iMac 21.5" mid 2010 as Secondary Display

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Level 1

15 points

iMac 21.5" mid 2010 as Secondary Display

Million dollar question - is it possible?

There is so much written around in on here and 3rd party sites but no one seems willing to address it. I don't mind paying for software or cables but I would like to connect a mid-2010 iMac 21.5" to a late-2015 retina iMac 27" and have the 21" serve as a secondary display. I feel like this used to be straight forward, but maybe I'm mis-remembering it. Thanks for your help in advice, community.

iMac with Retina 5K display, macOS Sierra (10.12.3)

Posted on Jan 25, 2017 12:35 AM

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Answer 1

Best reply

SeaPapp

Level 7

26,486 points

Jan 25, 2017 3:04 AM in response to oliver_sharp

No it's not possible using Target Display Mode Use your iMac as a display with Target Display Mode - Apple Support

The 21.5" 2010 iMac has no video in capabilities. There are software solutions but most are disappointing.

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Answer 2

millydog

Level 1

8 points

Jan 4, 2018 7:49 AM in response to ndwivedi

How do I do that? My MacAir is set up with my work network settings, is this a problem?

Bought the thunderbolt cable and am really disappointed to find out that my imac 21.5" wont work as a target display. makes working from home difficult. Thanks in advance.

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Answer 3

oliver_sharp Author

Level 1

15 points

Jan 26, 2017 8:06 AM in response to oliver_sharp

Hey guys - I've downloaded Synergy, which is working a treat! $19 per licence. Recommended. https://symless.com/synergy/

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Answer 4

oliver_sharp Author

Level 1

15 points

Jan 25, 2017 4:34 AM in response to oliver_sharp

Thanks Mike. Do you have any software recommendations? The old iMac is just going to waste, be greta to have it set up a secondary monitor if possible.

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Answer 5

SeaPapp

Level 7

26,486 points

Jan 25, 2017 4:39 AM in response to oliver_sharp

Why not sell the old iMac and buy a nice second display?

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Answer 6

oliver_sharp Author

Level 1

15 points

Jan 25, 2017 4:41 AM in response to oliver_sharp

It's good idea, but they unfortunately aren't mine to sell - work computers. I think if we sold them the money would disappear.

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Answer 7

Niel

Level 10

727,409 points

Jan 25, 2017 6:43 AM in response to oliver_sharp

Set up Screen Sharing/Virtual Network Computing.

(147790)

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Answer 8

oliver_sharp Author

Level 1

15 points

Jan 25, 2017 6:50 AM in response to oliver_sharp

Thanks Niel - can VNC be set up so that the secondary computer works as an extended desktop for the main computer?

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Answer 9

SeaPapp

Level 7

26,486 points

Jan 25, 2017 7:22 AM in response to oliver_sharp

This is the third party software I was thinking of but couldn't remember earlier.....getting old!

https://www.screenrecycler.com/ScreenRecycler.html

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Answer 10

oliver_sharp Author

Level 1

15 points

Jan 26, 2017 12:40 AM in response to oliver_sharp

Thanks Mike, unfortunately not compatible with Sierra. If anyone else knows one that is and would like to share it, I'd really appreciate it.

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Answer 11

SeaPapp

Level 7

26,486 points

Jan 26, 2017 3:48 PM in response to oliver_sharp

Outstanding! Glad you're happy with it.

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Answer 12

ndwivedi

Level 1

4 points

Nov 2, 2017 2:55 AM in response to oliver_sharp

create a private network and use VNC to share the screen. Creating network using thunderbolt cable gives far better result in experience than usual ethernet cable.

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