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Can a 27" 2017 iMac be used as a display for a new M2 MacMini?

Can a 27" 2017 iMac be used as a display for a new M2 MacMini?

iMac 27″ 5K, macOS 13.2

Posted on Mar 6, 2023 12:00 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Mar 6, 2023 12:09 PM

No, you cannot use that iMac as a display for your new Mac mini.

Target display mode is a feature that was available only with certain older iMac models.

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


Only the following older iMac models can be used as an external display when plugged into another older Mac model:

  • iMac models introduced in 2011, 2012, 2013, and mid 2014 using Thunderbolt or Thunderbolt 2 cable.
  • 24-inch and 27-inch iMac models introduced in 2009 and 2010 using Mini DisplayPort cable.
  • The intended target iMac must be running macOS 10.13 High Sierra or earlier; it does not work with macOS 10.14 Mojave or later, or with Boot Camp and Windows.
  • Retina display iMacs won’t work as target displays.
  • In all cases the source Mac that you're connecting FROM must have been introduced in 2019 or earlier and have macOS 10.15 Catalina or earlier installed.


If you search the internet you might find some third-party solutions, for example: Luna Display or Duet Display.


1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Mar 6, 2023 12:09 PM in response to rsfullerton

No, you cannot use that iMac as a display for your new Mac mini.

Target display mode is a feature that was available only with certain older iMac models.

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


Only the following older iMac models can be used as an external display when plugged into another older Mac model:

  • iMac models introduced in 2011, 2012, 2013, and mid 2014 using Thunderbolt or Thunderbolt 2 cable.
  • 24-inch and 27-inch iMac models introduced in 2009 and 2010 using Mini DisplayPort cable.
  • The intended target iMac must be running macOS 10.13 High Sierra or earlier; it does not work with macOS 10.14 Mojave or later, or with Boot Camp and Windows.
  • Retina display iMacs won’t work as target displays.
  • In all cases the source Mac that you're connecting FROM must have been introduced in 2019 or earlier and have macOS 10.15 Catalina or earlier installed.


If you search the internet you might find some third-party solutions, for example: Luna Display or Duet Display.


Can a 27" 2017 iMac be used as a display for a new M2 MacMini?

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