You can make a difference in the Apple Support Community!

When you sign up with your Apple Account, you can provide valuable feedback to other community members by upvoting helpful replies and User Tips.

Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

iMac as external monitor

I have a 21.5in iMac about 7 years old that I don't use very much as I use my MBP more. Is it possible to use the iMac as an external monitor with the MBP for when I need a larger screen for more intensive work?

Thanks.

iMac 21.5", 10.13

Posted on Feb 18, 2019 4:05 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Feb 18, 2019 5:17 PM

Not sure what exact year model you have, you might be able to if you have a 2011 to 2014 model.

(in 2009 & 2010 only the 27" iMacs could be used as an external display.)


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

"Use your iMac as a display with Target Display Mode

Target Display Mode lets you use the built-in display on a supported iMac as an external display for another Mac."


4 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Feb 18, 2019 5:17 PM in response to doug from stratford upon avon

Not sure what exact year model you have, you might be able to if you have a 2011 to 2014 model.

(in 2009 & 2010 only the 27" iMacs could be used as an external display.)


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

"Use your iMac as a display with Target Display Mode

Target Display Mode lets you use the built-in display on a supported iMac as an external display for another Mac."


Feb 19, 2019 12:17 PM in response to Glen Doggett

Many thanks for your help. My iMac is mid-2011 so, having looked at the article and the back of it, it has a Thunderbolt port so all that I need to buy is a Thunderbolt to Thunderbolt cable (I think that I'm right in saying that the USB-C on my MBP is the same connector as the Thunderbolt).

Thanks again.

iMac as external monitor

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.