Hi,
Can I use my 2017 21.5 inch iMac as a monitor for my 2017/2018 Mac book pro? Both devices use Usb C ports, I have tried connecting them through a hdmi cable and adapter on either end but it hasn't worked. What cables do I need and can it be done with a later iMac?
iMac 21.5″, macOS 13.6
No you can not do that, because those Mac's do not support Target Display Mode.
carefully read > Use your iMac as a display with target display mode - Apple Support
Your best bet is to get and use an aftermarket display.
see > Connect an external display to your iMac - Apple Support
and > Use an external display with your MacBook Pro - Apple Support
No you can not do that, because those Mac's do not support Target Display Mode.
carefully read > Use your iMac as a display with target display mode - Apple Support
Your best bet is to get and use an aftermarket display.
see > Connect an external display to your iMac - Apple Support
and > Use an external display with your MacBook Pro - Apple Support
Target Display Mode went away in Late 2014, when the first 27" 5K Retina iMac came out. It never came back.
Apple also added restrictions on "the other Mac", such that any Mac released after 2019 or running an OS later than Catalina does not support using any iMac as a TDM display.
Nope' no new Mac's can use a cabled Target Display Mode connection.
The M3 iMac is new enough that it can act as an AirPlay Receiver for AirPlay to Mac. This is not as good as a first-class hardware video connection to a monitor. On top of that, your 2017 MacBook Pro is old enough that it might not be able to take full advantage of that feature – if it could take advantage of it at all.
System requirements for Continuity features on Apple devices - Apple Support
I'm soon in need up an upgrade on my iMac, would I be able to connect the new M3 iMac to my 2017 MacBook Pro?
thanks for your help. This has been driving me crazy trying to make the 2 Macs work together, especially when I ask at my local Apple Store and they say Yes, it will work.
2nd monitor
