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MacMini Connected to iMac Keyboards & Mice

I want to connect a MacMini (not yet purchased) to my late 2012 iMac running Sierra so as to use the iMac's display with the Mini. Apple support says this is possible. My question is: is there a way that I can use only one keyboard and mouse for both machines or do I need a separate set for each one?

Mac mini 2018 or later

Posted on Jan 22, 2020 11:12 AM

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Posted on Jan 22, 2020 2:32 PM

FWIW, one mouse is fine. You don't need two for Target Display Mode. Pairing the same Bluetooth keyboard to two different Macs could cause a conflict. You still may need an inexpensive USB keyboard plus the Bluetooth keyboard.

3 replies

Jan 22, 2020 11:27 AM in response to PollyC

The iMac will need to be triggered into Target Display mode via keyboard command. You can do this with a single USB keyboard from the Mac mini momentarily plugged into the iMac, then returned to the mini.


OR you could purchase an inexpensive USB wired keyboard (< $20?) to have on hand for this task and any other time it might be required, for troubleshooting for example.

MacMini Connected to iMac Keyboards & Mice

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