Apple sicken me...they could have kept TDM on every machine they produced ...but because they dont want you to use perfectly viable older equipment chose not to...they want to force you to buy their new crap...
Could confirm using my $6000 M3 Max MacBook Pro 16in could be connected to my 27in 2010 maxed out iMac by just using a $15-$16 mini display to thunderbolt cable. It also has been running fine and the only problem is you could only control the resolution from the main machine if you were planning to use the keyboard and mouse/trackpad onto your MacBook. Otherwise, on your main machine, which for me is my MacBook Pro you can’t control the brightness or sound of iMac, but if you did have an extra keyboard or the original keyboard hooked up to the iMac or still pair to iMac, then you could control it using the keyboard function keys, or F hot keys.😊👍
Thank you for your clarification. I tried using a Dell notebook with a Type-C/HDMI to mini DP port with an iMac 2009 21.5" several times, and it did not work. Your table allows me to give up and move on.
WARNING! Hi, Your info was a great help to me. I have had my 2009 iMac as a second display for a new Mac Mini 2 running Ventura, so THANK YOU. Foolishly, I upgraded Ventura to Sonoma and now the iMac does not work as a display any more. Just thought you would like to know.
hey ! thanks for your video awesome info , just before I buy I would like to validé with you if this going to work . I’m looking to buy a 2020 iMac 27’’ 5k Retina and would like to use my 2010 iMac 27’’ as an external display. This should works right ?
Great video, thanks! After watching several times, I’m afraid I’m still a bit confused. I have an early 2009 24” iMac (mini display port and a 2014 Mac mini with HDMI and Thunderbolt 2. Which cable do I need? TIA
I think you can use a mini display-port to mini display-port cable for that. As the 2014 iMac's Thunderbolt port should carry a display port signal. Everything says your setup should be compatible, but I've seen people comment with mixed results getting their 24" 2009 or 10 iMacs to work, so just keep that in mind.
Ventura seems to support this. I am using a MacBook Pro 2012 and, with the display port / thunderbolt cable, connecting to a 2011 iMac running Ventura (via Open Core Legacy Patcher). I get the laptop's screen on my iMac, but what I haven't sorted is that it won't play sound through the iMac. Running High Sierra on the iMac I connect and play sound from the same laptop just fine.
Interesting, I had heard that Open Core Legacy Patcher allowed those models of iMac to use TDM on newer OSes, but it sounds like the Patcher is introducing some incompatibility or driver issue affecting the audio.
Hi @PittersComputers, thanks so much for putting this video together! I replaced my 2 iMacs with 2 Mac Mini M2's and am wanting to use the iMacs as screens for three reasons. Firstly, they are great displays, secondly, I want to save on e-waste and thirdly it makes financial sense. The 2 iMacs I have are: 2013 27" iMac 27" and the other is a 27" 2012 iMac. None of them have the thunderbolt display icon that looks like this -> |O| All the connector cables I can find on Amazon and the one's you mentioned say you have to use a port that has that display icon on it and that the normal thunderbolt port is not the same and have a clear red cross saying you can't use a normal thunderbolt 1/2 port on the iMac. Is this correct and will it actually work? Your help would be so appreciated! Thank you!
Unfortunately the M2 Mac Minis will not be able to connect to the 2013 and 2012 iMacs with Target Display Mode. Apple made it so only pre-2020 Macs running Catalina or earlier are able to connect to the 2011-mid 2014 iMacs and use Target Display Mode.
@@PittersComputers Thanks so much for your reply. Really appreciate it!!! Thank you for all your hard work and input on this as well. You've saved a truckload of e-waste by posting these videos!!! Thank you!
I'm trying to connect a Mac Pro Late 2013 running Montery to my 27in mid 2010 iMac running High Sierra, but I'm confused on which cable to use. I tried a Display Port to HDMI, but it doesn't seem to work. Can anyone clear that up for me?
Yes, it should be able to. I'm using an M2 Mac Mini with a 27" 2009 iMac as my main monitor. Any USB-C to Mini DisplayPort cable would be the easiest way to do it. One like this. www.amazon.com/Cable-Matters-DisplayPort-Supporting-Black/dp/B0777S15V2/ref=sr_1_6?sr=8-6
Thank you for the chart! I have a 2016 Macbook Pro and a 2012 Mac .. At some point a few years ago, I updated my OS on the MacBook and lost this capability. Has it since been restored? I was told that it was because new MacBooks were being made w/more complex screens and different outputs? Clearly I don't know what I'm really talking about, lol. Should I try again?
Yes, I think the ability to use it between your two Macs would have been lost if you upgraded past Catalina, according to Apple. It wasn't ever restored in any future OS updates. I think the real reason Apple stopped supporting it was that they wanted to sell their Studio Displays, and it would cut into their own market if people could keep using their nice iMacs as monitors.
Your video is so useful!! Unfortunately, I have an iMac 21" from 2008, therefore I can't use target mode, do you know if there's another way to use that display to connect it to my Macbooks? or PCs? I have a 2014 MacBook Pro 13", and a MacBook Pro Mid 2012 13"🤔?
hello! Your video saved me here in Brazil! thanks! I have a 2010 iMac 27 and I want to connect it to a hakintosh, can I make the connection just using the adapter?
I have the same situation but a 2018 imac. Seems to be the only feasible option is to purchase “Luna display”. Because Apple doesn’t have target display anymore unless you have those old imacs
Great video! Thank you. One question. I have a 2021 Macbook Pro (M1) and I was thinking of trying to connect it with an iMac between 2010 and 2019. Would it be possible? Thank you in advance.
So the only iMac in that range that it would be possible to use Target Display Mode with your Macbook would be the 27 inch 2010 iMac. Those are pretty much compatible with any other computer that can output to DisplayPort through a cable or adapter.
Thank you for this video. I have a late 2013 imac, with intel running Yosemite and a last 2013 macbook air running Big Sur. The imac has two thunderbolt ports, I think one is mini display. I don't fully understand the difference and the macbook pro has Thunderbolt connection as well. Would you know what cable I need to use the imac as a monitor for the macbook air? Thank you in advance for your help!
debeye 13 I think you would need to use a Thunderbolt cable. Thunderbolt end in MacBook Pro and the other end in the display port on the iMac. That what I gleaned from looking at the chart in the video. 🙂
Pra galera que tava em duvida como eu, o principal e: se vc tem um pc/hakintosh com entrada displayport basta comprar um cabo com uma ponta de mini display ( ou tunterbolt, depende do ano do imac) e a outra ponta de display port e pronto. Caso seja HDMI ai tem que comprar o conversor que ele indica, aqui no brasil so achei no carrefour como compra inter e custa uns 250,00. Não adianta comprar adaptador pra hdmi, ou cabo com uma ponta de hdmi, a apple não reconhece essa entrada, então somente com conversor ( e esses que tem uma entrada usb pra alimentação) que funcionaria. Espero ter ajudo!
Oi Camila, tudo bem? Tenho um hackintosh aqui com uma RX 6600m com saída display Port.....e um imac mid 2011 ...entendi que não tenho como usar o imac como display externo aqui, certo?
@@TiagoJost Ei Thiago, tem sim… na verdade depende do tamanho da tela do seu imac… os de 27 é certeza que sim, lembro de ter visto algo sobre os de 24 tb… mas o de 21 parece que n tem. Se o seu for de 27, basta só comprar o cabo com uma ponta Thunderbolt ( que é a porta do modelo do seu imac) e a outra displayport… aí é só conectar e se n mudar direto só apertar comand +f2 ( se vc deixar pra ligar o pc depois que já estiver conectado, muda automático assim que vc liga)
Thank you for clearing that up as Apple Support says nothing about my iMac (21.5-inch, Mid 2010) not supporting Target Display Mode. Looks like I cannot use it as a display as I'd hoped. Very disappointing.
Good video - thanks. Can I confirm.... that I am not able to connect my 2023 Mac Mini to my 2013 iMac using Thunderbolt 1 connecting to the MacMini using a USBC converter? IMac is running hi Sierra, MacMini is running Ventura. Thanks,
Great tutorial. I am using a 27" 2012 as my output to a 27" 2010 target via DisplayPort adaptor > HDMI cable > Display Port adaptor, but no luch so far. 😢
Thank you! Have you tried a mini-DisplayPort to mini-DisplayPort cable? The Thunderbolt port on the 2012 should be able to connect to a DisplayPort monitor, which the 2010 iMac has effectively become.
@PittersComputers tks for being out there. My issue is that I have a 2010(MID) iMAC High Sierra connected to a displayport to HDMI cable going into a benifi adapter via HDMI in the mini mac M1. Now, when I turn on the mini mac the monitor will go black and then come back. So, I go Command F2 and nada? I'm just plain stumped? If you got anything, let me know as any assistance would be greatly appreciated.
If you can, try a USB-C to mini display port cord. It sounds like you're doing everything right. My only guess is an issue with the HDMI to DisplayPort adapter.
Hi.Thank you for the video and table. Just wanting to triple check compatibility before I spend money on a new monitor. I would like to use a late 2013, 27" monitor as the target monitor, for my mac book pro 2023 Apple M2 Max Ventura 13.4.1. Will this definitely not work? I have a thunderbolt 3 to thunderbolt 2 cable. Thank you!
Thank you! Yes, that 2013 iMac will definitely not work with Target Display Mode to a M2 Max based Mac. Compatibility between the 2011- 2014 iMacs and other Mac computers ended with the Intel based Macs and Catalina.
Thanks for your help but I could dig further...I want to use a 2010 vintage 21.5" iMac desktop as a 2nd monitor. The computer has a mini display port but no thunderbolt or HDMI ports. My primary computer is a late -2013 21.5" iMac running Catalina 10.15.7. This computer has 2 thunderbolt ports and I'm currently running a 2nd monitor (Acer) using a thunderbolt to HDMI cable. I was hoping to use a thunderbolt to mini display port cable to connect the 2 iMacs but I can't find one which leads me to believe that it won't work. Can you suggest a solution? Thanks.
Hello, unfortunately the 2010 21.5" iMac never supported Target Display Mode. I've attached the link to Apple's web page about what iMacs were supported. support.apple.com/en-us/HT204592
Hello! I Have connected my Macbook and iMac, and I switched the wireless mouse to connect to my Macbook, but I cannot get the wireless keyboard to connect. Is this possible to do? I tried connecting it before I plugged in the thunderbolt cord but then the Command F-2 function doesn't work if the keyboard isn't connected to the iMac. Hope this makes sense and there is a way around it. Thanks!
Hey Pitter, i have the new m2 mac mini and i also have a mid 2010 24 inch (i think) Imac that is running Mac OS high Sierra 10.13.6 will this work?? 🤞I am a student so am trying to save up some money wherever i can. Thanks
@4:29 you said PC can connect to a 2009 or 2010 24" or 27" iMac via Thunderbolt. But @6:10 for PC with thunderbolt it's all crossed out for 2009-2010 iMac?
Yes that is correct, and the chart probably should be updated to make a distinction. The reasoning behind it is that very few PCs were ever built with Thunderbolt 1&2 ports so it's very unlikely a PC would ever connect with that. However, technically it should work, as Thunderbolt 3&4 like its predecessors allow Display Port signals, and is on many PCs now and should work with the right setup.
Unfortunately no. It won't allow a M2 (or any post 2019 Mac) to connect to a 2011 iMac. Only Macs made before 2020 and running Catalina and earlier are compatible with Target Display Mode on iMacs from 2011 to mid 2014.
Thank you for the answer. I have now acquired the accessories that were recommended, and I can use my iMac 27" from 2009 as a monitor for my Mac Mini M2. However, I can't get the command Cmd-F2 to work; it just beeps, but nothing happens on the screen. To switch between using the iMac as an extra screen or as a separate computer, I have to unplug the mDP cable or plug it in again. Does anyone have any tips on why the command might not be working?@@PittersComputers
I'm glad you were able to get it to work more or less! The only thing I can think of right now is the keyboard you're pressing CMD-F2 connected to the old iMac? If you're pressing in on the keyboard on the Mac Mini, then nothing would happen, but plugging in the mDP cable would cause it to switch like you're experiencing. @@FjellfotografenTomasEJohanson
Indeed, the keyboard was connected to the iMac... but when I switched to a different keyboard, it worked. I have now connected a KVM switch between the keyboard/mouse and computers, and can easily switch between the iMac and Mac Mini. This allows me to run the latest programs on the Mac Mini and easily switch to running my old programs under older operating systems on the iMac. Thank you for an absolutely excellent video, which was what made it work for me, after much experimenting and anguish.@@PittersComputers
Hey buddy… I currently have a 2014 Mac Mini and 2014 iMac both running Catalina. I am having no luck getting the target display to work. I have both machines running.. then I plug in the Thunderbolt 2. When I hit command f2 nothing happens.. I have a keyboard connected to the Mac mini and even have one connected to the iMac… but neither will activate the switch. Any suggestions?
Hmm its odd that its not working. Everything sounds good on your end. I do remember having an issue getting it to work with Catalina once, even though Apple says it should work, where it just wouldn't switch over until I downgraded the OS to 10.6 on the iMac. I have an iMac similar to yours and the same Mac Mini, I'd like to try upgrading the iMac to Catalina and seeing if I get the same problem. I'll have to get back to you with what I find.
@@techexamined Ahhh so that's the problem. It won't work with Target Display Mode. It's unfortunate that Apple decided to do away with the feature with the 5k iMacs.
Hi there, I have 2017 21" iMac (Mojave) and would like to connect it with a mini M1 (16Gb/256Gb SSD) - which M1 model (years) would fit best to buy? Thank you in advance, cheers
Not that I've seen with Target Display Mode. the 2011-mid 2014 iMacs are only able to use Target Display Mode with other Macs made before 2020 and run Catalina or earlier. You may have to look into something called Luna Display.
Hello, I wanted to ask you, I have two imac 2011 21.5, I connected them using a thunderbolt cable but the target display did not work, the cable is not original, could it be the cable? Can these two imacs be connected? Thank you and the video is very good.
I have a 24" M1 2021iMac. I would like to know if you can connect an A1311, 21.5" 2009 iMac as a second display for my M1 iMac? You mentioned the 24 and 27 inch models but I don't think I heard anything about the 21.5" model. If I can, how would I do that? Thanks so much!!!
The Mac Mini or any Mac can be on the latest Mac OS (or it will have any restrictions or limitations) to connect to such 2009 or 2010 on Catalina or earlier?
I have an M1 mac mini connected to a 2010 27’ iMac and works except for the volume output on the iMac’s internal speakers. It sounds really low and I can not increase the volume. Has anyone had this issue? Oh btw I already made sure it’s the iMac speakers and not the Mac mini speakers.
Hola Pitter! Thanks for both videos regarding the use of old iMacs as a target display. Is sad the limitations imposed by apple. I want to use my iMac 27" as a monitor for photo editing. My actual computer is a MacBook pro 2023. My question is, installing some linux distro in the iMac can I use it as a external display for the macBook pro? In advance I thank you. Best.
Hello and thank you! Although I have not tested it myself, this project claims to be a small bare-bones linux-distro that allows TDM to be used. It may have limitations on what Macs it can be used, but the author only has a 2009 iMac to test it on. github.com/gpdm/tinycore-targetdisplaymode If you give it a try, good luck!
I have a MacBook Pro 13-inch 2017 with 2 thunderbolt 3 ports running MacOS Mojave. Can I connect with a iMac 27-inch, Late 2013 running macOS Catalina?
I have a 2017 iMac and it has not thunderbolt or display ports. It only has USB and USB C ports. I haven't found a video that explains how to use this type of iMac as an external display.
I have iMac 2010(late 2009) Here are specs: SD card reader 2010 (late 2009) OBS iMac 21.5 inch 2009 version 3 GB ram (8-16 now), 500 GB storage Bluetooth capable DVD port on the side Want to use it as an external monitor and have tried all different cables mentioned. Not sure why it’s not working. Any suggestions?
Hey, Thanks for the video, need to ask you if I can use Late 2012 iMac running Catalina (Last possible upgrade of the hardware) as an external monitor (via Target Display Mode) with my Early 2015 Macbook pro (running latest Operating Systems like Big Sur, Monterey, Ventura, Sonoma). You did not mention Catalina iMac late 2012 as a Target Mode variant in your chart. Please advice. Thanks.
That's great information , thanks for the video. Just want to make sure before I spend some money on a new computer. I have a 2010 iMac 27'' . I'm looking to buy an 2020 iMac 27'' Retina 5K and would like to use my 2010 imac as an external display for the 2020 5K Retina. If I understand your chart correctly, this is possible right ?
So i can’t use my mac book and use a usb-c to female thunderbolt adapter -> two male end thunderbolt for my late 2013 IMac with el captai? Want to know before buying these adapters
Hi Pitter, thanks for the great info you provided. My scenario is this - I have a mid 2011 24" iMac. It is running WIndows 8.1. I also have a Laptop that I want to use as a source which has an available HDMI port on my laptop. Any suggestions for me which cable I should buy?
This would be the cable you need to connect to a PC with display port: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07NW9XKGL/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1 If you plan to connect to a new Mac like an M1 or M2 Mac Mini, you can use this one: www.amazon.com/dp/B073CVK6P6?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details
Great video. I'm trying to use a Late 2009 27" iMac running macOS Sierra as a monitor of a Windows laptop and I simply can't do it. I followed all the steps but it just doesn't work, can you help me? By the way, I connected them using an HDMI cable and an adapter mini-DisplayPort/HDMI. Thank you.
hey.. glad I found your video.. I have a Macbook pro from 2015 running Monterey, connected to a 2013 iMac, using thunderbolt 2.. it works great.. what I was looking at doing was getting another cheap imac from the same era, to have 2 screens...unfortunately though only one of my thunderbolt 2 ports is working... and I understand that daisy chaining display mode isn't an option.. so I was thinking of using a 3rd party app or dongle for one of them, and a thunderbolt for the other... is it right about the daisy chaining? i guess repairing the thunderbolt port just isn't worth it.
@@goofygoobe3 hi, i just connected the thunderbolt 2 cable and pressed f2 on the imac keybaord..it has to be a proper apple keyboard. in the end i just stopped using such old tech and got myself a mac mini.
I have a 2021 m1 imac and i wanted to use my late 2009 21.5 inch imac as a 2nd screen. I bought a thunderbolt 3 to mini display port cable. tried what you said..and it doesn't work.. are they not compatible? what am i doing wrong?
noooooo, i spent sooo much time downgrading my 2013 imac so i can use it as monitor for my windows pc. took days to sort it, got my adaptors but it wasnt working. and now i know it wont work! :'( i wish i found this video sooner. thank you
@icecreammango4330 Also interested in that! Please let me know if you find out. It's very unclear. I understand a usb-c to mini-dp cable would not work, as the 3 ports on the back of the mini M4 are thunderbolt, and the two at the front are regular usb-c that can't output video.
@@mp77xyz Why would one not be able to use a USB C to mini displayport cable in a thunderbolt port. This is the first I have read about this. I would have expected this to work because Thunderbolt is must faster than USB C. Both the MacBook Air M1 and M2 and Mac Mini M1 and M2 have thunderbolt ports which work with the cable.
@@icecreammango4330 It's not a matter of speed, and you can plug it. Doesn't mean it's going to work end to end. The issue is that iMacs from 2010 onwards enforce Target Display Mode, which requires Thunderbolt. On the contrary, late 2009 iMacs have no checks, and accept regular displayport input (essentially, they have added a "protection" which did not exist before);So it will work on the latter (which I have confirmed - successfully connected M4 mini to late 2009 iMac with a usb-c to displayport cable) but not the former.
I saw a video where they used a Headless Ghost Monitor Adapter/Dummy Plug to connect old iMac to Macbook. Not sure if 2 adapters are needed for source and destination?
Hi, quick question, my hp envy laptop works fine with TDM, but for some reason my wife’s Hp elitebook won’t connect to target display? Any suggestions why this won’t work?
I have a question, I have a late 2009 iMac 27” running Mac OS high sierra with mini display port and I want to use it as a monitor for my ps3. On aliexpress there are a lot of cables from mini display port to hdmi without any usb power. Will they work? Or do I need a usb powered converter?
Honestly I would stick with one that has has the USB power. You can plug the USB part into the PS3 or iMac, it doesn't matter. The ones on Aliexpress may work, but you never know. Whatever adapter you do get, make sure it's unidirectional.
Not through Target Display Mode. You'd have to look into another option like Luna Display or installing OpenCore Legacy patcher to install Ventura to use Air Play on the old iMac.
I have a 2017 21.5 inch with 8 GB memory and 1TB for storage… It is so freaking so, I barely have software installed, just my criccut. So I bought the M1 Chip MacMini and I love it. But hate my purchased monitor. So I’m gonna try this to see if it works. Yep, it didn’t work😢
I have a question: I have a imac9,1 / iMac Early 2009 24", running High Sierra and a imac11,2 / iMac 2010 21,5", running Catalina. When I connect them to each other with a a Display Cable, the imac9,1 is not responding as a second monitor. When I connect a Macbookpro9,2 / MBP mid 2012 to the imac9,1 with a Display Cable, it isn't responding as a second monitor. I can press Cmd F2 what I want but no success. What am I doing wrong?
Hmm on the surface it sounds like that should be working. The only thing I can think of is the cable you're using the correct type? For example, are you using a mini DisplayPort cable to connect from the MacBook Pro to the 2009 24" iMac? Because if you're using a Thunderbolt cable then it wouldn't work.
@@PittersComputers , I tried both: a Mini Display cable and a Thinderbolt cable. No success for either. The only thing I can think of is that the cable isn't good or that the Mini Display Port on the iMac 2009 isn't working. Ordering a new cable is my first action. I wonder whether I can determine if the iMac Display Port is still working properly. Any idea on how to find that out?
I think what you're trying is the best way to find out. Unless you can try out the cable somewhere else to determine if it works or not to narrow down the issue. There was one person who commented on these videos that it didn't work for them unless they used a specific Mac keyboard, but I haven't seen that issue myself. I had a problem where it wouldn't work on my 2010 27" iMac on Catalina, so I had to downgrade to 10.6. But since yours is on High Sierra I don't know if it could be the same issue.@@PatrickvanderDeijl
@@PittersComputers , thanks. I will see what happens if I use another Mini Display Cable. I also have an iMac 27" from 2011 (still working, no video card issues) that I had connected through a Mini Display Cable to a 27" iMac from 2010 (running High Sierra) and that worked great. Did not even have to press CMD F2 to connect it. The iMac 2011 had even running Big Sur (OCLP) and it still worked. But I gave the 2010 to my friend when I bought a Cinema Display. So now I'm trying the same thing with the iMac 21,5" from 2010 and the iMac 24" from 2009. Let's hope I'll find a solution: First I will an older Mac keyboard with a dedicated F2 button. The modern ones have a F2 button that works with the fn-key. That might be an issue. And then I'm gonna order a new Mini Display Cable and start installing 10.6 or 10.8 on the machines and work my way up. Thanks for your reactions.
Oh yeah, the 2009 and 2010 27" iMacs always seem to be the easiest to get this woking on. Too bad you don't have it anymore. I can tell you that Apple says Target Display Mode wasn't supported on the 21.5" 2009 models, so that may not work. Sounds like you have a solid plan so I hope you'll be able to get it working with the 24" iMac!@@PatrickvanderDeijl
Hello, thanks for the video.. I have a 2013 imac with Catalina and a Windows 10 laptop with HDMI output, I have a displayPort to HDMI cable, I connect the DisplayPort/Thunderbold end to the Imac and the other HDMI end to the laptop but I can't use the imac screen as output to the laptop, by pressing the key combination. Am I doing something else or is it not possible to do it? Thank you so much.
That iMac won't be able to work with a Windows PC. Unfortunately, it was only able to use Target Display Mode with certain other Macs from it's time period.
Hmm, that's odd. Is the iMac you are trying to use as a display running High Sierra or earlier, and is the other Mac running Catalina or earlier? That's the only other requirement that's specific to those model iMacs.
Surely you can just downgrade to macos high Sierra for 2011-2014 iMac and it should work with thunderbolt to HDMI? I'm going to try this soon and I will update if it works
Hey - I'm desperate to get Target Display Mode working on my old iMac 2010 (High Sierra) with my Macbook Air 2019 (Ventura). I used the correct lead (Thunderbolt to USB-C) but no joy. Any ideas?
Make sure the cable is mini-DisplayPort to USB-C. If its Thunderbolt to USB-C, the old iMac won't be able to use it, since it doesn't have a Thunderbolt Port, just a mini-displayport. I know the ports look the same, but the icon above it will be different.
Have a mid. 2010 27inc. IMac and 2023 mac mini2 . Can i use a HDMI cable from the Mac mini2 to the back of the Imac 27 -/mini display port ? And if so does it need to Unidirectional cabel?
If you want to use HDMI, this is what you'll want to use. It requires a special HDMI to DisplayPort adapter. As a note, the adapter requires a free USB port for extra power. The adapter to connect to the HDMI port on the Mac Mini. www.amazon.com/dp/B0752D33PJ?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details To connect the adapter to the iMac. www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07NW9XKGL/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Hello mate, how r u doing. I have a 2009 27 inch iMac which have mini display ports, and I have a 2014 Mac mini which and Thunderbolt 2 port and hdmi port, can u plz advise me what kinds of cable should I buy? Thx a lot.
question: i have a imac late 2009, 21.5 inch, that ran high sierra, but i used opencore to boot it into Ventura. does this work? You mentioned that the thunderbolt ports and the Display port are the same. My imac has a display port, except the cable im using is Thunderbolt. Is this compatible?
I have a 2019 MacBook Pro and I really miss the quality of my late 2015 iMac 27" display. As I understand, I cannot use an iMac as new as 2015 as a monitor. I am thinking about purchasing an older iMac to use as a monitor for my MacBook Pro. What is my best configuration considering cabling, age of the older iMac?
You're best bet would be a 2009, or 2010, 24" or 27" iMac. Those are the most compatible, and could still be used as a monitor if you ever got a newer Mac. They use mini-display port, and your MacBook Pro should be capable of connecting to a Display Port monitor through the Thunderbolt 3 port with a USB-C to mini-DisplayPort cable.
@@Lsummers990 No, unfortunately not. The speakers will work normally, but the webcam will not. I'm not aware of any workaround either. The webcam is it's own discreet device that doesn't transmit over, or have anything to do with, DisplayPort.
So question so a mid 27 in 2011 imac that is on high sierra can be used as a monitor but can it be used on lets say the new 15in Macbook Air 2023 that was released?
Yep, you gave me bad news about my 2011 iMac. But, you saved me a lot of headaches.
The best video on TH-cam for using iMac as external display. This sums it up in a nutshell, 2019 or later Mac’s you’re pretty much out of luck.
This is the 1 video anyone needs when looking into this, thank you!
Super helpful. I've spent 10 hours trying to figure out why my 2009 21 inch imac wouldn't get into target display mode, ugh.
Thank you brother! It save me so much time trying to connect my iMac 2011 to M1 Air
Are you done this? I have the same setup and it’s doesn’t work
Apple sicken me...they could have kept TDM on every machine they produced ...but because they dont want you to use perfectly viable older equipment chose not to...they want to force you to buy their new crap...
Thank you very much. Bad news for me, but clarity is more important.
Thanks for the video, i wanted to connect my pc to my 2013 27in imac to use as a monitor but looks like i cant 😢
Could confirm using my $6000 M3 Max MacBook Pro 16in could be connected to my 27in 2010 maxed out iMac by just using a $15-$16 mini display to thunderbolt cable. It also has been running fine and the only problem is you could only control the resolution from the main machine if you were planning to use the keyboard and mouse/trackpad onto your MacBook. Otherwise, on your main machine, which for me is my MacBook Pro you can’t control the brightness or sound of iMac, but if you did have an extra keyboard or the original keyboard hooked up to the iMac or still pair to iMac, then you could control it using the keyboard function keys, or F hot keys.😊👍
Thank you so much. Wish I had found this earlier. Such a helpful and detailed video.
Thank you for your clarification. I tried using a Dell notebook with a Type-C/HDMI to mini DP port with an iMac 2009 21.5" several times, and it did not work. Your table allows me to give up and move on.
WARNING! Hi, Your info was a great help to me. I have had my 2009 iMac as a second display for a new Mac Mini 2 running Ventura, so THANK YOU. Foolishly, I upgraded Ventura to Sonoma and now the iMac does not work as a display any more. Just thought you would like to know.
Hey you think A1312 could work as a display?
Also - 2017 27” running Ventura works with TDM to 2011 27” connected via Thunderbolt 3 to 2 adapter and thunder bolt cable.
To summarize, only 27-inch versions of 2009 iMac and 2010 iMac having High Sierra OSX or earlier will work with a Windows PC.
hey ! thanks for your video awesome info , just before I buy I would like to validé with you if this going to work . I’m looking to buy a 2020 iMac 27’’ 5k Retina and would like to use my 2010 iMac 27’’ as an external display. This should works right ?
@@HUguesCharette - I'm not the author of the video! As per the video, this combination would not work.
No - needs to also be a 2010 iMac that's 24"+ (21.5" model will not work).
Does work A1312?
Great video, thanks! After watching several times, I’m afraid I’m still a bit confused. I have an early 2009 24” iMac (mini display port and a 2014 Mac mini with HDMI and Thunderbolt 2. Which cable do I need? TIA
I think you can use a mini display-port to mini display-port cable for that. As the 2014 iMac's Thunderbolt port should carry a display port signal. Everything says your setup should be compatible, but I've seen people comment with mixed results getting their 24" 2009 or 10 iMacs to work, so just keep that in mind.
Ventura seems to support this. I am using a MacBook Pro 2012 and, with the display port / thunderbolt cable, connecting to a 2011 iMac running Ventura (via Open Core Legacy Patcher). I get the laptop's screen on my iMac, but what I haven't sorted is that it won't play sound through the iMac. Running High Sierra on the iMac I connect and play sound from the same laptop just fine.
Interesting, I had heard that Open Core Legacy Patcher allowed those models of iMac to use TDM on newer OSes, but it sounds like the Patcher is introducing some incompatibility or driver issue affecting the audio.
Hi @PittersComputers, thanks so much for putting this video together! I replaced my 2 iMacs with 2 Mac Mini M2's and am wanting to use the iMacs as screens for three reasons. Firstly, they are great displays, secondly, I want to save on e-waste and thirdly it makes financial sense. The 2 iMacs I have are: 2013 27" iMac 27" and the other is a 27" 2012 iMac. None of them have the thunderbolt display icon that looks like this -> |O| All the connector cables I can find on Amazon and the one's you mentioned say you have to use a port that has that display icon on it and that the normal thunderbolt port is not the same and have a clear red cross saying you can't use a normal thunderbolt 1/2 port on the iMac. Is this correct and will it actually work? Your help would be so appreciated! Thank you!
Unfortunately the M2 Mac Minis will not be able to connect to the 2013 and 2012 iMacs with Target Display Mode. Apple made it so only pre-2020 Macs running Catalina or earlier are able to connect to the 2011-mid 2014 iMacs and use Target Display Mode.
@@PittersComputers Thanks so much for your reply. Really appreciate it!!! Thank you for all your hard work and input on this as well. You've saved a truckload of e-waste by posting these videos!!! Thank you!
@@PittersComputersso that means my 2015 Mac Pro can’t connect to my 2013 iMac desktop correct?
Yes Sir, perfect informative video. Multiple concepts were cleared. But you forgot to talk about Apple Silicon chips - M series processors.
He did cover it, post late 2019 you’re in M1 silicon series of Mac
I'm trying to connect a Mac Pro Late 2013 running Montery to my 27in mid 2010 iMac running High Sierra, but I'm confused on which cable to use. I tried a Display Port to HDMI, but it doesn't seem to work. Can anyone clear that up for me?
Can my 2021 MacBook M1 Pro use my old 2009 27" iMac as a monitor? If so, what cables do you recommend? Can you please share a link to purchase?
Yes, it should be able to. I'm using an M2 Mac Mini with a 27" 2009 iMac as my main monitor. Any USB-C to Mini DisplayPort cable would be the easiest way to do it. One like this. www.amazon.com/Cable-Matters-DisplayPort-Supporting-Black/dp/B0777S15V2/ref=sr_1_6?sr=8-6
I have the same setup. Did this end up working for you? Thanks
Thank you for the chart! I have a 2016 Macbook Pro and a 2012 Mac .. At some point a few years ago, I updated my OS on the MacBook and lost this capability. Has it since been restored? I was told that it was because new MacBooks were being made w/more complex screens and different outputs? Clearly I don't know what I'm really talking about, lol. Should I try again?
Yes, I think the ability to use it between your two Macs would have been lost if you upgraded past Catalina, according to Apple. It wasn't ever restored in any future OS updates. I think the real reason Apple stopped supporting it was that they wanted to sell their Studio Displays, and it would cut into their own market if people could keep using their nice iMacs as monitors.
Hello Pitter, Im trying to make my 2009 iMac mid 2009 as a 2nd display for my 2020 iMac but nothing is happening. Can you help me out please?
What kind of cable are you using to connect the two? And what size 2009 iMac is it?
@@PittersComputers Mini DP to USB-C. And it is a 24’ Mid 2009 with 2.66GHz Intel Core 2 Duo l, updated 4G + 4G RAM + NVDA GoForce 9400 256MB
Your video is so useful!! Unfortunately, I have an iMac 21" from 2008, therefore I can't use target mode, do you know if there's another way to use that display to connect it to my Macbooks? or PCs? I have a 2014 MacBook Pro 13", and a MacBook Pro Mid 2012 13"🤔?
hello! Your video saved me here in Brazil! thanks! I have a 2010 iMac 27 and I want to connect it to a hakintosh, can I make the connection just using the adapter?
I know this is a long shot but do you know if the new Mac Mini M4 can connect to the iMac 2019???
I have the same situation but a 2018 imac. Seems to be the only feasible option is to purchase “Luna display”. Because Apple doesn’t have target display anymore unless you have those old imacs
Great video! Thank you.
One question. I have a 2021 Macbook Pro (M1) and I was thinking of trying to connect it with an iMac between 2010 and 2019. Would it be possible? Thank you in advance.
So the only iMac in that range that it would be possible to use Target Display Mode with your Macbook would be the 27 inch 2010 iMac. Those are pretty much compatible with any other computer that can output to DisplayPort through a cable or adapter.
Thank you for this video. I have a late 2013 imac, with intel running Yosemite and a last 2013 macbook air running Big Sur. The imac has two thunderbolt ports, I think one is mini display. I don't fully understand the difference and the macbook pro has Thunderbolt connection as well. Would you know what cable I need to use the imac as a monitor for the macbook air? Thank you in advance for your help!
debeye 13 I think you would need to use a Thunderbolt cable. Thunderbolt end in MacBook Pro and the other end in the display port on the iMac. That what I gleaned from looking at the chart in the video. 🙂
I have a late 2013 iMac and MacBook Pro M4. Is it possible to use my iMac for a display? Thanks for your reply
Unfortunately no, a 2013 iMac won't be able to do Target Display Mode with a newer Mac.
Fantastic vid that saved me a bunch of time. I've got a 2011 imac and am looking to buy the mac mini m2... So it's vnc/etc for me.
I have 2010 imac 21.5 inch with display port, so why it cannot be used as a monitor? Is it because it won’t run OS High Sierra?
Pra galera que tava em duvida como eu, o principal e: se vc tem um pc/hakintosh com entrada displayport basta comprar um cabo com uma ponta de mini display ( ou tunterbolt, depende do ano do imac) e a outra ponta de display port e pronto. Caso seja HDMI ai tem que comprar o conversor que ele indica, aqui no brasil so achei no carrefour como compra inter e custa uns 250,00. Não adianta comprar adaptador pra hdmi, ou cabo com uma ponta de hdmi, a apple não reconhece essa entrada, então somente com conversor ( e esses que tem uma entrada usb pra alimentação) que funcionaria. Espero ter ajudo!
Oi Camila, tudo bem? Tenho um hackintosh aqui com uma RX 6600m com saída display Port.....e um imac mid 2011 ...entendi que não tenho como usar o imac como display externo aqui, certo?
@@TiagoJost Ei Thiago, tem sim… na verdade depende do tamanho da tela do seu imac… os de 27 é certeza que sim, lembro de ter visto algo sobre os de 24 tb… mas o de 21 parece que n tem. Se o seu for de 27, basta só comprar o cabo com uma ponta Thunderbolt ( que é a porta do modelo do seu imac) e a outra displayport… aí é só conectar e se n mudar direto só apertar comand +f2 ( se vc deixar pra ligar o pc depois que já estiver conectado, muda automático assim que vc liga)
@@JaquelineCamila ah o meu é justamente o de 21.... obrigado pela ajuda e por compartilhar seu conhecimento
Poxa, tenho um iMac 2008 que estava esperando usar como monitor… será que minha única saída é me desfazer dele? 😢
Mas isso funcionaria mesmo nos modelos de 2014?
Thank you for clearing that up as Apple Support says nothing about my iMac (21.5-inch, Mid 2010) not supporting Target Display Mode. Looks like I cannot use it as a display as I'd hoped. Very disappointing.
Hi thanks for your video, can I use my iMac late 2013 to connect with my pc using this mode?
very good Video! I got an iMac 2010 27" can I coccnet an Applr Tv by HDMI or mini SNES? Thanks! 😉
So I can connect my 2017 iMac with Mojave via usb c to display port to my iMac 2009?
Good video - thanks. Can I confirm.... that I am not able to connect my 2023 Mac Mini to my 2013 iMac using Thunderbolt 1 connecting to the MacMini using a USBC converter? IMac is running hi Sierra, MacMini is running Ventura. Thanks,
That is correct. That iMac won't be able to connect to any Macs made after 2019 with Target Display Mode.
Great tutorial. I am using a 27" 2012 as my output to a 27" 2010 target via DisplayPort adaptor > HDMI cable > Display Port adaptor, but no luch so far. 😢
Thank you! Have you tried a mini-DisplayPort to mini-DisplayPort cable? The Thunderbolt port on the 2012 should be able to connect to a DisplayPort monitor, which the 2010 iMac has effectively become.
@PittersComputers tks for being out there. My issue is that I have a 2010(MID) iMAC High Sierra connected to a displayport to HDMI cable going into a benifi adapter via HDMI in the mini mac M1. Now, when I turn on the mini mac the monitor will go black and then come back. So, I go Command F2 and nada? I'm just plain stumped? If you got anything, let me know as any assistance would be greatly appreciated.
If you can, try a USB-C to mini display port cord. It sounds like you're doing everything right. My only guess is an issue with the HDMI to DisplayPort adapter.
Hi.Thank you for the video and table. Just wanting to triple check compatibility before I spend money on a new monitor. I would like to use a late 2013, 27" monitor as the target monitor, for my mac book pro 2023 Apple M2 Max Ventura 13.4.1. Will this definitely not work? I have a thunderbolt 3 to thunderbolt 2 cable. Thank you!
Thank you! Yes, that 2013 iMac will definitely not work with Target Display Mode to a M2 Max based Mac. Compatibility between the 2011- 2014 iMacs and other Mac computers ended with the Intel based Macs and Catalina.
Thanks for your help but I could dig further...I want to use a 2010 vintage 21.5" iMac desktop as a 2nd monitor. The computer has a mini display port but no thunderbolt or HDMI ports. My primary computer is a late -2013 21.5" iMac running Catalina 10.15.7. This computer has 2 thunderbolt ports and I'm currently running a 2nd monitor (Acer) using a thunderbolt to HDMI cable. I was hoping to use a thunderbolt to mini display port cable to connect the 2 iMacs but I can't find one which leads me to believe that it won't work. Can you suggest a solution? Thanks.
Hello, unfortunately the 2010 21.5" iMac never supported Target Display Mode. I've attached the link to Apple's web page about what iMacs were supported.
support.apple.com/en-us/HT204592
Hello! I Have connected my Macbook and iMac, and I switched the wireless mouse to connect to my Macbook, but I cannot get the wireless keyboard to connect. Is this possible to do? I tried connecting it before I plugged in the thunderbolt cord but then the Command F-2 function doesn't work if the keyboard isn't connected to the iMac. Hope this makes sense and there is a way around it. Thanks!
Thank you so much. This was very clearly explained. The best I've found.
I would suggest to use Parsec. It works absolutely great. I am able use imac 2013 as monitor for my windows laptop.
What is Parsec? Would want to connect an 2011 24" to a new PC with HDMI out. Would this be possible?
Hey Pitter, i have the new m2 mac mini and i also have a mid 2010 24 inch (i think) Imac that is running Mac OS high Sierra 10.13.6 will this work?? 🤞I am a student so am trying to save up some money wherever i can. Thanks
@4:29 you said PC can connect to a 2009 or 2010 24" or 27" iMac via Thunderbolt.
But @6:10 for PC with thunderbolt it's all crossed out for 2009-2010 iMac?
Yes that is correct, and the chart probably should be updated to make a distinction. The reasoning behind it is that very few PCs were ever built with Thunderbolt 1&2 ports so it's very unlikely a PC would ever connect with that. However, technically it should work, as Thunderbolt 3&4 like its predecessors allow Display Port signals, and is on many PCs now and should work with the right setup.
@@PittersComputers Thanks for the information!
Apple sell an adapter that convert thunderbolt 3 to thunderbolt 2, will it work to connect a Mac Mini M2 to a iMac 2011?
Unfortunately no. It won't allow a M2 (or any post 2019 Mac) to connect to a 2011 iMac. Only Macs made before 2020 and running Catalina and earlier are compatible with Target Display Mode on iMacs from 2011 to mid 2014.
Thank you for the answer. I have now acquired the accessories that were recommended, and I can use my iMac 27" from 2009 as a monitor for my Mac Mini M2. However, I can't get the command Cmd-F2 to work; it just beeps, but nothing happens on the screen. To switch between using the iMac as an extra screen or as a separate computer, I have to unplug the mDP cable or plug it in again. Does anyone have any tips on why the command might not be working?@@PittersComputers
I'm glad you were able to get it to work more or less! The only thing I can think of right now is the keyboard you're pressing CMD-F2 connected to the old iMac? If you're pressing in on the keyboard on the Mac Mini, then nothing would happen, but plugging in the mDP cable would cause it to switch like you're experiencing. @@FjellfotografenTomasEJohanson
Indeed, the keyboard was connected to the iMac... but when I switched to a different keyboard, it worked. I have now connected a KVM switch between the keyboard/mouse and computers, and can easily switch between the iMac and Mac Mini. This allows me to run the latest programs on the Mac Mini and easily switch to running my old programs under older operating systems on the iMac. Thank you for an absolutely excellent video, which was what made it work for me, after much experimenting and anguish.@@PittersComputers
Awesome, glad you got it figured out!@@FjellfotografenTomasEJohanson
Hey buddy… I currently have a 2014 Mac Mini and 2014 iMac both running Catalina. I am having no luck getting the target display to work. I have both machines running.. then I plug in the Thunderbolt 2. When I hit command f2 nothing happens.. I have a keyboard connected to the Mac mini and even have one connected to the iMac… but neither will activate the switch. Any suggestions?
Hmm its odd that its not working. Everything sounds good on your end. I do remember having an issue getting it to work with Catalina once, even though Apple says it should work, where it just wouldn't switch over until I downgraded the OS to 10.6 on the iMac. I have an iMac similar to yours and the same Mac Mini, I'd like to try upgrading the iMac to Catalina and seeing if I get the same problem. I'll have to get back to you with what I find.
My only other thought is that Target Display Mode cuts off at the mid 2014 iMac model. Is yours a late 2014 model by any chance?
@@PittersComputers Sounds good.. thanks for the help.. I wasn't planning on shooting the video till later this week..
@@PittersComputers Yes… the 5K version
@@techexamined Ahhh so that's the problem. It won't work with Target Display Mode. It's unfortunate that Apple decided to do away with the feature with the 5k iMacs.
Hi there, I have 2017 21" iMac (Mojave) and would like to connect it with a mini M1 (16Gb/256Gb SSD) - which M1 model (years) would fit best to buy? Thank you in advance, cheers
Excellent video. I have a question. Does it work with an old early 2009 iMac and a Mac mini? Thanks
i have a 2011 27" imac and im wondering if its possible to connect this to a 2023 m2 mac mini
Not that I've seen with Target Display Mode. the 2011-mid 2014 iMacs are only able to use Target Display Mode with other Macs made before 2020 and run Catalina or earlier. You may have to look into something called Luna Display.
Hello, I wanted to ask you, I have two imac 2011 21.5, I connected them using a thunderbolt cable but the target display did not work, the cable is not original, could it be the cable? Can these two imacs be connected? Thank you and the video is very good.
Can I use my iMac 2015 as a display screen for my Mac Studio?
I have a 24" M1 2021iMac. I would like to know if you can connect an A1311, 21.5" 2009 iMac as a second display for my M1 iMac? You mentioned the 24 and 27 inch models but I don't think I heard anything about the 21.5" model. If I can, how would I do that? Thanks so much!!!
I am trying to use iMac 2013 with Catalina installed and use my MacBook m1 with a usb dock them to hdmi to thunderbolt and it’s doing nothing
The Mac Mini or any Mac can be on the latest Mac OS (or it will have any restrictions or limitations) to connect to such 2009 or 2010 on Catalina or earlier?
I have an M1 mac mini connected to a 2010 27’ iMac and works except for the volume output on the iMac’s internal speakers. It sounds really low and I can not increase the volume. Has anyone had this issue? Oh btw I already made sure it’s the iMac speakers and not the Mac mini speakers.
Hola Pitter! Thanks for both videos regarding the use of old iMacs as a target display. Is sad the limitations imposed by apple. I want to use my iMac 27" as a monitor for photo editing. My actual computer is a MacBook pro 2023. My question is, installing some linux distro in the iMac can I use it as a external display for the macBook pro? In advance I thank you. Best.
Hello and thank you! Although I have not tested it myself, this project claims to be a small bare-bones linux-distro that allows TDM to be used. It may have limitations on what Macs it can be used, but the author only has a 2009 iMac to test it on.
github.com/gpdm/tinycore-targetdisplaymode
If you give it a try, good luck!
I have a MacBook Pro 13-inch 2017 with 2 thunderbolt 3 ports running MacOS Mojave. Can I connect with a iMac 27-inch, Late 2013 running macOS Catalina?
I have a 2017 iMac and it has not thunderbolt or display ports. It only has USB and USB C ports. I haven't found a video that explains how to use this type of iMac as an external display.
Yep same
So my macbook pro 2019 with Ventura wont work to my 2012 imac?
No it won't with Target Display Mode unfortunately.
Ahh just made the mistake of getting a imac 2014 to be a display for my 2021 MacBook 😱 is there any hope at all for me?
I have iMac 2010(late 2009) Here are specs:
SD card reader
2010 (late 2009)
OBS iMac 21.5 inch 2009 version
3 GB ram (8-16 now),
500 GB storage
Bluetooth capable
DVD port on the side
Want to use it as an external monitor and have tried all different cables mentioned. Not sure why it’s not working. Any suggestions?
Unfortunately the 2009 iMacs never supported Target Display Mode.
Hey,
Thanks for the video, need to ask you if I can use Late 2012 iMac running Catalina (Last possible upgrade of the hardware) as an external monitor (via Target Display Mode) with my Early 2015 Macbook pro (running latest Operating Systems like Big Sur, Monterey, Ventura, Sonoma).
You did not mention Catalina iMac late 2012 as a Target Mode variant in your chart.
Please advice.
Thanks.
You can if you upgrade to Ventura with OCLP
That's great information , thanks for the video. Just want to make sure before I spend some money on a new computer. I have a 2010 iMac 27'' . I'm looking to buy an 2020 iMac 27'' Retina 5K and would like to use my 2010 imac as an external display for the 2020 5K Retina. If I understand your chart correctly, this is possible right ?
Yes, that should work. You should be able to use a USB-C to Mini-DisplayPort cable to connect to the old iMac.
So i can’t use my mac book and use a usb-c to female thunderbolt adapter -> two male end thunderbolt for my late 2013 IMac with el captai? Want to know before buying these adapters
Just to be clear, what year of Mac Book are you trying to connect to the 2013 iMac?
@@PittersComputers it has a M1 in it and i have a late 2013 mac book also
@@TheWorstoD Okay, those two are not going to be compatible with eachother. The M1 Mac can connect to a 2009-2010 iMac with Target Display Mode.
Hi Pitter, thanks for the great info you provided. My scenario is this - I have a mid 2011 24" iMac. It is running WIndows 8.1. I also have a Laptop that I want to use as a source which has an available HDMI port on my laptop. Any suggestions for me which cable I should buy?
Man... this hurts! Have 2011 iMac which I love and would have like to use 2015 MBP but thats running Monterey so just missed out. I'm so sad 😢
Very helpful, thank you so much!! 💜 which cable do I need for my iMac 2010 27", it has the display port. thanks 💜
This would be the cable you need to connect to a PC with display port:
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07NW9XKGL/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1
If you plan to connect to a new Mac like an M1 or M2 Mac Mini, you can use this one:
www.amazon.com/dp/B073CVK6P6?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details
@@PittersComputers thank you so much!💜
How much power does it use?
Great video. I'm trying to use a Late 2009 27" iMac running macOS Sierra as a monitor of a Windows laptop and I simply can't do it. I followed all the steps but it just doesn't work, can you help me?
By the way, I connected them using an HDMI cable and an adapter mini-DisplayPort/HDMI.
Thank you.
The problem may be the HDMI adapter. Can you link what adapter you're using?
hey.. glad I found your video.. I have a Macbook pro from 2015 running Monterey, connected to a 2013 iMac, using thunderbolt 2.. it works great.. what I was looking at doing was getting another cheap imac from the same era, to have 2 screens...unfortunately though only one of my thunderbolt 2 ports is working... and I understand that daisy chaining display mode isn't an option.. so I was thinking of using a 3rd party app or dongle for one of them, and a thunderbolt for the other... is it right about the daisy chaining? i guess repairing the thunderbolt port just isn't worth it.
How did you get your 2015 Mack book to connect with your 2013imac? It’s not working for me
@@goofygoobe3 hi, i just connected the thunderbolt 2 cable and pressed f2 on the imac keybaord..it has to be a proper apple keyboard. in the end i just stopped using such old tech and got myself a mac mini.
Can you make Videos (2007 iMac) connect to PS4 for Monitor Display? Because I only have iMac 2007.
Unfortunately the 2007 iMac does not support Target Display Mode.
I have a 2021 m1 imac and i wanted to use my late 2009 21.5 inch imac as a 2nd screen. I bought a thunderbolt 3 to mini display port cable. tried what you said..and it doesn't work.. are they not compatible? what am i doing wrong?
Sadly Apple didn't allow the 21.5" iMac to support Target Display Mode. Only the 24" and 27" models did. support.apple.com/en-us/105126
@@PittersComputers ugh. Ok. Thanks for letting me know.
@@PittersComputers also, it didn’t work on my 2012 27”. But, it’s not suppose to correct?
@@keithdivel That's correct. The 2012 would only work with others Macs of the same time period. Not your newer one unfortunately.
How can I use a 2017 iMac as a display with a 2023 MacBook M2 Pro. The 2017 iMac has two Thunderbolt ports. Thank you.
Watch the video, what do you think it’s about, and you need the correct cables. . .
noooooo, i spent sooo much time downgrading my 2013 imac so i can use it as monitor for my windows pc. took days to sort it, got my adaptors but it wasnt working. and now i know it wont work! :'( i wish i found this video sooner. thank you
So Mac Mini M4 to iMac 2010 27" should work with USB C to mini Displayport, correct?
@icecreammango4330 Also interested in that! Please let me know if you find out. It's very unclear. I understand a usb-c to mini-dp cable would not work, as the 3 ports on the back of the mini M4 are thunderbolt, and the two at the front are regular usb-c that can't output video.
@@mp77xyz Why would one not be able to use a USB C to mini displayport cable in a thunderbolt port. This is the first I have read about this. I would have expected this to work because Thunderbolt is must faster than USB C. Both the MacBook Air M1 and M2 and Mac Mini M1 and M2 have thunderbolt ports which work with the cable.
@@icecreammango4330 It's not a matter of speed, and you can plug it. Doesn't mean it's going to work end to end. The issue is that iMacs from 2010 onwards enforce Target Display Mode, which requires Thunderbolt. On the contrary, late 2009 iMacs have no checks, and accept regular displayport input (essentially, they have added a "protection" which did not exist before);So it will work on the latter (which I have confirmed - successfully connected M4 mini to late 2009 iMac with a usb-c to displayport cable) but not the former.
I saw a video where they used a Headless Ghost Monitor Adapter/Dummy Plug to connect old iMac to Macbook. Not sure if 2 adapters are needed for source and destination?
anyone have a vide on how to install a macos on a 2007? it just keeps looping
Thankyou so much for summarizing
Hi, quick question, my hp envy laptop works fine with TDM, but for some reason my wife’s Hp elitebook won’t connect to target display? Any suggestions why this won’t work?
Connected on a mid 2010 27inch iMac.
I have a question, I have a late 2009 iMac 27” running Mac OS high sierra with mini display port and I want to use it as a monitor for my ps3. On aliexpress there are a lot of cables from mini display port to hdmi without any usb power. Will they work? Or do I need a usb powered converter?
Honestly I would stick with one that has has the USB power. You can plug the USB part into the PS3 or iMac, it doesn't matter. The ones on Aliexpress may work, but you never know. Whatever adapter you do get, make sure it's unidirectional.
I have Macbook pro M1 Ventura 2021 and iMac late 2013 with Catalina. Can the iMac be used as a second monitor? Thanks
Not through Target Display Mode. You'd have to look into another option like Luna Display or installing OpenCore Legacy patcher to install Ventura to use Air Play on the old iMac.
@@PittersComputers Thanks. That helps a lot.
I have a 2017 21.5 inch with 8 GB memory and 1TB for storage… It is so freaking so, I barely have software installed, just my criccut. So I bought the M1 Chip MacMini and I love it. But hate my purchased monitor. So I’m gonna try this to see if it works. Yep, it didn’t work😢
So if I’m correct, I can’t connect my iMac 2013 to my MacBook Pro M1?
I have a question: I have a imac9,1 / iMac Early 2009 24", running High Sierra and a imac11,2 / iMac 2010 21,5", running Catalina.
When I connect them to each other with a a Display Cable, the imac9,1 is not responding as a second monitor.
When I connect a Macbookpro9,2 / MBP mid 2012 to the imac9,1 with a Display Cable, it isn't responding as a second monitor.
I can press Cmd F2 what I want but no success. What am I doing wrong?
Hmm on the surface it sounds like that should be working. The only thing I can think of is the cable you're using the correct type? For example, are you using a mini DisplayPort cable to connect from the MacBook Pro to the 2009 24" iMac? Because if you're using a Thunderbolt cable then it wouldn't work.
@@PittersComputers , I tried both: a Mini Display cable and a Thinderbolt cable. No success for either. The only thing I can think of is that the cable isn't good or that the Mini Display Port on the iMac 2009 isn't working.
Ordering a new cable is my first action.
I wonder whether I can determine if the iMac Display Port is still working properly. Any idea on how to find that out?
I think what you're trying is the best way to find out. Unless you can try out the cable somewhere else to determine if it works or not to narrow down the issue. There was one person who commented on these videos that it didn't work for them unless they used a specific Mac keyboard, but I haven't seen that issue myself. I had a problem where it wouldn't work on my 2010 27" iMac on Catalina, so I had to downgrade to 10.6. But since yours is on High Sierra I don't know if it could be the same issue.@@PatrickvanderDeijl
@@PittersComputers , thanks. I will see what happens if I use another Mini Display Cable.
I also have an iMac 27" from 2011 (still working, no video card issues) that I had connected through a Mini Display Cable to a 27" iMac from 2010 (running High Sierra) and that worked great. Did not even have to press CMD F2 to connect it. The iMac 2011 had even running Big Sur (OCLP) and it still worked.
But I gave the 2010 to my friend when I bought a Cinema Display.
So now I'm trying the same thing with the iMac 21,5" from 2010 and the iMac 24" from 2009. Let's hope I'll find a solution:
First I will an older Mac keyboard with a dedicated F2 button. The modern ones have a F2 button that works with the fn-key. That might be an issue.
And then I'm gonna order a new Mini Display Cable and start installing 10.6 or 10.8 on the machines and work my way up.
Thanks for your reactions.
Oh yeah, the 2009 and 2010 27" iMacs always seem to be the easiest to get this woking on. Too bad you don't have it anymore. I can tell you that Apple says Target Display Mode wasn't supported on the 21.5" 2009 models, so that may not work. Sounds like you have a solid plan so I hope you'll be able to get it working with the 24" iMac!@@PatrickvanderDeijl
Hello, thanks for the video.. I have a 2013 imac with Catalina and a Windows 10 laptop with HDMI output, I have a displayPort to HDMI cable, I connect the DisplayPort/Thunderbold end to the Imac and the other HDMI end to the laptop but I can't use the imac screen as output to the laptop, by pressing the key combination. Am I doing something else or is it not possible to do it?
Thank you so much.
That iMac won't be able to work with a Windows PC. Unfortunately, it was only able to use Target Display Mode with certain other Macs from it's time period.
Hi! I have 1 iMac mid 2011 and 1 iMac late 2013. Both have a thunderbolt port and it should work, but I don’t understand why it doesn’t work?
Hmm, that's odd. Is the iMac you are trying to use as a display running High Sierra or earlier, and is the other Mac running Catalina or earlier? That's the only other requirement that's specific to those model iMacs.
Surely you can just downgrade to macos high Sierra for 2011-2014 iMac and it should work with thunderbolt to HDMI? I'm going to try this soon and I will update if it works
Thanks. I will miss my 2017 iMac screen :-(
Hey - I'm desperate to get Target Display Mode working on my old iMac 2010 (High Sierra) with my Macbook Air 2019 (Ventura). I used the correct lead (Thunderbolt to USB-C) but no joy. Any ideas?
Make sure the cable is mini-DisplayPort to USB-C. If its Thunderbolt to USB-C, the old iMac won't be able to use it, since it doesn't have a Thunderbolt Port, just a mini-displayport. I know the ports look the same, but the icon above it will be different.
@@PittersComputers - thanks. I just checked it out and you're right! I hadn't noticed that. I've ordered a new lead. Thanks again.
have macbook pro m2 max and Imac 5k late 2014 want to used as display Mode
Unfortunately the 5k iMac's are not able to do Target Display Mode.
@@PittersComputers did you think they will do
@@reaoovfx I don't think so. Apple hasn't shown any interest in brining that feature back or adding it to any other iMacs.
A Macbook Pro 2017 13" won't work with an iMac Late 2013 27" right?
Have a mid. 2010 27inc. IMac and 2023 mac mini2 . Can i use a HDMI cable from the Mac mini2 to the back of the Imac 27 -/mini display port ? And if so does it need to Unidirectional cabel?
If you want to use HDMI, this is what you'll want to use. It requires a special HDMI to DisplayPort adapter. As a note, the adapter requires a free USB port for extra power.
The adapter to connect to the HDMI port on the Mac Mini.
www.amazon.com/dp/B0752D33PJ?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details
To connect the adapter to the iMac.
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07NW9XKGL/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Hello mate, how r u doing. I have a 2009 27 inch iMac which have mini display ports, and I have a 2014 Mac mini which and Thunderbolt 2 port and hdmi port, can u plz advise me what kinds of cable should I buy? Thx a lot.
question: i have a imac late 2009, 21.5 inch, that ran high sierra, but i used opencore to boot it into Ventura. does this work? You mentioned that the thunderbolt ports and the Display port are the same. My imac has a display port, except the cable im using is Thunderbolt. Is this compatible?
So the 2009 21.5 inch iMacs didn't support Target Display Mode at all unfortunately.
@@PittersComputers ok thx
Can I use 2017 27in iMac as a monitor for ps5
Unfortunately not.
I have a 2019 MacBook Pro and I really miss the quality of my late 2015 iMac 27" display. As I understand, I cannot use an iMac as new as 2015 as a monitor. I am thinking about purchasing an older iMac to use as a monitor for my MacBook Pro. What is my best configuration considering cabling, age of the older iMac?
You're best bet would be a 2009, or 2010, 24" or 27" iMac. Those are the most compatible, and could still be used as a monitor if you ever got a newer Mac. They use mini-display port, and your MacBook Pro should be capable of connecting to a Display Port monitor through the Thunderbolt 3 port with a USB-C to mini-DisplayPort cable.
@@PittersComputers I just purchased a 2010 iMac for $77. Will buy the cable now!
Will I be able to use the camera from the older iMac for Zoom calls using a mini display port? I am assuming No, but is there a workaround?
@@Lsummers990 Nice! I hope it serves you well.
@@Lsummers990 No, unfortunately not. The speakers will work normally, but the webcam will not. I'm not aware of any workaround either. The webcam is it's own discreet device that doesn't transmit over, or have anything to do with, DisplayPort.
Will thunder bolt 4 c type mac studio works?
Thank you for the information! Soo sad that my iMac 2012 and new MBP M2 won't connect :((
So question so a mid 27 in 2011 imac that is on high sierra can be used as a monitor but can it be used on lets say the new 15in Macbook Air 2023 that was released?
Unfortunately not. The 2011 - 2014 iMacs that supported Target Display Mode only work with Macs made before 2020 and are running Catalina or earlier.