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💻🖥️Hi, does anyone know how I connect my Mac Mini (2012, no thunderbolt 😕) to my iMac (2012 Catalina with 2 thunderbolt sockets) , not just for display, but also data transfer? I've tried Ethernet between the two, but couldn't see the Mac mini 😬... I'm really stuck, so any info would be greatly appreciated 🙏 (please see pics for existing ports)
Mac mini, macOS 10.13
Based on the back panel photograph of your MacMini, it cannot be a 2012 model. All MacMinis had Thunderbolt ports since the introduction of the 2011 models. Your MacMini is actually a 2010 model which only has a MiniDisplayPort output. While the connectors look similar, their functionality is quite different. This means that there is absolutely no way that you can use a 2012 iMac as a display. The only way a 2012 iMac can be used as a display is if the the other Mac has a Thunderbolt port and that Mac was model was a 2011 to 2019.
S0, bottomline is that what you are attempting to do cannot be done.
Based on the back panel photograph of your MacMini, it cannot be a 2012 model. All MacMinis had Thunderbolt ports since the introduction of the 2011 models. Your MacMini is actually a 2010 model which only has a MiniDisplayPort output. While the connectors look similar, their functionality is quite different. This means that there is absolutely no way that you can use a 2012 iMac as a display. The only way a 2012 iMac can be used as a display is if the the other Mac has a Thunderbolt port and that Mac was model was a 2011 to 2019.
S0, bottomline is that what you are attempting to do cannot be done.
Thanks for your reply, the mini mac was misold to me then as they stated it was 2012 model. 😕
I concur with woodmeister50.
The 2011 and 2012 Mac mini's have a true Thunderbolt port.
Sadly your 2010 Mac mini only has a Mini DisplayPort which only supports external display output.
How do I connect iMac and Mini mac together?
