How to use iMac2012 as secondary monitor for 2017 macbook pro?

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resting Author

Level 1

32 points

How to use iMac2012 as secondary monitor for 2017 macbook pro?

Can someone explain what adapters/connectors I would need to use iMac2012 as a secondary monitor for 2017 macbook pro?

Posted on Sep 19, 2020 2:20 AM

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Answer 1

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kaz-k

Level 9

50,208 points

Sep 19, 2020 2:49 AM in response to resting

Hi,

Target Display Mode is your friend, though you need to get USB-C to Thunderbolt 2 adapter and Thunderbolt to Thunderbolt cable to connect your two Macs.

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204592

https://www.apple.com/shop/product/MMEL2AM/A/thunderbolt-3-usb-c-to-thunderbolt-2-adapter?fnode=daf7a77bdc611118bfe709aa5a75232e24f877387f5c73b1a1cfee2cb0c7a335d6fb16d125a6cf39f83b8baf5c754fc56cac239fb70c6c06c6f28763d708e5f821471ab74c5b60e24e146e2d830fee45b44aaeddf70a5e2232091338d365d48d300180a9b72663c6f4e46917cc695508&fs=f%3Dadapter%26fh%3D4595%252B45b0

https://www.apple.com/shop/product/MD862LL/A/apple-thunderbolt-cable-05-m?fnode=86e072d24a3851b2ea390d6b04ce71c4bce3d5857739c52d1ab4412ec2bcf912e2b2cec1c2ebfe3e61e36ef805bc7e5c07dc706a2b163ce377467c5c9f7640fe2dd984d1f45eaaa08b55e4c3e740a89cb51a0b3554e92130ee83b66dddf0aac59a22636e81b887b2893065f14784c989&fs=f%3Dadapter-cable%26fh%3D4595%252B45b0%252B45c4

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Answer 2

resting Author

Level 1

32 points

Sep 19, 2020 5:01 AM in response to kaz-k

Thanks. I did some research, target display mode is only supported in these few older models?

I'm also planning to get a new iMac, which comes with thunderbolt 3. Can I still use these 2020 iMacs as target display with a thunderbolt 3 to thunderbolt 3 cable?

Quote from site:

iMac models you can use

as a displayCable

you needPort you need

on your other MaciMac (27-inch, Late 2009)Mini DisplayPort to Mini DisplayPortMini DisplayPort or ThunderboltiMac (27-inch, Mid 2010)Mini DisplayPort to Mini DisplayPortMini DisplayPort or ThunderboltiMac (Mid 2011-Mid 2014)ThunderboltThunderbolt

iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, Late 2014) and later iMac models can’t be used as Target Display Mode displays.

source: https://applerepairstation.co.uk/Technical%20Desk/use-your-imac-as-a-display-with-target-display-mode/

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Answer 3

kaz-k

Level 9

50,208 points

Sep 19, 2020 7:11 AM in response to resting

Hi,

Yes, Target Display Mode requires iMac models which support High Sierra or earlier macOS, so iMac 2020 model can't be used as Target Display Mode display.

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Answer 4

resting Author

Level 1

32 points

Sep 19, 2020 8:43 PM in response to kaz-k

Aw thats a bummer. I've this big screen iMac sitting on my desk, but I can't use it as a secondary screen while working on my macbook? Apple should add the feature back to their OS.

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How to use iMac2012 as secondary monitor for 2017 macbook pro?

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