Using iMac as external monitor for macbook pro.

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Level 1

8 points

Using iMac as external monitor for macbook pro.

Can I connect my iMac (mid 2011) as an external display for my Macbook pro (16 inch-2019)) by using using an HDMI cable?

I intend on buying a thunderbolt 2 to HDMI adapter for my imac, and use that to plug an HDMI cable across the two devices.

I already own a USB C to HDMI adapter for my macbook pro.

I am also aware of other walk arounds where you can buy a thunderbolt 2 to thunderbolt 3 adapter, but that falls out of my budget. This made me curious as to whether the same logic can be applied across an HDMI cable to use an iMac as an external monitor.

Thanks

MacBook Pro 16", macOS 10.15

Posted on May 13, 2020 2:21 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Androish

Level 8

39,549 points

May 13, 2020 2:42 AM in response to HarshTokas

You can't use HDMI, you must use a thunderbolt 2 cable and Thunderbolt 3 to thunderbolt 2 adapter.

It won't work over HDMI.

Use your iMac as a display with target display mode - Apple Support

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.

Good luck!

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Answer 2

May 13, 2020 3:56 AM in response to HarshTokas

Macs can run HDMI displays via adapters from Thunderbolt ports, but when the 2011 iMac is being used as a display it needs to receive a Thunderbolt video signal. There is no way to generate Thunderbolt video from HDMI. It has to come from a computer's Thunderbolt port.

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Answer 3

HarshTokas Author

Level 1

8 points

May 13, 2020 2:46 AM in response to Androish

But Apple lets you connect a Mac (laptop or desktop) to any external monitor using HDMI, so why cant I specifically use it for the iMac? At the end of the day that is an external monitor.

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Using iMac as external monitor for macbook pro.

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