Hi,
I’ve got a 15” MacBook Pro (2018) and I want to use an old 21.5” iMac (Late 2012) as a monitor when I’m at home. I can’t find a compatible USB-C to DisplayPort (thunderbolt 2) cable or adapter. Is there an accessory which can connect my MacBook to my iMac in target display mode?
Thanks,
ta
MacBook Pro w/ Touch Bar (2018 or later)
Hi _ta,
Welcome to Apple Support Communities. I understand that you'd like to use your iMac as a display with your MacBook Pro and you're looking for an adapter to use. I can see why you'd reach out about this; I'd like to help. Based on the information you've provided, you should be able to use the Apple Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter, which is compatible with Thunderbolt and Thunderbolt 2, to connect your iMac to your MacBook Pro as a display: About the Apple Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter
After you've acquired your adapter, use this resource to set up your iMac as a display: Use your iMac as a display with Target Display Mode
Best Regards.
Thanks Joseph_S,
I've now got the adapter and cable, and it is working well.
Should it be possible to transfer audio from my MacBook to my iMac with the adapter? I've changed the output in sound preferences to iMac but I can't get any audio out of the iMac builtin speakers. When I switch the source back to the MacBook, the sound works again.
Thanks
Hi _ta,
I'm glad to hear you were able to acquire the proper cable and set up your external display. It sounds like you've taken the proper steps for audio to be played from the iMac rather than the MacBook; I'd first suggest using a keyboard connected to the iMac to ensure the volume is turned up and not muted for the iMac. If the issue persists, use these steps to reset the NVRAM on your MacBook, then test with the iMac again: Reset NVRAM or PRAM on your Mac
Should you continue to have trouble, reach out to Apple for further assistance: Contact Apple Support
Best Regards.
Thanks for your reply chris_g1.
I did the resets you suggested but without success, so I contacted Apple Support. They said audio isn't supported by the adapter. It's a bit weird that the iMac shows up on sound preferences when the adapter is plugged in.
Never mind. I can use the speakers on my MacBook, it's just a bit muffled with the lid closed.
Thanks anyway,
Using an iMac (Late 2012) as a monitor for a MacBook Pro (2018)
