Target display not working

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Level 1

4 points

Target display not working

I have a new iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, 2020) running Catalina 10.15.7.

I also have an old iMac (27-inch, Mid 2011) running High Sierra 10.13.6.

I want to use the old iMac as a second monitor. The 2 iMacs are connected with a Thunderbolt cable. When I press Command-F2 on the old keyboard, nothing happens.

I tried restating both iMacs and unplugging and replugging the Thunderbolt cable. I also tried login out and pressing Command-F2.

I am using the original keyboard on the old iMac. The Thunderbolt cable is from the Apple store. What is wrong? Why does nothing happen when I press Command-F2?

iMac Line (2012 and Later)

Posted on Oct 27, 2020 12:28 PM

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Answer 1

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Tesserax

Level 10

149,477 points

Oct 27, 2020 12:38 PM in response to Covid69

According to this slightly outdated Apple Support article, you will not be able to get Target Display mode to work with any Mac newer than a 2019 model. I've not found a more recent version of this article that confirms, for example your 2020 iMac, will work with your older iMac in this mode. Maybe someone else who has the same combination of iMacs will chime in and let you know one way or the other.

You can connect any of these older iMac models to another Mac from 2019 or earlier for use as an external display.

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

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Answer 2

Oct 27, 2020 2:37 PM in response to Covid69

Apple removed the feature when the 2015 iMacs (5K displays) were introduced. They could no longer be used as a 2nd monitor.

Apple removed the ability for any iMac to connect to a 2nd iMac last year I believe.

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Target display not working

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