External Displays For New Macbook Pro

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Level 1

8 points

External Displays For New Macbook Pro

I have a 2013 27" iMac that I am trying to turn into an external monitor for my 2020 16" Macbook Pro. I also have an additional external monitor (non-Mac) that I would like to connect as well.

I bought [what I believe to be the correct] adaptors for each, but nothing is happening between any of the displays/computers.

For my iMac to Macbook Pro, I purchased this cable: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08575F91W/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I have tried the Command+F2 to initiate the arranged screens, but nothing happens between the computers or changes is my Displays preferences screen (to add "Arrangement" tab).

For my Acer display monitor to MacBook Pro, I bought this cable: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07X2BZSS7/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I realize for this display that there may be too many connector cables (HDMI to Thunderbolt from when it was connected to my iMac, and now with the cable from the link above). I can purchase an HDMI to USB-C connector if that is the correct fix for this issue.

Please help. I purchased a Macbook Pro instead of a new iMac because I read that I could use my older iMac as an additional display monitor, so I did not need 2 huge screens.

MacBook Pro 16″, macOS 10.15

Posted on Oct 16, 2020 7:14 AM

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Answer 1

Best reply

Allan Jones

Level 9

69,104 points

Oct 16, 2020 7:39 AM in response to mlechl20

Your MBP is too new. Apple removed the ability of 2020 Macs to access an older iMac by Target Disk Mode:

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

this part:

Please help. I purchased a Macbook Pro instead of a new iMac because I read that I could use my older iMac as an additional display monitor, so I did not need 2 huge screens.

What you read was either not current or not correct. Apple started the deprecation of Target Disk Mode six years go when they removed the TDM capability from Late 2014 iMacs. They completed deprecation this year with the 2020 product line. Even the support article is archived.

If you bought the MacBook Pro directly from Apple--either web store or walk-in--you have 14 business days to return the device for a no-questions-asked refund.

https://www.apple.com/shop/help/returns_refund

If from a reseller, their return policies are in effect.

If an Apple employee in an Apple Store told you this, you need to have a serious talk to his manager. Take a copy of the TDM support article with you.

If you wish Apple to know that their pre-COVID decision about TDM is not helping, you can use this feedback link:

Feedback - macOS - Apple

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Answer 2

mlechl20 Author

Level 1

8 points

Oct 16, 2020 7:45 AM in response to Allan Jones

Thank you for your reply. Is there any way for me to add external monitors (non-Mac) to my Macbook Pro (besides using the Sidecard feature with my iPad)? Or can my laptop no longer have any additional monitors, period?

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Answer 3

BDAqua

Level 10

239,711 points

Oct 16, 2020 9:39 AM in response to mlechl20

Yes,

2nd Display Support:Dual/Mirroring 2nd Max. Resolution:6016x3384 x2

Details: In addition to simultaneous support of the internal display, this model supports a maximum resolution up to 6016x3384 at 60 Hz at over a billion colors on up to two external displays or up to 4096x2304 resolution at 60 Hz at over a billion colors on up to four external displays via Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C).

https://everymac.com/systems/apple/macbook_pro/specs/macbook-pro-core-i7-2.6-six-core-16-2019-scissor-specs.html#macspecs2

So with USB-C to HDMI, DP, MDP, or USB-C on the Monitor end or such.

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External Displays For New Macbook Pro

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