Target Display Mode MBA (2011,11") -> iMac (2010,27")

What is more, the system profilers system information on both the MBA and the iMac show that the Thunderbolt port is:

Status: Connected

Link Status: 2

On both machines. I have also used the keyboard viewer on the iMac to verify that the Command-F2 is actually being registered by the OS when I press it. I have used an Apple Bluetooth Keyboard, using Command-F2 and Command-fn-F2, as well as a USB keyboard and Command-F2, while Thunderbolt is connected to both, to no avail.

I have another Thunderbolt cable that I will try tomorrow.

Just checking, but I assume you are using a standard Apple keyboard? If, per chance, you are using an Apple-compatible keyboard made by an Apple partner, perhaps they don't send the exact key sequence. Just thinking out loud, trying to eliminate another possibility... classic troubleshooting. 😉

My guess, with everything else being equal... yes.

Make sure MacBook is plugged into power

Endurion - Although I agree with your upset at having to buy AppleCare before they'll talk to you about a problem with the product you bought, if you have a nearby Apple Store, just go in and speak with the Apple Genius Bar people. Bring the cable and the MacBook along (since dragging an iMac is a pain!), and hopefully they'll test it with one of their local iMacs to see if the problem is in one of these or in the way you're doing it. If not, then at least you've got a good guess that the problem is with the iMac side of the problem.

i have the same problem and i still can not figure out why. no matter which computer ,there is no response at all when i press command+f2.

try command + fn + f2...............

Arrggghhh, I'm on the edge with this issue. I can't get anything above to work, my setup is:

late 2011 MBP 13" with thunderbolt port and an i5 imac (late 2009 27").

I've followed the steps above and the first confusion is that on both of my machines cmd F2 don't do anything but alt F2 opens up the display preferences. After this didn't work I went through the steps again but also tried cmd F1 and alt F1 but absolutely nothing.

I've tried both thunderbolt (after I was advised at my local apple store this would work...) and am now trying with a belkin Mini display port cable.

Does anyone have a 2011 MBP and 2009 27" iMac and have this workinhg? Most people on here seem to have a 2010 imac but it is claimed by Apple any 27" iMac will support this.

Help!!

it seems the port on the imac 2009 is not a thunderbolt port........ you can use your imac as a display for you mbp but not for data tranfer, and you need a mini display port to mini display port cable (not the thunderbolt cable, i bought that one also, ******* apple) for this function.

it's really annoying that they use the exact same port.

hope this can help you

Hi Xiaofel, Thanks for the reply....I know the port on the back of the iMac is mini display port only but I was told a mini display port cable would work but it doesn't:-(

I just want to use it as an extended desktop for my MBP......Other people seem to have this working but no matter what I try I can't.

I've been a mac user for 25 years but this has got me totally stumped:-(

you are welcome.

i bought the cable from this website:http://www.kabeltje.com/mini-displayport-thunderbolt-aansluitkabel-15-meter-pf-1 9750.html. Maybe you can check whether it's avaliable in you country.

But i suggest you not to buy it if you are not really need a extended display. Sometime the imac blinking when i used it as a display.

Thanks so much for your help, I'll take a look at this cable:-)

Command F2 is not working on my 17" MBP!

iMac 27 connected via TB to MBP 17" (both have TB ports and current OS and I am using an apple TB cable)

I can get the MBP to display on the iMac as a second display, but can not get the iMac to display on the MBP as a second display?

I thought i may have remapped command F2, but it doesnt even appear in the keyboards short cut.

The F2 button works fine by itself...just not with command.

I've tried rebooting (and the MBP is plugged into a power source).

Any suggestions would be useful.

Cheers

As someone mentioned above, sometimes the default funciton key settings have been changed on your mac. You should also try FN + Command + F2.

The setting is in your system preferences -> Keyboard control panel.

Look for a check next to: Use all F1, F2, etc. keys as standard function keys

If that's checked, then you must use the FN key along with the Command + F2 key combo.

Boot order doesn't matter. You can boot in any order. You just have to press ⌘-F2 on the keyboard of the computer you wish to use as the external display. Also, the audio pass through isn't because of the TB cable or ports, MDP supports full 7.1 Dolby Digital Surround Sound transmission.

I have the a very similar set up as you, Late-2010 iMac 27" i7 and a Late-2011 MBP 15" i7. I use a genuine Apple MDP converter from the TB, which I bought from eBay.