How to enable TDM Target Display Mode with an older external Apple keyboard

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How to enable TDM Target Display Mode with an older external Apple keyboard

How can I enable TDM Target Display Mode with an older external Apple keyboard (the one without "FN" Key, FN Keys without extra function. CMD F2 does NOT work. I tried a newer keyboard and CMD+F2 works so my setup is ok. I would also like to know if it's possible to enable TDM without keyboard as an option because a new keyboard for just this function.....

Background: want to use my iMac27" as second display for my MBP

iMac, OS X Yosemite (10.10.2)

Posted on Mar 10, 2015 3:29 AM

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Answer 1

rkaufmann87

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Mar 10, 2015 7:26 AM in response to thommyboy

You have not stated which year iMac and MBP you have, are you positive TDM is designed to work with the combination of computers you have? If you are not 100% sure please check Apple's FAQ, located by clicking Target Display Mode: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Answer 2

thommyboy Author

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Mar 10, 2015 8:58 AM in response to rkaufmann87

as I wrote- using a friend's keyboards everything works fine. It's definitely the different layout of this special keyboard where Fx keys are accessed without a FN key....

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Answer 3

Old Toad

Level 10

207,439 points

Mar 10, 2015 10:35 AM in response to thommyboy

You can't enter TDM without a keyboard with F keys. The following is from this Apple document; Target Display Mode: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - Apple Support

Can I use a third-party keyboard or older Apple keyboard to enable TDM?
Some older Apple keyboards and keyboards not made by Apple may not allow Command-F2 to toggle display modes. You should use an aluminum wired or wireless Apple keyboard to toggle TDM on and off.