Keyboard not recognized in Target Display 2012 mini to 2011 iMac

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sConvey Author

Level 1

7 points

Keyboard not recognized in Target Display 2012 mini to 2011 iMac

I have a brand new Quad Core 2.3 Ghz Mac Mini

that I am trying to set up using my mid 2011 iMac 27"

I have the two connected via thunderbolt

the iMac recognizes the mini.

however the mini does not recognize the Bluetooth keyboard

I don't have any other keyboard but a Bluetooth one and I am trying to set up my Mac Mini for a upcoming trip abroad (where I am just bringing the Mini and nothings else... keyboard / mouse / display will be purchased abroad)

This is the first time I am using the Mini.

does anyone have any suggestions as to how to get my Mini to recognize the keyboard?

btw. the keyboard will adjust the brightness (f1 &f2) to the iMac... I have tried plugging and unplugging the 2 computers via ThunderBolt and I should mention that Cmd f2 does toggle between target display and back.

so the only problem is that I can't use the keyboard to set up the Mini.

also I can't imagine this would be helpful but I also have 2 MBP's (2011 13" & 2012 15")

should I try Target Display with the MBP and use the iMac's keyboard?

thanks

Mac mini, OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.3)

Posted on Apr 3, 2013 1:05 PM

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Answer 1

Apr 3, 2013 1:54 PM in response to sConvey

You have me a little confused.

Using the iMac in Target Display Mode means it isn't really a computer while you're using it that way: It's just a really expensive monitor. So you aren't controlling anything on your iMac while it's in Target Display Mode, except by extension through the Mini.

I would start by booting the iMac normally and un-pairing the Bluetooth keyboard from the iMac. You should then be able to successfully pair that keyboard to you Mini. If the Bluetooth keyboard is really the only keyboard you own, you will then need to borrow a keyboard from a colleague, family member, or friend; or purchase a cheap USB keyboard from a local store (you should be able to get one for under $10), in order to start up the iMac in Target Display Mode. Alternatively, of course, you could leave the Bluetooth keyboard paired to the iMac and use the cheap new USB keyboard with the Mini just to set it up.

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Answer 2

sConvey Author

Level 1

7 points

Apr 3, 2013 2:01 PM in response to John Hammer1

Thanks for your reply... I am finding slightly differnt info on the "keyboard / target display" info online...

From what I have read you should be able to use the keyboard for the Mac Mini and only the f1 & f2 Keys will still communicate with the iMac until you "disconnect" from target display mode.

Furthermore I have been made to belive that a non mac keyboard will not work with the mini while in Target Mode (not sure why) that it has to be a genuine Mac keyboard or it won't recognize it...

I really just need to set this up tonight and I would really rather not buy another bluetooth keyboard just to do so.

I don't have a friend of family member in the area that has a Mac keyboard that they are not using...

when I get back home I will try to see if I can use my MacBook Pro as the target display... that may free up my Mac Mini Keyboard for the Mac Mini.

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Answer 3

Apr 3, 2013 2:14 PM in response to sConvey

I don't know about the F1/F2 keys. If true, I regret giving you incorrect information.

The Mini doesn't care if a USB keyboard is from Apple, a Mac-compatible third-party device, or even a keyboard made for a Windows PC. So if you can get your hands on one, just plug it in. Use a USB keyboard, not another Bluetooth keyboard; USB keyboards are cheap so even if you can't get to Radio Shack or Stapes your next-door neighbor probably has an extra (or a closet full) he can spare to you for a few hours.

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