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Would like to connect new Mac Mini to iMac 2012. if possible use the iMac SSD Drive and 1 TB drive that I boot from
Is this possible for me to boot from Mac Mini and still have the 2 iMac drives available.?
Any helpful suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks
iMac 27", macOS 10.13
If you just want the iMac's drives to be visible on the Mac Mini, you can use Target Disk Mode: Transfer files between two Mac computers using target disk mode - Apple Support
You'll need an adapter like this: About the Apple Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter - Apple Support
if you need to use the iMac as a display for the Mac Mini you can use Target Display mode: Use your iMac as a display - Apple Support
You can't use both mode modes at the same time though,
If you just want the iMac's drives to be visible on the Mac Mini, you can use Target Disk Mode: Transfer files between two Mac computers using target disk mode - Apple Support
You'll need an adapter like this: About the Apple Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter - Apple Support
if you need to use the iMac as a display for the Mac Mini you can use Target Display mode: Use your iMac as a display - Apple Support
You can't use both mode modes at the same time though,
Thanks Phil,
Just to be certain I have understood.
I tried the keyboard connection when I first tried to use Mac Mini with iMac... not very user friendly..
Thanks
What were the white symbols that came up exactly?
You need to press the T key as its turning on and hold it until its in Target Disk Mode.
You should see a thunderbolt icon on the iMac's screen, and nothing else. If you do, it means the iMAc has correctly entered Target Disk Mode.
Command+F2 is for Target Display Mode, as I said, it won't work at the same time as Target Disk Mode.
Its one or the other.
With both connected through the thunderbolt ports on each (regular USB ports will not work) You boot up the Mac Mini from its own drive, and you boot up the iMac from its own drive, holding down the T key on your keyboard that is connected to the iMac. Or by using the option in the iMac's Apple Menu if its already turned on.,
Once both are booted up, the drives from the iMac should appear on the Mac Mini in Finder as external drives you can access.
You cannot boot the Mac Mini from the drives on the iMac if that is what you mean.
Thanks again.. I must be doing something wrong..
I booted up both mac mini and iMac
pressed T as mentioned but 2 white symbols came up..same as when I used Target startup...
Then Command F2 is not working .
What do you suggest I am doing wrong ?..My Thunderbolt connections seem to be working...
yes its symbol of thunderbolt connection but is just moving around screen as if its looking or waiting for something
is there a correct formula to connect with mac mini
its on but obviously is not connecting?
curious??
Then its correctly in Target Disk mode.
Its moving around as a screensaver. That is fine.
It should now appear on the Mac Mini as a drive in Finder, and your desktop if set that way.
If the connection over Thunderbolt is correct. What cables are you using to connect them?
Correct.. Thunderbolt 3 on Mac Mini to Thunderbolt 2 on Imac
Just checked them both and did a share screen connection to see if mac Mini was connected.
Also system reports on both machines show Thunderbolt connection.
I have wasted enough of your time.. I am going to come back later on and fiddle with them both again
Just one last thing-What was the Apple Menu connection if both machines were on?
Thanks again...
Possibly. Are you sure the adapter going into the Mac Mini is Thunderbolt 3? And not just USB-C?
https://www.apple.com/shop/product/MMEL2AM/A/thunderbolt-3-usb-c-to-thunderbolt-2-adapter
also you mentioned something about Apple Menu
what should i be looking for?
does firewall have to be off to make connection?
thunderbolt 2 in imac and adaptor from which Thunderbolt 3 goes to mac mini
its got. to be connection in mac mini
decided to turn firewall off and connected via Command F2-Success!!!!
don't know about Target Mode but will try at some time
Thanks for your patience and help
Connecting Mac Mini 2019 to a 2012 iMac
