Cable To Hook Up 2011 iMac and 2017 Macbook Pro (13")

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Level 1

4 points

Cable To Hook Up 2011 iMac and 2017 Macbook Pro (13")

Hello,

I posted a while ago about a problem I was having with my 2011 iMac. I linked that post for context if needed.

Long story short I need to try and hook up my 2017 Macbook Pro to my 2011 iMac to see if I can get it to boot up and or recover the data from the HD if possible.

Can someone tell me exactly what cable/adapter I need to hook these up. I'm see a variety of options (USB C to USB, USB C to Firewire, etc) I can use, but it sounds like depending on the age of your 2 computers it may only be done in a particular way.

Thank you!

MacBook Pro 13", macOS 10.14

Posted on Apr 16, 2019 1:39 PM

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Answer 1

John Galt

Level 10

156,218 points

Apr 16, 2019 10:01 PM in response to Blake231

Good thought, but I don't believe it will work. The reason is that the Apple Support document I referenced specifically indicates USB-C, FireWire, or Thunderbolt. The 2011 iMac does not have USB-C, but it does have a FireWire 800 port. FireWire cables are not prohibitively expensive. You'll need an adapter though.

Or you can risk the $6 to see if it will work. I have never attempted to use Target Disk Mode with the old USB-A port. This excerpt from that Apple Support document implies it's an option:

To connect a USB-C port to a USB-A port, use a USB-A to USB-C cable that supports USB 3.0 or USB 3.1, such as the Belkin USB-A to USB-C Cable (USB 3.1)

... but that implication conflicts with the first paragraph.

If you find the proliferation of cables and adapters mind-boggling, you're not alone.

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