Using iMac (24-inch, M1, 2021) as an external monitor for MacBook Pro (14-inch, M1, 2021)

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Using iMac (24-inch, M1, 2021) as an external monitor for MacBook Pro (14-inch, M1, 2021)

I just got a new MacBook Pro (14-inch, M1, 2021) and would like to use my iMac (24-inch, M1, 2021) as an external monitor. I want to know if this is even possible? Both have the USBC ports. Do I still need the Thunderbolt cable? I've connected both with the USBC but nothing is working. I would love a step by step guide. The apple support page is not very helpful. (Connect a display to your Mac - Apple Support)

iMac 21.5″ 4K, macOS 11.4

Posted on Aug 18, 2022 9:26 AM

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Allan Jones

Level 9

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Aug 18, 2022 10:21 AM in response to meridith20

Welcome!

Both of your Macs are far too new to use the now- deprecated Target Display Mode (TDM) which, I suspect ,you are considering. TDM was limted to a very narrow range of iMacs made between Late 2009 and Mid 2014, and no Mac newer than 2019 can send a video signal to a TDM-supported iMac. There are also OS limitation, all laid out here:

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

If both computers are running Monterey, you can try AirPlay to Mac:

Set up your Mac to be an AirPlay receiver - Apple Support

Use your Mac as a display - Apple Support

I have seen YouTube videos showing that Airplay to Mc is laggy, as is the older Network Screen Sharing:

Share your Mac screen, files, and services with other users on your network - Apple Support

None of the three methods support extended desktop. If you want extended desktop and lag-free performance, get an inexpensive external monitor.

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Using iMac (24-inch, M1, 2021) as an external monitor for MacBook Pro (14-inch, M1, 2021)

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