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krissn11
Level 1 (0 points)

Q: I need to get external connection cables for macbook air to imac - is this just a thunderbolt to standard usb?

My screen is busted and i need to backup information/ upgrade system to icloud drive.

To do this, i need to use an imac display - can i connect this with the standard thunderbolt to usb cable?

I do not have apple tv, and may not work since i cant see the screen on laptop.

Thanks,

MacBook Air, OS X Mavericks (10.9.5)

Posted on Nov 13, 2014 10:16 AM

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krissn11

Q: I need to get external connection cables for macbook air to imac - is this just a thunderbolt to standard usb?

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  • Helpful answers

  • by Niel,

    Niel Niel Nov 13, 2014 10:18 AM in response to krissn11
    Level 10 (311,966 points)
    Nov 13, 2014 10:18 AM in response to krissn11

    You need to connect the Thunderbolt port to a display port on the iMac and use Target Display mode if supported, or to a Thunderbolt or FireWire port and use Target Disk mode. Neither of these will work through USB.

     

    (116520)

  • by krissn11,

    krissn11 krissn11 Nov 13, 2014 10:24 AM in response to Niel
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Nov 13, 2014 10:24 AM in response to Niel

    i only have the Thunderbolt (from MacBook air) to hdmi cable, connect to hdmi-hdmi cable, to a hdmi to usb cable to iMac? Will this work?

    Or is there a Thunderbolt (MacBookAir) to (iMac) connection?

  • by Niel,

    Niel Niel Nov 13, 2014 10:27 AM in response to krissn11
    Level 10 (311,966 points)
    Nov 13, 2014 10:27 AM in response to krissn11

    You need to connect the Thunderbolt cable to a Thunderbolt port or Mini DisplayPort to use Target Display mode; the iMac model also needs to support video in. Click here for more information.

    You need to connect the Thunderbolt cable to a Thunderbolt or FireWire port to use Target Disk mode. When in this mode, the computer can be treated as an external drive.

     

    If the connection involves USB at any point, it won't accomplish anything.

     

    (116521)