Use an old imac as a display for a new mac mini

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Wellfleetian Author

Level 1

8 points

Use an old imac as a display for a new mac mini

Can I use my mid-2010 21.5" imac as a display for my new 2020 mac mini?

Thanks

iMac 21.5″, macOS 10.13

Posted on Jan 10, 2021 10:14 AM

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Answer 1

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den.thed

Level 10

83,266 points

Jan 10, 2021 10:39 AM in response to Wellfleetian

No, neither of those Mac's support Target Display Mode.

see > https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204592

Only the 27" 2009 and 2010 iMac models supported Target Display Mode.
Plus the 2020 Mac Mini's does not support using any iMac in Target Display Mode.

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Answer 2

den.thed

Level 10

83,266 points

Jan 10, 2021 12:16 PM in response to Wellfleetian

Nope' at best you can use Screen Sharing or a VNC over your local network, but that's slower and not the same as having a dedicated display. Plus you are going to need an external display to setup the Mac Mini and get Screen Sharing or a VNC working.

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Answer 3

Wellfleetian Author

Level 1

8 points

Jan 10, 2021 12:01 PM in response to den.thed

Helpful, but disappointing!

Thanks.

Dan

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Answer 4

Wellfleetian Author

Level 1

8 points

Jan 10, 2021 12:03 PM in response to den.thed

So there's no way to connect directly, via a cable with adapters?

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Answer 5

Wellfleetian Author

Level 1

8 points

Jan 10, 2021 1:50 PM in response to den.thed

OK, thanks for the info. Have the mini set up with a TV via HDMI, but the old mac's got a better picture, and I was hoping to avoid having to buy another monitor.

Appreciate your info.

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Answer 6

den.thed

Level 10

83,266 points

Jan 10, 2021 3:53 PM in response to Wellfleetian

You're welcome. Sorry it wasn't what you wanted to hear.

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Use an old imac as a display for a new mac mini

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