iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, 2020) doe not see iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, 2017) (or vice versa)

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iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, 2020) doe not see iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, 2017) (or vice versa)

New iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, 2020) doe not see iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, 2017) (or vice versa) connected with (new) Thunderbolt 3 cable. Both iMacs running 10.15.7. I have reset NVRAM and SMC on both iMacs. Have checked Energy Saver setting "Prevent computer from sleeping automatically" on both. Have turned OFF Fire Vault on both. Have restarted and unplugged/replugged multiple times including in Safe mode.

Thanks for any help.

iMac 27″, macOS 10.13

Posted on Oct 4, 2020 1:14 PM

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Answer 1

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juliewall Author

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Oct 10, 2020 9:39 AM in response to chris_g1

I am trying to use the 2017 as an external display for the 2020. Apple has informed me that the 2020's can't use Target Mode (wish I had known before I bought it!). I've found https://www.sharemouse.com as a work around but would prefer a hardwire solution.

Thanks for any help.

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Answer 2

chris_g1

Community Specialist

Oct 9, 2020 5:45 PM in response to juliewall

Hi juliewall,

To aid us in assisting, can you clarify what you're attempting to do with the two iMacs? When stating the Macs don't "see" each other, what is the expected outcome from connecting them together?

For example, are you attempting to transfer files between the two devices using Target Disk Mode? If so, those steps are here: Transfer files between two Mac computers using target disk mode.

Any additional details will help us isolate our next steps.

Cheers!

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Answer 3

Oct 11, 2020 1:06 AM in response to juliewall

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

It's not just that the 2020 iMac doesn't support Target Display Mode. The 2017 iMac is too new to be used as a display.

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iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, 2020) doe not see iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, 2017) (or vice versa)

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