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Use iMac screen for 2020 M1 Mac mini?

I'm asking this question but already understand it's not possible. But, you would think with sidecar they

would have expected people might want this feature and figured out a way.

I've got a 2020 iMac and thinking about getting an M1 Mac mini... would be nice if I could use my iMac

as a monitor to switch back and forth between the two. Is there any way to do this?

On the newest Mac mini :

I can already see a major setback to the cheaper cost of the Mac mini. What is an entry level person just newly getting a Mac mini supposed to do for monitor? The Pro XDR is 5 grand.

I have messed about with Screens and Astropad as a way to do the reverse and be able to use my iMac on my iPad Pro. They work pretty good. Screens for viewing my iMac with my 2015 MacBook Air, and Astropad for viewing the iMac on the iPad.

Posted on Nov 11, 2020 7:26 AM

Best reply

billcod

Level 1

13 points

Posted on Nov 18, 2020 8:24 PM

I had TDM set up from my 2015 MBP (which had Thunderbolt 2 port) to 2011iMac via T2 cable for a couple of years. So, today I got my M1 Mac Mini, and just added an Apple T3 to T2 adapter and the same 2011 iMac - pressed Cmd-F2 just like I had for years and Nothing Happened. I will keep googling, but it doesn’t look promising. If no go, I’ll look at Screen Sharing or a new monitor. But not yet.

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76 replies

techmom1

Level 1

11 points

Feb 7, 2021 2:03 PM in response to PocketGreenHaven

Since you guys were so helpful in getting me to understand I can't use my iMac 2011 display with a a new M1 Mac Mini, I have another question. Does the M1 handle scaliing so that 1080p video/Netflix would look good on a 4k monitor? Most of what I watch is in 1080p format, but I'd like to get something a little future-proof. If the answer is "no", then how would it work with a QHD monitor (1440)? I'm not gaming, looking at 27". Considering the Dell U2719DX at Costco if I don't go 4k. I'm just worried from some things I've read that running 1080p on 4k displays can look really awful.

Bikematt

Level 1

4 points

Feb 7, 2021 6:37 PM in response to techmom1

In general Apple things are the opposite of future proof! . I like them anyway. I am Using an inexpensive Samsung 32" TV for my MacMini M-1 monitor. It does nice 1K You can purchase adapters to drive up to 2 Good screens from a mini-M-1. OWC.com has docks that Have USB and HDMI ports that are more Future proof. You can use Non Apple monitors (much less $) that are quite good.

Feb 9, 2021 3:50 PM in response to Soundboutique

It's not just a matter of getting a monitor -- you need speakers and a webcam. I just bought a Mac Mini thinking I could also add a monitor, but it's not that easy to get a monitor with webcam and speakers that's compatible. Plus, there's all those wires everywhere. I am going to return everything and get a new iMac instead.

techmom1

Level 1

11 points

Feb 9, 2021 4:05 PM in response to willowgal

Adding speakers is really easy. The mini has a jack and most monitors do as well. If you want to control the speakers from your keyboard though you probably will want to connect to the Mini. As for webcam, a quick google brought up a dozen blogs with recommended units for Mac Mini M1. You can go bluetooth with everything to get rid of the wires.

dialabrain

Level 10

122,729 points

Nov 22, 2020 3:42 PM in response to macinedmonds

Not possible. Target Display Mode support ended with 2019 Macs.

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

Old Toad

Level 10

207,829 points

Feb 7, 2021 2:13 PM in response to jeffreythefrog

You can use one of these:

They are less than $10 thru Amazon.

Nov 11, 2020 7:41 AM in response to Soundboutique

you may want to look at this mac compatible display for your mac mini which is on amazon and pretty cheap. they also have many other options available for nowhere near 5 grand.

dialabrain

Level 10

122,729 points

Nov 11, 2020 8:02 AM in response to Soundboutique

Just to add, if you have an AirPlay capable TV you can mirror a Mac to that. I mirror my MacBook Air to my 55" TV. Much larger than my iMacs.

Nov 11, 2020 8:07 AM in response to dialabrain

that's a good point dialabrain. but, just to add, they could hardwire the mini to a large tv even if it doesn't have airplay. my iMac is mirrored on my 51" tv that has no airplay.

dialabrain

Level 10

122,729 points

Nov 11, 2020 8:09 AM in response to jeffreythefrog

Indeed. However, My TV is in our living room which has too many cables as it is. :)

Nov 11, 2020 8:12 AM in response to dialabrain

lol. my iMac used up my last HDMI port on my tv.

Nov 17, 2020 7:23 PM in response to Soundboutique

Soundboutique-curious if you found a solution for this. I got my M! Mac mini today to attempt the very same thing and I'm at a stale mate. My iMac is from 2012 so it does have Target Display Mode

Nov 18, 2020 6:53 PM in response to VikingOSX

Downgrading to High Sierra was a no go :( I’m just looking to that iMac aesthetic with M1! Without the $7K Pro Display.

Nov 22, 2020 3:37 PM in response to Soundboutique

Really looking at M1 Mini and have 2012 and 2015 iMacs and would like to use the 2012 as a monitor

dialabrain

Level 10

122,729 points

Dec 6, 2020 12:27 AM in response to Charlievarley66

Charlievarley66 wrote:

Unfortunately target display mode is not no longer a thing. All new Macs will no longer be able to use it.

Yes I know. That's what I said. :)

Use iMac screen for 2020 M1 Mac mini?