Macbook Air M1 to an iMac late 2017 as an external monitor

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Lomaxxx Author

Level 1

8 points

Macbook Air M1 to an iMac late 2017 as an external monitor

Hey guys,

i would like to ask if i do need the adapter to connect my MacBook Air M1 to my iMac late 2017 as an external Monitor.

Or do i only need a cable? Very confused...

Posted on Nov 9, 2021 5:41 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

woodmeister50

Level 7

20,503 points

Nov 10, 2021 7:20 AM in response to Lomaxxx

In addition to what @KiltedTim said, no iMac manufactured from late 2014 on has zero support to be used as a display.

From this knowledge base article:

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

"iMac models introduced in 2011, 2012, 2013, and mid 2014"

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Answer 2

Lomaxxx Author

Level 1

8 points

Nov 10, 2021 5:41 AM in response to Lomaxxx

Wait wait wait...

Seems i spelled it totally wrong, after reading my own topic again. I would like to connect my MBA M1 to an iMac and use the iMac as an external display.

Maybe there is hope :-)

Sorry for spelling and describing it totally wrong. Saw lots of videos on YouTube where they used the iMac as an external display. But most of the time these iMacs are older ones. *Hope is already gone again*

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Answer 3

KiltedTim

Level 10

204,118 points

Nov 10, 2021 6:52 AM in response to Lomaxxx

Lomaxxx wrote:

Wait wait wait...

Seems i spelled it totally wrong, after reading my own topic again. I would like to connect my MBA M1 to an iMac and use the iMac as an external display.

Nope.

Can't do it.

Target Display mode was deprecated and won't function on any iMac running anything later than High Sierra.

In addition, M1 based Macs won't connect to any iMac in TDM.

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Answer 4

KiltedTim

Level 10

204,118 points

Nov 9, 2021 5:44 PM in response to Lomaxxx

Sorry, that's not possible.

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Answer 5

Lomaxxx Author

Level 1

8 points

Nov 9, 2021 5:59 PM in response to KiltedTim

You mean its not possible at all or do i need adapter? I would really like to know the right way to use my iMac as an external Monitor for my MBA M1.

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Answer 6

KiltedTim

Level 10

204,118 points

Nov 9, 2021 6:36 PM in response to Lomaxxx

I mean it's not possible. Full Stop. There is no adapter that will let you do that.

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Answer 7

Nov 10, 2021 5:35 AM in response to Lomaxxx

There is no way to do it. There are no combinations of cables, adapters, magic boxes, or magic wands you can wave to make it work.

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Answer 8

Lomaxxx Author

Level 1

8 points

Nov 10, 2021 5:38 AM in response to woodmeister50

I got it... i got it.

But why does this works on older iMac or with non M1. I mean, where is the problem that it doesnt work with my actual setup? Would be interesting to know

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Macbook Air M1 to an iMac late 2017 as an external monitor

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