Im sorry, Im sure this has been asked before - it seemed so simple when I bought my new MacMini.
I have a good Mid 2011 27 inch iMac and it appeared that a thunderbolt cable would allow me to use the iMac as a display for the MacMini. Invested in a thunderbolt cable, but no, seems I need some sort of Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 1 adapter. Is there such a thing? Is it possible? Have I made a massive mistake?
Help!
Please!
Mac mini 2018 or later
Take a look at this article:
Use your iMac as a display with target display mode - Apple Support
it explains how it works, and the limitations
Note this section in particular:
"All iMac models introduced in 2011, 2012, 2013, and mid 2014: Use a Thunderbolt cable to connect your iMac to a Thunderbolt or Thunderbolt 2 port on the other Mac. If the other Mac uses Thunderbolt 3, you can use the Apple Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter with your cable.
Target display mode requires macOS High Sierra or earlier on the iMac used as the external display. It does not work with macOS Mojave or later. "
Take a look at this article:
Use your iMac as a display with target display mode - Apple Support
it explains how it works, and the limitations
Note this section in particular:
"All iMac models introduced in 2011, 2012, 2013, and mid 2014: Use a Thunderbolt cable to connect your iMac to a Thunderbolt or Thunderbolt 2 port on the other Mac. If the other Mac uses Thunderbolt 3, you can use the Apple Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter with your cable.
Target display mode requires macOS High Sierra or earlier on the iMac used as the external display. It does not work with macOS Mojave or later. "
If you are using "Screen Sharing", that is done over WiFi or
ethernet and has nothing to do with Thunderbolt.
If the iMac is not responding to the key combo, there are two
possibilities. One, the macOS on the iMac could be corrupted
or the Thunderbolt connection/interface may be broken at
possibly either end.
One way to check if it is the Thunderbolt connection/interface,
try booting the iMac in Target Disk mode and see if it appears in
the MacMini Finder.
Use target disk mode to move files to another computer - Apple Support
At least this could tell you if you have a hardware problem and perhaps
which end,
I’m still here, and still pulling my hair out! I have the Thunderbolt 2 cable, and invested in an Apple Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 adapter. I have the MacMini linked to a TV by HDMI, but with both machines on, cable and adapter connected between the mini and the iMac, press Command/f2, but no, nothing doing!!!
it is defiantly a thunderbolt cable, with the lightning bolt symbol, and a brand new Apple adapter. What on earth can I do?
"press Command/f2, but no, nothing doing!!!"
Do you mean the iMac stays on what ever macOS it is running
or do you mean you just get a blank display?
If it is the first, what keyboard are you using? If it is an Apple
keyboard, you may not have the "F" keys enabled as "function"
keys in which case, you need to press the "fn" key as well.
Remember, the function keys are dual purpose on the Apple keyboards.
If it is the second situation, open Applications->Utilities->System Information
and see what is showing up on the Thunderbolt bus.
Got me all excited there!
The iMac stays on, running High Sierra.
But no, no change. Tried it with and without Function selected. Tried a different (wireless) keyboard.
I get the muted 'dong' sound when pressing command/F2, and the rapid sound when held down, no sound with Fn/Command/f2, but every which way, it does nothing.
When (eg) the utilities window is open, 'Eddies MacMini' appears on the list on the left hand side. Click on that, new window says 'connection failed' but click on 'share screen' and the MacMini's TV screen appears. Almost what I want, but its just a window on top of the iMac desktop.
System Information on both the iMac and the MacMini report 'no device connected' on all thunderbolt ports - but there obviously is a connection!
AAARGH!
You know how when you are starting up in target disc mode or safe mode, etc you press the key combinations and hold momentarily until the action starts?
Well with starting what I want to do, turns out you press f2 and release instantly - it works every time, and literally that’s what the instructions say. So there’s nothing wrong, and I’ve been an idiot holding the key down waiting for something to happen!
My fault entirely, and apologies - thanks for taking the time to try to help!
Just to confirm you are pressing command+f2 on the iMac keyboard right?
And the Mac mini shows image just fine to the TV via HDMI?
Yes to both!
I’ve been around Macs since IIci in 1992 but this has me beat!
Thunderbolt !!!
