Use iMac screen for 2020 M1 Mac mini?

Displays are cheap now. I have a M1 mini on order, and the first order of business is to connect it via HDMI to an existing 40 inch 4k Upscaling TV to assess the resolution and color. That 40 inch TV cost $166 via Walmart and is presently serving as the primary desktop for Windows 10 2H20. This might become my replacement Desktop, as I move the current iMac to another area of my desk.

At any rate, you will need some external monitor to setup the M1 mini, and then from there, you can configure the built-in screen sharing and serve the mini desktop virtually over the network to the iMac using the included Apple Screen Sharing application.

Just so that it picks up the thunderbolt connection first, I turned off wifi on both before trying to connect. Then when the connection and screens are shared turn on wifi and it connects to the internet via wifi and thunderbolt for the screen sharing. Seems to remember it after the first time too. I have only had to do it once or twice. Both have good internet connection whilst having a good frame rate on the screen sharing.

Whilst not having the same screen refresh rate, it really is not too far behind at 30-50 if using adaptive 30+ for full quality rather than 60 (its not perfect). Lower the display resolutions for higher frame rate.

You do get the added bonus of having the Mac Mini in a window or full screen, very fast file sharing, shared keyboard, mouse and track pad and this should work with any mac not just those that used to have TDM

I did make a video but it looks more choppy than it really is. I think it is due to the screen recording being at 25fps and doesn't show it as smooth as it really is and hence my estimate of 30+.

Here is a screen shot!

depends on how you want to use your iMac. if you want to use it as essentially a display for a headless Mac mini then you just just share the Mac mini screen via finder on the iMac over wifi. if you want to use the iMac as a second display you hook an HDMI from the Mac mini to something like an Imogen HDMI to USB3 and then take the USB end into the iMac.

You can’t use an iMac as a display for MacMini using thunderbolt - as I discovered after ordering the thunderbolt lead and adapter to usb c. I have however successfully used the iMac as a display going via the screen sharing route which doesn’t involve purchasing any additional cables. That said, I am able to do the same with my MacBook Pro, rendering the MacMini now sitting redundant. Yes you can buy an external display screen for the MacMini - which ones are compatible I don’t know but I’ve managed to plug mine into every single tv going via HDMI and it works - which is ok if you want to watch films but not suitable for detailed work. Hope that helps, good luck!

WOW! I guess you can't read the original posting. It sated I know how to do this, and it works fine with my old MacBook and 4 other Macs I have including a 2019 model MacBook Pro 16 I9 processor. HOWEVER IT WILL NOT WORK WITH THE NEW M1 processor Macs (Mac min M1, MacBook Air M1 and MacBook Pro M1).

No. Apple support finally told me that Target Display Mode was no longer available. So. I bought a monitor from Amazon, which works well. Sorry.

No, that won't work either as it's a 2020 model and all 2020's and later will not work with Target Display Mode. By the way that MM would be a downgrade over a M1 so I'd stay away from it.

The whole point of the mini was that you *already* had the keyboard and monitor from another computer. Besides, basic monitors are so cheap, Apple does not want to play in that space.

But, feel free to send Apple feedback saying you want something side-car like on the mini:

https://www.apple.com/feedback/

Anyone tried using Apple Remote Desktop? Could you get the speed benefits running the MacMini remotely and would it take advantage of the iMac's 5K display?

ARD isn't cheap but a lot cheaper than selling a (for example) late-2015 iMac and buying a replacement monitor.

I don't know for sure because I'm doing it with an old Mac mini and using newer Mac (iMac and Mac book pro) for the display....that doesn't seem to be a problem though I also have that old Mac mini hooked up to a tv I also use for streaming. I'm guessing not a problem. People have been using headless Mac mini's for a long time.

but also the option to run the HDMi from the Mac mini through a HDMI to USB converter also would work if you found that to be a problem.

I'm using that HDMI to USB device right now for a new M1 Mac mini hooked up to a 2013 iMac. It works absolutely fine. Iv'e used target display in the past for two older iMacs, but as the various posters have said that is no longer an option for new machines.

Looks like it will be an M1 Mac Mini (hoping my bluetooth keyboard/trackpad let me set it up). And Costco has a pretty inexpensive LG 27" monitor that was running in my local store and looked good enough to me - for $159. It's HD 1080, and not quite as sharp as my 21.5" iMac screen (I guess smaller screen, same resolution, is better). But it's good enough and if I ever find a great deal in the future on a 4k or even 5k I can replace it. TY for all the info and advice; it cleared things up for me.

No, I have not gotten it work. SO it looks like I either have to forget using this nice screen, and sell the iMac invest in another 4k type screen or return the whole iMac. Unfortunately I dont have room on my desk fro yet another monitor. I already have a 43" Sharp 4k tv I use for my work monitor and next to it Have my iMac and they both barely got, in fact I have to my iMac angled towards me. .

Target Display Mode has been dead since 2014.

Support for Macs 2020 and newer connecting to iMacs in Target Display Mode is dead.

Let the dead horse die in peace and quite beating it further

as it will do zero good.

No. Switched gears and used my dock to use HDMI to connect to 28” monitor (I have the MacBook Pro, not a Mini)