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Target Mode with iMac 2019 to iMac 2013 Not Working

I have an iMac from 2019 running Catalina that I want to connect to an iMac 2013 running High Sierra as an external display. I bought the cord, but the target display won't work. What am I potentially doing wrong?

iMac Line (2012 and Later)

Posted on Jan 11, 2021 9:59 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jan 12, 2021 12:34 AM

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


Are you using a Thunderbolt cable (Lightning bolt icon on the plugs)?

Apple Thunderbolt Cable (0.5 m) - White - Apple

https://www.apple.com/shop/product/MD861LL/A/apple-thunderbolt-cable-20-m


For the 2018 iMac you will also need a Thunderbolt 3 adapter.

Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter - Apple


A. Mini DisplayPort cable won't work, even though the plugs will fit.

5 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jan 12, 2021 12:34 AM in response to surfmanbrendan

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


Are you using a Thunderbolt cable (Lightning bolt icon on the plugs)?

Apple Thunderbolt Cable (0.5 m) - White - Apple

https://www.apple.com/shop/product/MD861LL/A/apple-thunderbolt-cable-20-m


For the 2018 iMac you will also need a Thunderbolt 3 adapter.

Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter - Apple


A. Mini DisplayPort cable won't work, even though the plugs will fit.

Target Mode with iMac 2019 to iMac 2013 Not Working

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