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Using my old iMac as a screen-only

I have a new MacBook (spec attached) and I'd like to connect it to my old iMac (spec also attached).


My iMac is a late 2015 so I can't use Target Display and the MacBook is

just USB-C. I can connect a cable that is USB-C to USB-C and I can

easily turn Screen Mirroring on my iMac shows up on my MacBook just fine

but there's no option to reverse it.


Any help would be much appreciated.


iMac 21.5″

Posted on Nov 24, 2023 1:53 AM

Reply
9 replies

Nov 24, 2023 2:03 AM in response to Toon_79

It is not possible to use the iMac as a wired external display, as what you're saying: target display mode is not supported.


What you can try configure your iMac as an airplay receiver see this link on how to do that Set up your Mac to be an AirPlay receiver - Apple Support


Please note that the 2015 iMac is not fully supported for airplay to Mac (you'll need a 2019 or later for full support) so it could not work or a bit trial and error to get it working

Nov 24, 2023 8:18 AM in response to Toon_79

Toon_79 wrote:

It's odd that I can share my screen from iMac to Macbook but not the other way around.


A M2 MacBook Air running Sonoma meets the system requirements to be an AirPlay Receiver for AirPlay to Mac. A Late 2015 iMac, even one running Monterey, doesn't.


System requirements for Continuity features on Apple devices - Apple Support

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


AirPlay from Macs to Apple TV set-top boxes has been around for a much longer time than AirPlay to Mac, so the Late 2015 iMac probably can act as a transmitter even if it doesn't support acting as a receiver.



Using my old iMac as a screen-only

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