You can make a difference in the Apple Support Community!

When you sign up with your Apple Account, you can provide valuable feedback to other community members by upvoting helpful replies and User Tips.

Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

Using iMac as an external screen

I have a 2020 M1 chip MacBook Pro and want to use a 2009 iMac 21.5" screen as an external monitor to mirror what is on the MacBook Pro screen - is this possible? If so, can anyone advise on the cable I would need and how I set this up to work. Thank you

MacBook Pro 13″, macOS 11.0

Posted on Jan 5, 2021 7:25 AM

Reply
3 replies

Jan 5, 2021 8:30 AM in response to mhairi208

That article has confused a lot of people. The short version:


I have a 2020 M1 chip MacBook Pro...


👉🏻 No Apple Silicon Macs nor any Mac dated as a 2020 model can use Target Display Mode to send a video signal to any iMac set up as an external monitor.


... and want to use a 2009 iMac 21.5" screen as an external monitor


👉🏻 TDM support for 21.5-inch iMac was limited to Mid 2011 through Mid 2014 models. No workabouts there.


You still have the option of macOS screen sharing:


Share the screen of another Mac - Apple Support


or several similar third-party software methods.


Apple have done the full Rasputin on TDM; shot; stabbed; drowned; poisoned, etc.


Using iMac as an external screen

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.