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User profile for user: Jonathoneskel
Jonathoneskel Author
User level: Level 1
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M1 Mac Mini to MacBook Air 2013?

Hi, trying to connect my MacBook Air (2013) to my M1 Mac mini for use as an 2nd external monitor. I have 1 external monitor connected already to the Mini via HDMI so according to specs, I should be able to connect the Mini using the Thunderbolt 3 port to a USB A on the Macbook? Or does it need to be Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 3? I've seen threads that Thunderbolt to Mini Display can work, I just don't have the correct cables currently.


Any advice on connecting these two machines would be appreciated. Thanks.


Update:

Tried the Thunderbolt 3 to USB A-didn't work.

Tried HDMI to HDMI/Mini Display adapter-didn't work

Tried Thunderbolt 3 to Display Port/Mini Display adapter-didn't work

Posted on Feb 19, 2022 1:18 PM

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User profile for user: den.thed
den.thed
User level: Level 10
81,736 points

Posted on Feb 19, 2022 1:34 PM

The M1 Mac Mini and MacBook Air do not support Target Display Mode using a cabled connection.


You can use Screen Sharing over your local network, but that is not the same as using a second external display with the Mac Mini.


If you want dual displays for the Mac Mini, then you need to connect a second external display to it.


https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-mini/connect-a-display-apd8e4fbbb97/mac

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User profile for user: den.thed
den.thed
User level: Level 10
81,736 points

Feb 19, 2022 1:34 PM in response to Jonathoneskel

The M1 Mac Mini and MacBook Air do not support Target Display Mode using a cabled connection.


You can use Screen Sharing over your local network, but that is not the same as using a second external display with the Mac Mini.


If you want dual displays for the Mac Mini, then you need to connect a second external display to it.


https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-mini/connect-a-display-apd8e4fbbb97/mac

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M1 Mac Mini to MacBook Air 2013?

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