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timonterey

Q: Share iMac screen and keyboard with Mini?

If I get a Mac Mini, can it share the screen and keyboard from my iMac (27-inch Late 2012, 3.4 GHz, with OS X 10.11.6)?  Or do I need additional hardware on my desk?

iMac (27-inch, Late 2012), OS X El Capitan (10.11.4)

Posted on Aug 29, 2016 12:16 PM

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Q: Share iMac screen and keyboard with Mini?

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  • by Limnos,Solvedanswer

    Limnos Limnos Aug 29, 2016 5:49 PM in response to timonterey
    Level 9 (53,643 points)
    Mac OS X
    Aug 29, 2016 5:49 PM in response to timonterey

    Sharing bluetooth keyboard/mouse with two Macs

     

    Feb. 2016 https://discussions.apple.com/message/29761388#29761388 - "Whether or not you can use your older iMac as a secondary display for your new iMac (known as Target Display Mode) will depend on the specific model. "

     

    Use your iMac as a display with Target Display Mode - Apple Support - https://support.apple.com/HT204592

     

    I am guessing you are not going to get this to the point where you simply click a button and the keyboard and display switch between one computer and the other.

  • by timonterey,

    timonterey timonterey Aug 29, 2016 5:48 PM in response to Limnos
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Desktops
    Aug 29, 2016 5:48 PM in response to Limnos

    Thanks Limnos.  According to the message you quoted (29761388), my Late 2012, 27" iMac should support Target Display Mode using a Thunderbolt cable. 

    The complexity of switching the screen with Target Display Mode is straightforward:

    • Press Command F2 to show content from the Mini
      • This initiates Target Display Mode
    • Press Command F2 to switch back to iMac content.

    Switching the keyboard and mouse depends on the hardware available.  A KVM switch might be the way to go.  But with keyboards that support multiple bluetooth channels (e.g., Logitech K811), switching the keyboard can also be simple, e.g.:

    • Press F1 to connect the keyboard to the iMac
    • Press F2 to connect the keyboard to the Mini