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Connect older iMac 27 to use as monitor for new MacBook pro

Hi All,

I have a 27" iMac (2010) with a thuderbolt port; I would like to use it as a monitor for a MacBook Pro (2019) with of course the USB-C port.

I found around some connectors transforming USB-C to thunderbolt, but I am not sure this is going to work.

Thanks in advance for support.

Posted on Jun 9, 2020 4:00 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jun 9, 2020 7:38 AM

2010 you say?


You can connect any of these older iMac models to another Mac from 2019 or earlier for use as an external display. Learn how to identify your iMac model.

Target display mode requires macOS High Sierra or earlier on the iMac used as the external display. It does not work with macOS Mojave or later.


So it would appear yo need...


https://www.amazon.com/Cable-Matters-DisplayPort-Supporting-Black/dp/B0777S15V2/ref=sr_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=mini+displayport+to+usb+c&qid=1591713362&sr=8-5

3 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jun 9, 2020 7:38 AM in response to alesarti74

2010 you say?


You can connect any of these older iMac models to another Mac from 2019 or earlier for use as an external display. Learn how to identify your iMac model.

Target display mode requires macOS High Sierra or earlier on the iMac used as the external display. It does not work with macOS Mojave or later.


So it would appear yo need...


https://www.amazon.com/Cable-Matters-DisplayPort-Supporting-Black/dp/B0777S15V2/ref=sr_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=mini+displayport+to+usb+c&qid=1591713362&sr=8-5

Jun 9, 2020 10:03 PM in response to alesarti74

The 2010 iMac has Mini DisplayPort, not Thunderbolt. The Apple Thunderbolt 3 adapter will not work for Mini DisplayPort.

About the Apple Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter - Apple Support

"This adapter is not compatible with displays that use DisplayPort or Mini DisplayPort"


You need the USB-C to Mini DisplayPort cable,


Jun 9, 2020 7:40 AM in response to alesarti74

If you look at > Use your iMac as a display with target display mode - Apple Support

You will notice that using a 2010 iMac in TDM requires a Mini DisplayPort cable.


To get from your 2019 MBP's USB-C to the 2010 iMac's Mini DisplayPort,


you will need a Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt adapter

see > https://www.apple.com/shop/product/MMEL2AM/A/thunderbolt-3-usb-c-to-thunderbolt-2-adapter?


and a Mini DisplayPort to Mini DisplayPort cable.

see > https://www.amazon.com/Cable-Matters-Mini-DisplayPort-White/dp/B00ESM3DKA/ref=pd

Connect older iMac 27 to use as monitor for new MacBook pro

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