Can I use a 2010 iMac 21.5 inch as a monitor

Is there a way of using a 21.5 inch 2010 imac as an additional screen for my 2017 MacBook air. The imac has a minidisplay port and the MacBook air has a thunderbolt port. I've got a mini display part cable.

I've tried connecting the two with the cable and hitting command f2 with no joy. Are there any other options?

iMac 21.5″, macOS 10.12

Posted on Jan 30, 2021 6:33 AM

Similar questions

Can I connect my Macbook Air 2020 with my late 2021 iMac as a secondary screen display? My late 2012 iMac's hard drive recently failed, but I'm hoping to use it as a monitor for my Macbook Air 2020. I realize it does not have the mini display port but only the thunderbolt ports. If so, which cords will I need to connect? My Macbook Air only has USB-C. Much thanks in advance!
383 1
What cable do I need to connect a late 2014 iMac to an external monitor? Still confused about this. I want to connect my late 2014 5k iMac to an external monitor that has a mini displayport connection. And at some point, possible connect it to an older iMac to use as a second monitor. Will a minidisplayport to minidisplayport cable work even though the 5k iMac is thunderbolt? Would Apple's OEM thunderbolt cable work or no? And if not, does Apple make an OEM minidisplayport? I prefer to use an Apple cable as opposed to something third party. Thank you
3498 10
Use an iMac 21.5" (mid 2010) as a monitor, or second screen? I have an old iMac (21.5 inch, mid 2010) and I'd like to use it as a monitor, or secondary screen, connecting it to my MacBook Pro (mid 2015) which has an HDMI entrance. I bought an HDMI that connects the MacBook to an adaptor with a MiniDisplay Port that goes in the iMac, but nothing is happening. I tried restarting both computers, upgrade the OS, connecting and disconnecting, pressing Command+F2 praying, but nothing works. I've read that the 21.5 inch, mid 2010 iMac might not be compatible to work as a monitor, but some people say it is. Do I have a solution? Thanks so much
516 2

3 replies

Feb 2, 2021 3:10 AM in response to awhitehouse28

The 21.5" 2009 and 2010 iMacs can't be used as displays in Target Display Mode.

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

Feb 1, 2021 5:36 PM in response to awhitehouse28

Yes, there are other options. DuetDisplay and LunaDisplay are two. I use Duet display myself.

I hope this helps.

Paul

Feb 1, 2021 5:35 PM in response to awhitehouse28

Hi awhitehouse28,

We see you're wanting to use the iMac as an additional screen. Also be sure to use the steps in Use external monitors with your Mac.

Take care!

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

Can I use a 2010 iMac 21.5 inch as a monitor