Using iMac as monitor for Mac mini via Screen Sharing (VNC)

I have been using Screen Sharing to display my 27-in 2020 iMac on my M4 Mac Mini Pro with its 32-in LG 4K UltraFine display. Here is Windows 11 Pro running in Parallels Desktop Pro 20.* on that iMac being shared to the M4 Mac Mini Pro over Wi-Fi 6.

I’ve used it on intel MacMini to get 4K to my 2019 iMac, no M series macs here.

Hmmm, what you were told flies in the face of Apple’s document on Target Display mode, I’d look up a link for you but I’m on my iPad which makes everything harder. 😒

Here's the link...

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

To use any of these iMac models as an external display:

• The iMac used as a display must have macOS High Sierra or earlier installed.
• The other Mac that you're connecting it to must have been introduced in 2019 or earlier and have macOS Catalina or earlier installed.
• The cable connecting the two Mac computers must be a Thunderbolt or Thunderbolt 2 cable.

24-inch and 27-inch iMac models introduced in 2009 and 2010

To use any of these iMac models as an external display:

• The iMac used as a display must have macOS High Sierra or earlier installed.
• The other Mac that you're connecting it to must have been introduced in 2019 or earlier and have macOS Catalina or earlier installed.
• The cable connecting the two Mac computers must be a Mini DisplayPort cable.

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

I’m pretty sure you are dead in the water for a direct 5k connection with a 2017. Only the 2014-mid and earlier will work with a M4 is what I read and was told. But - for a few bucks - it’s worth looking at what it looks like using the adapter suggested by BDAqua.

Great post!:)👍

And just add. if you was faster Screen Sharung or needmore reso;ution choices, add one of these to the Mini...

https://eshop.macsales.com/item/NewerTech/ADP4KHEAD/?srsltid=AfmBOopjBI1m9Rmwxrfly9-z9b3qzjEdt5ObjLYWrXDO3pOhc_sxdoBB

This looks very interesting! I'm not going to spend $1600 plus tax on an outdated Apple Studio Display, and none of the non Apple offerings have enticed me so far. And I have a functional imac 2017.

So if you do this with a 5K imac linked to the Mac Mini M4, do you get flawless 5K display from the mini? Any issues at all? Can you control everything from the mac mini side as if this was a normal connected Apple monitor set up (brightness, etc)?

Have you (or anyone out there) actually used this plug to use an older iMac 27” 5k as a monitor with a new Mac Mini M4? I talked to someone today at Apple who seemed knowledgable and told me that the 5k iMacs just previous to mine (mid-2014 and older) WILL operate as a monitor for a new MacMini M4, simply with a Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 cable. The OS system on your iMac must be older/previous to Big Sur. They told me I was out of luck using Thunderbolt since my iMac was “late 2014”, when Apple upgraded to Big Sur. If this little plug adapter works - I’d be happy to get 4k resolution until Apple comes out with a new generation of monitors.

Agreed - There is another Apple Document that does list all the years/models of 27” iMacs in which it will work, and it does stop short after mid-2014. Unfortunately, I’m late-2014. I’ve seen both documents. If I can find the one that lists the years, I will repost it for you. I will order the virtual emulator from Amazon for $9/ nothing to lose. I’m just trying to decide whether to order a new 24” iMac or the M4 Mac Mini. The current Apple monitors are great but dated, and I have read they will soon be replaced (?). With the Mac Mini -and my old 27” I could buy some time until I find another great monitor. Spoiled now with the iMac 27”, right?

https://www.amazon.com/Woieyeks-Virtual-Emulator-Headless-Supports/dp/B0CKKLTWMN/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?

I think 4K is the limit…

You’re welcome my friend, take care.