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Can I connect Macbook Air to IMac 2010 for target monitor? I got an adapter from the Apple Store (USB-C to Mini Display Port), then connected that to a Mini Display Port cable. But the IMac is not recognizing the connection at all.
In the recent past, I connected a 2017 MacBook Air (Intel) by just using the Mini Display Port cable.
MacBook Air 13″, macOS 10.15
The answers in the other page (Use your iMac as a display with target display mode - Apple Support) don't appear to be updated for newest laptop models.
This part of that article tells the sad tale:
Apple removed the ability of 2020 Macs to take advantage of any iMac as a monitor using Target Display Mode.
Apple started the deprecation of TDM SIX years ago, so this is dead technology. Ever n the article is archived; it will not be getting any refreshing.
The answers in the other page (Use your iMac as a display with target display mode - Apple Support) don't appear to be updated for newest laptop models.
This part of that article tells the sad tale:
Apple removed the ability of 2020 Macs to take advantage of any iMac as a monitor using Target Display Mode.
Apple started the deprecation of TDM SIX years ago, so this is dead technology. Ever n the article is archived; it will not be getting any refreshing.
The MacBook Air that I'm trying to connect now is only a week old.
MacBook Air (M1, 2020)
MacOS v. 11.0.1
The answers in the other page (Use your iMac as a display with target display mode - Apple Support) don't appear to be updated for newest laptop models.
What USB-C to Mini DisplayPort adapter were you using? The Apple Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt adapter won't work for Mini DisplayPort even though the plugs will fit.
A 2010 27" iMac should work as a display for a 2020 Mac despite what Apple says about "earlier than 2019" if you use this cable:
The Thunderbolt adapter is the problem.
About the Apple Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter - Apple Support
"This adapter is not compatible with displays that use DisplayPort or Mini DisplayPort"
There are several reports here of success with 2020 Macs using Mini DisplayPort connections to 2010 27" iMacs.
Got the Mophie cable today, started up and logged into the MacBook Air. (M1) and the iMac, connect them... and it still won't work. When I connect the cable, the iMac screen goes black for 3 seconds, but then goes back to displaying the iMac's screen, not the MacBook Air.
Also tried hitting Command+F3 on the iMac, but that just minimizes the windows on the iMac.
Any other suggestions?
You maybe out of luck. I've been unable to connect a 2020 iMac 27" to a 2012 iMac 27" via target disk mode. The article linked hasn't been updated since 2019 and I haven't seen anything that says specifically that 2020 model computers can't connect to a computer via target disk mode.
I've been able to use Duet display (air level subscription) to get the 2012 to be a second monitor for my 2020 iMac. There is also a hardware dongle that might work as well Luna Display.
Since my macs are all intel based I don't know if either solution will work on Apple silicon.
I hope this helps.
Paul
I bought the adapter from the Apple Store hoping the genuine part would make it work. then from that adapter I have the same Mini DisplayPort cable That I used with my 2017 MacBook Air in the past.
Thunderbolt 3 To Thunderbolt 2 Adptr
Part Number: MMEL2AM/A
I can return the adapter and try the Morphie cable - but has anyone actually used that cable to successfully connect?
yes, new MBA (only a week old - MacBook Air (M1, 2020))
So sounds like rkaufmann87 is saying there is no way to connect that to the 2010 iMac, even though the cables fits and a connection is being recognized, since the iMac goes blank for 3 seconds...must be am OS software thing. Apple just wants me to buy a new monitor, but they don't make any that I can afford.
That is correct Target Display Mode will not work on a 2020 Mac. Macs were never designed to be external displays for other devices. Return the cable and use it towards a high quality external display, they are inexpensive now, much easier to set up and much more reliable than Target Display Mode ever was.
Need more info. What model year is the Macbook Air? What OS is it running? The answers are here Use your iMac as a display with target display mode - Apple Support
I thought it was command-F2.
Tried Command+F2 on the iMac, and fails also, just goes black for 3 seconds then returns to image from iMac (same as when first connecting cable).
If the 2010 is a 27" it should work, if it's a 21.5, nope won't work. If the MBA is a 2020 it won't work at all.
Can I connect Macbook Air to IMac 2010 for target monitor
