Use iMac as a monitor for a mini?

Question

Use iMac as a monitor for a mini?

I have a 2019 27" iMac. It works fine, no problems, but I haven't updated the OS for a while (Cataline 10.15.7 because I don't like the newer UIs since then, but never mind that.)

I'd get another iMac but there's no 27" version and I need the larger screen.

So, I'm thinking of getting a Mini (not necessarily the newest one, but maybe) and I'm wondering if there's a way to use the old iMac as a monitor for the Mini? There apparently is an HDMI port on both of them. Is that the key to making this work? Years ago you could connect a mac to another one as an external HD, so I'm guessing there's a way to do this, but it seems like a good idea to check with you folks first.

I'd rather not have to spring for a Studio monitor, so if this isn't doable I'll probably get some other monitor instead.

iMac (2017 – 2020)

Posted on Oct 30, 2024 12:24 PM

Reply

Answer 1

varjak paw

Level 10

178,144 points

Oct 30, 2024 12:43 PM in response to bill.robertson

Your 2019 iMac is much too new to support Target Display Mode, nor would any recent Mac be able to connect to it even if was old enough to support it:

Use your iMac as a display with target display mode - Apple Support

There are screen sharing apps and systems that would allow your iMac to be used as a second monitor (for very basic needs), but not as a Mac mini's primary monitor (which was really the case with Target Display Mode as well; it was never intended for being the primary display).

Regards.

Reply

Answer 2

den.thed

Level 10

82,570 points

Oct 30, 2024 1:05 PM in response to bill.robertson

Most any newer HDMI, DisplayPort or USB-C equipped external display will work with a Mac Mini.

see > Connect a display to Mac mini - Apple Support

Reply