the reason it doesn't work is that the 2017 iMacs never supported Target Display mode. Like I say in the video, the 2011-2014 iMacs have limited support to be used with certain other types of Macs. While the 24" and 27" 2009-2010 iMacs can be used with almost anything. Sorry you had to find out the hard way.
@@PittersComputershi. What about 2009 smaller screen sizes? Mine won’t go into target display mode
I Haven’t tested yet but I have an old MacBook Air and a 2015 Skylake i7 5k - what do u think about this one?? Thunderbolt Cable into the Mac port or?
@@PittersComputerscan a mid 2012 work btw it is macOS 10.13.6
KEYBOARD!!! Brilliant Video - thank you! NONE of my 27 inch 2011 iMacs would connect in target display mode until I switched to the long flat wired keyboard with numeric keypad on the right. Like was mentioned in one of these helpful videos - the keyboard that came with the iMAC. Keyboard model A1243 EMC 2171. Now all four DO connect to my Macbook pro. The iMac wireless ones, Imac long wired ones with typewriter-like keys - none of these worked. Just the flat long keyboard (17 inch x 4.5 inch x less than 1/2 inch)
Are you using a m1 mac? I need to get this to work with a m1 macbook and a 2013 imac 27. Thx in advance
Hi there, is there a specific type of cable needed or any generic one will work? Id appreciate it if u could drop me a link for the one u used.
I have a Late 2013 iMac and Macbook Air M1 - can I use my iMac as an external monitor?
yes
Would that be a thunderbolt to hdmi connection cable?
Great video. Do you happen to know if I could connect the new 2024 Mac Mini to my 2017 iMac (27 inch)?
I bought a Mac Studio to replace my old Imac and I also bought a new monitor - and I just couldn't deal with a different monitor after using apple screens since 2003 so I am going to use target disc mode till I find the right monitor.
EDIT: Your linked video answered my question. So NVM, but here's the original question:
Ok, here's my setup: Main computer 2019 Macbook pro. Want to use 2012 21" imac as 2nd monitor. What cable do I need? Is the one end of the mini display cable HDMI?
This also my question. Were you able to buy a cable that works?
@christina413 the specific imac i have won't do anything like this, it's the model that I have that's the problem.
Thanks for going through this, what about the Mac mini you had there? Thanks
Very Useful Video!!! One Clarification though. Can I use my 2011 iMac running High Sierra 13.6 as a display for my MacBook Pro running Sonoma 14.2? Also can I use the iMac as a display with the new M2 Mac mini? Thanks in Advance!!!!
Have u figured that one out yet? I want to do that as well. Connecting the m2 mac mini with an imac 2011.
@@mutsu-tvhi. Im currently reaear hing connect mac mini m2 with late 2013 iMac 27 inch. Were you able to connect yours successfully?
@@christina413 nope.
Thank you for your video. I have a 2010 iMac 27 inches
Hi, thx for the video, I have a question, at 2:16 the black cable is HDMI that you plug in the Lenovo ?
Thank you for this video. To be clear, a new m2 macbook air 2024 won't work with a late 2013 imac 27inch? It has to be a laptop before 2020?
Wow. Thanks very much for this. I'm disabled with limited resources, and my late 2010 iMac 27" is letting me down in many situations, not the least of which being dropped by Apple for security updates. I've been looking at getting a Mac Mini M2 pro to finish my life with, but a good monitor for my uses pushes the upgrade price up too high. Not NOW!
I'm glad this helps you out!
I’m about to do the same! 🎉
@penswordman is it possible to connect your M2 to the 2010 iMac?? Wanna do the same
@@Da-mk3fy Yes, it works amazingly well and very easy. There are one or two videos and written instructions. It takes the cable and a few clicks to get there. There is one glitch I've had that is no big deal. I'd tell you what it is, but I don't have it hooked up that way right now and can't remember.
Is there something like a thunderbolt to HDMI adapter to HDMI/DP, so I can plug my PC into my 2014 iMac?
This is awesome. Will the camera on the iMac still work as well?
Unfortunately the camera won't work in Target Display Mode.
@@PittersComputerswhat about microphone and loudspeaker?
Thank you for your short and simple yt video! the other yt-creator should learn from you!
Repeatedly tried, but was unable to get my late 2013 iMac into Target Disply mode, despite using a thunderbolt to HDMI connector, along with an HDMI cable connected to my PC laptop.
I am trying to do the same. I think it is because it thinks the imac is the source and pc output as the wire is one directional
Any luck?
same! let me know if you figure it out !
@@roshnikanabar, try CMD-F2 at Boot the Mac will force to go to target mode.
where did you find that thunderbolt 2 cable to thunderbolt 3 cable hooked into the mini?
Thanx a lot from Morocco
Hey nice job! I have a 27-inch late 2012. I'm going to try it with a new Mac mini. I'll let you know since the port arrangement isn't ideal.
Hi, im currently in the same situation. Were you able to connect yours successfully? Which cable are you using?
Thanks for the video. What cable would I need to connect a 2010 imac to a 2019 Macbook pro?
A USB-C to Mini Display Port cable will work for that.
heyy this is an amazing video can you say the cabls name you used i need to buy it cuz i got a old mac..
Thanks for sharing this helpful video. I am trying to connect a mid-2011 iMac to a Lenovo X13 Yoga, Gen 1. Could you let me know which cable I should get? Thanks!
Unfortunately a mid-2011 iMac won't be able to be used with any PC. Only the 2009 and 2010 iMac models supported connecting to anything with DisplayPort.
@@PittersComputers thanks so much for letting me know!
I ordered the cable and this worked. Thanks so much for the fantastic video.🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
Which cable is it and where do you buy?
Please help, what cable do you use?
please read, why don’t you try reading the description it has the cable link in it wake up!!!!
@@vidpic8311 no it doesn’t, no need to be disrespectful
i have 2010 imac i tried with the display port to mini display port cable but nothing happens i have high sierra i dont know if this could be the problem?
same here
Thank you for this, I have a Mid '09 20 inch iMac with El Capitan - but it doesn't seam to work for me. You mentioned 24 & 27 inch imac, do you know if it should work on the 20 inch imac?
does the slowness of the mac affect the display when using as a second monitor cause my imac is slow as hell?
I have a MacMini M1 2020 running Ventura 13.4.1 - with 2010 iMac Hi Sierra - Mini display to HDMI, not working, Thunderbolt 2 to USBC not working?? Any suggestions ? What cable configuration do you recommend. Should the keyboard and mouse be plugged in on the Mini or the OLD iMAC to get it to switch over ( CMD-F2). It is not switching over automatically like your video. Thanks for sharing nice video :)
This is the cable that I use to connect a M1 Mac Mini to a 2009 27" iMac.
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B073CVK6P6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
The keyboard where you press CMD-F2 is connected to the old iMac.
Also to note, I don't believe this works on the 21" iMac models from 2010, only the 27".
Hope this helps you!
@@PittersComputers Wow thank you so much for replying with the exact cable YOU ARE AWESOME :)
@@CorkyBallasdancewithme Your a champ, I have a MacMini NOW RUNNING AND WORKING with an OLD 27 INCH iMac 27 inch display, thanks for the aweSome Video and Precise cable, the cable made all the difference, all the one's I had and tried FAILED, Happy Fourth, nice work :) thanks for sharing this :)
I have a late 2012 iMac and I have my macmini connected via thunderbolt, but it’s not working… What am I doing wrong
Hi, Im kinda in the same boat but still learning what cable I need to connect mac mini m2 with 27 inch late 2013 iMac. Were you successful in your connection?
@ No, I just bought a whole new monitor lol
@@Guilla4Life lol! Thank you for your response. I would probably have to do the same.
it needs to be more specific on the most important aspect : what is the exact description of the mini display port cable cable ?? there are so many types !
Wow. I always thought there was a way to do this... just seemed like a waist to not be able to use it as a monitor! Thank you for this video! Love finding stuff like this. I sub'd too!
*Waste
Thank you so much for this video. Just what I needed!!😃🙏🏻💜
There's the "Share Screen" option. Apple document "Share the screen of another Mac." The Macs need to be networked.
Once connected, you'll see on an iMac 'A' an any(?)Mac 'B' window. The window can be resized, and on iMac 'A' you can operate the any(?)Mac 'B'. If you have the room and the patience ... You can network Functional iMacs with broken screens, and display them all on an iMac with a working screen.
Invest in RAM.
man shut up noones doing all that
Nice video man! Thx for the info :)
I'm thinking about connecting my notebook to an iMac doing this process but I don't have a displayport input on the notebook, if I use an HDMI to Displayport adapter on my pc that should do the trick, right?
Thank you! I have a second video that might help answer that question here too:
th-cam.com/video/eaBTzQBGDUE/w-d-xo.html
It will depend on what model of iMac you have. If it is a 24 or 27 inch iMac from 2009 or 2010, then yes, you can use a specific HDMI to Mini Display Port adapter and cable.
I'll put links for them here:
www.amazon.com/dp/B0752D33PJ?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07NW9XKGL/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1
If you have any other model of iMac, it won't work unfortunately. Hope this helps you out.
Great video Brother thanks so much and you have a new sub! I am wondering if it has to be a specific brand of cable?
Thank you! The brand itself isn't important, But if you're going the Mini DisplayPort to HDMI route they are unidirectional and need to go from HDMI source to DisplayPort display.
@PittersComputers awesome thanks so much I know I have seen HDMI cables that are only one direction. For me it is more USB Thunderbolt to mini DP
How about new imacs that don't have the display port such as 2019 or 2020 is there still a way ?
So how do you do it on the other iMac years you mentioned?
Does the iMac have to have an OS to do this?
Any solution for iMac late 2015?
Thank you so much for the informative tutorial! God bless you and good luck!
My 27" iMac was my first Apple product and I don't want to be without this wonderful screen. Will it work with a recent Mac Mini? Thank you
I want to know this too. Do the camera, speakers work for FaceTime etc?
Thank you so much for this video!! I have a late 2014 27” iMac (Catalina). I just got a brand new Mac mini (Ventura). Will this solution work for me?
Unfortunately not. The 2014 iMac is only able to connect to other pre-M1, and pre-Catalina Macs via Thunderbolt.
@@PittersComputers Bummer!! Thanks for letting me know. Is there anything I can do to use my iMac as a monitor?
@@TimPlaster22 I haven't tried it personally so I can't say how well it works, but Luna Display is said to allow an iMac from 2014 to be used as a display for a new Mac Mini.
astropad.com/product/lunadisplay/
Thanks so much!!
Hello, would you please tell me if I can I use the same cable in video and connect this imac 2009 model to the mac mini m2?
And which is better/easier to buy (imac 2009) or (imac 2011) if i wana use it as display monitor to my mac mini m2?
Any quick help please?
At 1:15 you say compatible with thunderbolt 1 or 2 only. Just to be clear are you saying a 2011-14 iMac would not be compatible with a modern day Mac with a thunderbolt 4 port?
That is correct. You cannot use one of those iMacs with any new Macs made after 2019.
i have mid 2010 i5 mac 27 inch. just got new m4 pro mac mini. is there any way to use its monitor. currently i have a display port to hdmi cable to connect my iMac to my tv
Thnx much. Good to know. Do you know if this will work with KVM switch too. I have 2012 Mac mini, 2023 Mac notebook. Wanted to use KVM switch to switch back forth.
2022 Mac has usb c n hdmi whereas Mac mini has hdmi.
I have an IMAC late 2012 that I want to connect with my Macbook Air 2017. Are you saying I simply need a thunderbolt to thunderbolt cable then initiate TDM?
What OS version is needed for both machines?
I'd like to use my 2013 IMac 27inch as a screen for my 2019 Macobook Pro 16 but have read that it wont work unless I regress my Macbook to Catalina to match the most recent iOS that the iMac will run (namely Catalina)? I want to sure it will work before I fork out £49 for a Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 adaptor.
I have a 2010, 27" iMac that I want to connect my Lenovo Thinkpad vPRO laptop to. I bought a HMDI to MiniDisplay port cable, but it doesn't seem to work. Any ideas? The laptop also has 2 USB C ports. Should I try connecting that way?
Would you know what's the power consumption if used as a monitor only?
What brand of cable would you suggest. I bought one but it's not working and I am guessing it's the quality of the cable...
Hello man, im really impressed about how youve connected it to windows here, ive got a mini display to hdmi cable but nothing is happening even after trying the keys. im using an imac 2009 (high sierra) and a windows laptop .
Hi, thanks for video. Is there any iMac model with retina display which will be work with mac mini m2 through thunderbolt?
Unfortunately not. Apple says the Mac you're connecting the iMac to has to be from 2019 or earlier, and run Mac OS Catalina or earlier. Which means any Apple Silicon (M1, M2) Mac cant use Target Display Mode.
@@PittersComputers so does the imac work as a screen with mac mini m2 with hdmi ?
@@Shady.Moustafa Unfortunately it will not. Besides either requiring Display Port or Thunderbolt 2 depending on the iMac model, Apple says that only 2019 and earlier Mac models work with an iMac using Target Display Mode.
@@PittersComputers so does the imac work as a screen with mac mini m2 with Thunderbolt ?
@@Shady.Moustafa It doesn't work with Thunderbolt sadly. I've tried it on my Mini M1 and didn't have any success.
I have tried 2 ifferent leads and still no joy i only want it as a monitor
Hi, can you help me? I have an early 2009 with a display port. But what I'm reading is that the OS needs to be High Sierra. It's a newer OS, I can't remember what version, but I couldn't update to the lastest because of space. My question is, do I need High Sierra to run my old mac as a monitor?
We need this on all iMac models ASAP is there a way to hack this functionality into newer machines ?
Using only a cabo Thunderbolt i can make work that iMac 2012 in Display Mode to a Macbook Air 2014?
Hi! I have a mid 2013 iMac that I want to use as a display (or second screen) for my Macbook Pro 2023 is the possible? Witch cable should I buy?
Unfortunately that won't work with Target Display Mode. You can research Luna Display and see if that would work for your needs. You may also want to look into Open Core Legacy Patcher to allow the 2013 iMac to use a more recent Mac OS so you can use AirPlay to use the iMac as a second screen.
I have a 2013 iMac, will I be able to plug my gaming pc into it and use the iMac as a monitor with a thunderbolt to hdmi adapter? About to test it out tomorrow curious if you could answer beforehand
@@DavidAscarrunz Unfortunately that won’t work. The 2013 iMacs were only able to do Target Display Mode with certain other Mac models and nothing else.
@@PittersComputers :(
Cool! Do you know what cable is needed to connect 2019 MacBook Pro (thunderbolt) to 2009 27" iMac?
That should work with a USB-C to mini-DisplayPort cable.
Thank you, ive ordered one so looking forward to getting it sorted.@@PittersComputers
My 27" iMac from around 2011 finally stopped working, so I upgraded to a iMac 24" (2021) just a couple months ago. The display on my 27" iMac still works great, but the computer won't boot up any longer due to hard drive errors. Do you know if I can use it as just a second display with my iMac 24" without it being able to boot up? That's what I was looking to do when I found this video. Thanks!
Unfortunately not with Target Display Mode for two reasons. First, the computer has to be able to boot up fully for it to work. Second, the 2021 iMac won't be able to work with a 2011 iMac, Apple made some changes so the new Apple Silicon Macs can't connect to it with Target Display Mode.
However, there is one possibility that you can try with a lot of work but it does require the computer to boot. I'll link it below. If you can replace, or repair, the hard drive so that it can boot, you can try this option to upgrade the OS up to Monterey or Ventura so that the 2011 iMac can use AirPlay.
th-cam.com/video/sO0yc3_hOE8/w-d-xo.html
@@PittersComputers There is a good chance you can still safe your old iMac. Depends on what the symptoms are. But you can always changte the hard drive for a modern SSD (they are really affordable today, like $40 for 512 GB SSD). And with the tool Opencore Legacy Patcher (freeware) you can even get your old iMac to run the latest macOS versions smoothly. :) Trust me, I own a few of them old Macs. They all are running latest system versions. Search TH-cam for Mr. Macintosh and watch his videos about installing let's say Ventura or even Sonoma on unsupported Macs. You will be amazed!
If used as a monitor, would this power down the imac, so only power is being used for the monitor?
Agh I have an imac 2011 model. Does this change things? Looking to hook up my work PC. I have a thunderbolt - HDMI connector. Plugged straight into my PC but nothing happened. Any advice?
I want to use an iMac from mid 2010 and it doesn't use the computer automatically as a display. Also nothing works if I press command and F2. Any ideas what could be wrong?
Will a late27 inch 2012 iMac work as a display for a new MacBook or MacMini if I had to buy one in 2024 ?
Unfortunately not with Target Display Mode.
Am I able to connect my newer mac book pro m1 or m2 to my imac 2010 screen the same way?
How you not include the corddd??????????????
What connection are you using on the thinkpad ? It’s unclear what terminal your plugging into. Great video ! Thanks
That's a DisplayPort port on the Lenovo. Its using a DisplayPort to mini-DisplayPort cable.
brill thanks - apparently only works on 2011 (21") screen NOT 2010@@PittersComputers
I just want to connect my phone to my old Mac, it dosent have an hdmi port so I bought a couple of adapters, usb to hdmi and an hdmi to iPhone adapter, no luck. Please help if you can. 🤷🏻♂️
Can you show me the link where i can buy the hdmi to thunderbolt cable?
I'm living in japan right now and can't find out proper cable on amazon!
They don’t exist. Only thunderbolt/Mini DisplayPort to HDMI… and they’re not bi-directional. it’s bullshit. You literally can’t find it the other way around.
He said in the video the 2011-2014 iMac’s with “Thunderbolt 1 and 2” connectors can really only connect to OTHER thunderbolt 1 and 2 devices… then he showed how the 09’s don’t have that issue.
I’ve come to realize this after spending 3+hrs searching for a number of combinations trying to figure out how the hell to make this work…
Awesome video! Thank you for your explanation! I have the exact same iMac model, but the graphics card is broken =( Do you think I can still use the Target mode or should I fix the graphics card first?
Hmm, that's an interesting situation. If the iMac turns on and you can get to the desktop, then you could try Target Display Mode and see if it works. If you can't boot, or see anything on the screen, then you would have to try and repair it first.
@@PittersComputers Thank you for your response! As my graphics card is broken, I don't think that visually I can get to the desktop, but maybe if I wait long enough for the iMac to boot and log in, I can blindly press the CMD+F2 and see if the Target Display Mode works.
@@TheSilverSentry Okay, yeah if you can't get to the desktop, chances are this won't work, and the iMac won't be able to use Target Display Mode.
I have a Retina 4K, 21.5-inch, 2019 iMac. I'm guessing that this device doesn't have Target Display support, right? Can anyone confirm, please?
Pitter, I just saw your video, can I make my imac 21.5 display use as a monitor from connect my laptop 2013 15 ' to my imac and what cable do I need if that is possiable. Jim
Hello, would you be so kind as to tell me how I can use my old 2011 iMac with a Windows PC. I don't know which cable I need. I'm bored of trying and I can't get it. Thank you very much in advance.
😢😢😂
Unfortunately you won't be able to connect a 2011 iMac to a Windows PC with Target Display Mode. Only the 2009-2010 24" or 27" iMacs are able to do that.
My 2015 iMac has 2 Thunderbolt connections, so if I buy an Apple Notebook Pro, I can still use my 27" iMac as a monitor and switch it between the desktop and the laptop?
Did you find a solution? I have 2015 iMac too and wonder if it will work.
If I use a displayport adapter connected to HDMI, and from this displayport adapter I connect my 27-inch 2010 model imac, can it work?
For that model of iMac it can. Just make sure whatever adapter you're using, it works in the right direction. I've used this one with my 2010 27" iMac, only downside is it requires and extra USB port free to work.
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0752D33PJ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8
@@PittersComputers thanks brother 🫂
What are the options for using my iMac mid-2015 with 5k as an external monitor for a new mac mini? Is it possible?
Not through Target Display Mode. You might want to research Luna Display and see if that will work for you.
Just got off the phone with apple support, was advised that my newly purchased Mac Mini M2 will not allow target mode feature to connect to my 2011 27 inch iMac. Is this something recently or am I being misinformed? Great tutorial.
That is correct. An M2 Mac Mini won't be able to connect to any of the 2011- mid 2014 iMacs that did Target Display Mode through Thunderbolt. It will only work with a 2009 or 2010 27" which did the connection through DisplayPort.
What a rip off. I wish I wouldn’t have purchased the M2! I thought I could use my beautiful iMac as a display for it!
I have a late iMac 2013 with a 27 inch running Ventura, I’m trying to see how I can get a video game consult dongle that is HDMI to view it on my Mac, I have an HDMI to thunderbolt but my computer doesn’t see it. Any suggestions please thank you.
I think the problem is the 2013 only accepts Thunderbolt 2 signals as opposed to mini display. I'm having the same issues. The output device has to have Thunderbolt 2 output. Let me know if you come up with a solution and I'll do the same!
@@MrRCRCRCRC no worries I will let you know, but I gave up from what I understand the thunderbolt two input it’s only going from out so there’s nothing to go in. There was a HDMI converter and it worked at one point, but it was too slow, so just gave up on the hole shenanigans.
@@sin_phany_tv Haha fair enough!
yeah it would be nice if it just had a button on the back that it would allow it to do this or somewhere to just change the sitting and it only works as a monitor. We just recently got Mac Studios at work replace our 2019 iMacs 5k and comparable monitors to the iMacs cost just as much as Mac Studios.
So I guess if you want to get a mac studio or mini you can do the same in target mode correct?
Tank you. it was use full to mi. now I should find the cable in my country 🤞🤞
Tips use a capture card if your rocking a iMac from 2015-2023 or using a MacBook Air if your not gonna hook it up to a gaming pc use a cheap Capture card or otherwise buy a more expensive one from the Minimum of 50$
I have an iMac 2013 later with Thunderbolt port, and I upgraded with big sur, is it possible to connect it via target display mode in M1 macbook air?
Unfortunately not. That model iMac isn't able to use Target Display Mode with any other Mac newer than 2019.
My iMac has a real awesome speakers built in but it's a retina version so Target Display mode will not work so this video show an old iMac that is not a retina version.
I need to know this iMac in the video like how good is the speakers compared to retina version of the iMac since the bass sound of it's speakers is real heavy duty.
Please and thanks.
hmmmmm....wonder if it'll work on the iMac pro
What about a 2016 27” iMac? Could that be used with a Mac Studio? What about a 24” 2008 iMac? Can that be used as a display for a MacBook Air M1???
I have a imac 2007 or 2009 it has the 3 beep error. So i cant boot it up.
Can u still use it as a monitor?
It won't work. The iMac has to be able to boot up to the desktop.
My side it's not working from a Macbook M1 to an iMac 2013. Any idea why ?
I have a iMac mid 2014 which is slow and unsupported by apple. will I be able to use this mode to connect Mac mini M2 and use the iMac as a monitor for the Mac mini please?
Unfortunately that iMac isn't going to be able to do this with an M2 Mac.
What knd of cable do i have to order to use for my window 10 to Imac 2017 .. please let me know thanks
Unfortunately you won't be able to use Target Display Mode with any iMac past mid-2014, and even then only the 2009-2010 models will work with a Windows computer.
So does the imac stay on the whole time in the background, or is there a way to use it as a display without it being turned on
Yes, the iMac is always on with Target Display Mode.
@@PittersComputers thank you for the reply
What if you want to connect it to a Mac mini? what do you do? Because, I don't see a display port monitor in my Mac mini M2… Am I missing something?
If you have a 2009 or 2010 27" iMac (or 2009 or 2010 24" iMac but some report difficulties using them) you could use a USB-C to Mini-Display Port cable with the Mac Mini. Any other model year iMac is not going to work.
Can you get a adapter and hook up thunderbolt 2 to a thunderbolt 3?
This is a very nice tip. So can you confirm I can use my late 2013 iMac 27 (no 5K display) as a display with a mac mini M2 pro. This way I could upgrade "slowly" without buyin a new screen.
Unfortunately it won't work. The 2011-mid 2014 iMacs can only use Target Display Mode with other Macs made before 2020 and running Catalina or earlier.
Would this work for a Apple - 21.5"iMac 4K 2020 connected to a M2 max Studio pro?
Unfortunately not. Apple dropped support for Target Display Mode on new iMacs back in 2014.
Hello 👋 can I connect my stick pc to iMac?