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You can use some older iMacs as an external display, but only through Apple’s legacy Target Display Mode. It supports 24-inch and 27-inch iMacs introduced in 2009 or 2010 with a Mini DisplayPort cable, and iMacs introduced in 2011, 2012, 2013, or mid-2014 with a Thunderbolt or Thunderbolt 2 cable. The iMac must run macOS High Sierra 10.13.6 or earlier, and the source computer must be a Mac introduced in 2019 or earlier running macOS Catalina 10.15.8 or earlier. Windows and Boot Camp are not supported.
Check whether your iMac and source Mac are compatible
Target Display Mode is limited to specific iMac generations and software versions. Check the iMac’s introduction year and screen size, then confirm the source Mac meets Apple’s requirements before buying a cable.
| iMac used as the display | iMac macOS requirement | Required cable | Source Mac requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24-inch or 27-inch iMac introduced in 2009 or 2010 | macOS High Sierra 10.13.6 or earlier | Mini DisplayPort | Mac introduced in 2019 or earlier, running macOS Catalina 10.15.8 or earlier |
| iMac introduced in 2011, 2012, 2013, or mid-2014 | macOS High Sierra 10.13.6 or earlier | Thunderbolt or Thunderbolt 2 | Mac introduced in 2019 or earlier, running macOS Catalina 10.15.8 or earlier |
These requirements come from Apple’s Target Display Mode support page. A newer iMac is not a documented Target Display Mode receiver: Apple’s supported list ends at mid-2014. Current iMac specifications describe video output over Thunderbolt 4 and USB-C DisplayPort, not Target Display Mode input.
Choose the correct cable
The cable depends on the iMac generation. Mini DisplayPort and Thunderbolt connectors can look similar, but they are different standards; matching the plug shape alone does not establish compatibility.
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- 2009–2010 24-inch or 27-inch iMac: use a Mini DisplayPort cable, and verify that the source Mac has a compatible Mini DisplayPort or Thunderbolt port.
- 2011–mid-2014 iMac: use a Thunderbolt or Thunderbolt 2 cable and confirm both Macs meet the software limits above.
Apple’s requirements specify direct cable connections. Do not assume a USB-C video adapter, hub, or dock will make an unsupported Mac or iMac compatible. Plugable likewise notes that Target Display Mode generally requires a direct Thunderbolt connection; newer docks are not a way to add this legacy feature to Apple Silicon Macs. See Plugable’s Target Display Mode guidance.
Connect the Macs and turn on Target Display Mode
- Start both computers and sign in to a macOS user account on the source Mac.
- Connect the Macs with the cable required for the iMac generation.
- Using the keyboard connected to the iMac, press Command-F2. The source Mac’s desktop should appear on the iMac.
- To leave Target Display Mode, press Command-F2 again. You can also disconnect the cable or restart either Mac.
If the iMac is set to “Use F1, F2, etc. keys as standard function keys,” press Command-Fn-F2 instead.
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What you can and cannot use in this mode
Apps already open on the iMac remain open while it is acting as a display. The source Mac cannot use the iMac’s built-in camera or ports, so connect any peripherals directly to the source Mac.
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Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →You can route sound through the iMac’s speakers by selecting the iMac in the source Mac’s Sound output settings. Adjust brightness from the source Mac’s Displays settings or its keyboard.
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- USB 3.0 to HDMI Adapter allows for effortless multitasking, mirror or extend a computer display workspace, simple to install and us. Resolutions up to 2048x1152@60Hz or 2560x1440@50. You can connect multiple additional monitors to your computer (one adapter required per monitor, up to 6 total monitors on PCs)
- External 2.1CH Microphone in and Earphone output make you use conveniently.
- System Support: Windows11, 10, 8, 8.1, 7; MacOS Ventura 13, Monterey 12, Big Sur 11,Catalina 10.15,Mojave 10.14;Ubuntu 20.04, 22.04; ChromeOS build R51 or later; Android 5 (Lollipop) onwards with USB OTG mode. It's worth noting that displaylink driver installation is required.
- The adapter is easily connected to USB-C, USB-A, thunderbolt 3/4/5, USB 4 devices and then mirror or extend your screen content to greatly improve your work efficiency.
- Build in USB 3.0 GPU certified by DisplayLink. Compact size, LED display status, easy setup, multi-function operation performance, All of our products are backed with 18 months limited warranty.
Windows, Boot Camp, and newer Macs
Apple documents Target Display Mode for a qualifying Mac source, not a Windows PC. It explicitly excludes Boot Camp and Windows. Its source-Mac limit is a Mac introduced in 2019 or earlier running macOS Catalina 10.15.8 or earlier. A USB-C adapter, dock, or newer Mac does not override those limits unless the exact combination is separately documented.
For current iMacs, Apple lists Thunderbolt 4 and USB-C DisplayPort video output in its iMac technical specifications. That describes output, not support as an external-display receiver through Target Display Mode.
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- Built for Productivity: Add two HDMI displays through one USB-C or USB 3.0 connection for spreadsheets, web browsing, Google Docs, Slack, email, and everyday office work. Does not support playback of HDCP-protected content from Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and similar streaming services.
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- Silicon Motion Technology Required: Uses Silicon Motion graphics technology, so driver installation is required. On Windows, drivers typically install through Windows Update. On macOS, the InstantView driver must be installed manually. Not compatible with DisplayLink software, and some corporate IT environments may restrict driver installation.
- Dual 1080p HDMI Displays: Connect up to two HDMI monitors with support for extended or mirrored displays at resolutions up to 1920x1080 @ 60Hz per display. Ideal for productivity workflows and multi-window multitasking. Not recommended for gaming, 4K workflows, or graphics-intensive creative work.
- Lifetime Support: This device has been designed with reliability at its core and was built to meet the deployment demands of IT departments and the ease of use necessary for home offices. Includes lifetime support from our North American team of connectivity experts.
Troubleshoot a blank or inactive iMac display
If the source Mac’s desktop does not appear, work through Apple’s checks:
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- Reconfirm both Macs meet the model, operating-system, and cable requirements.
- Restart both Macs, then unplug and reconnect the cable.
- Log out of the iMac and try Command-F2 again from its login window.
- Use Command-Fn-F2 if standard function keys are enabled.
- Try the keyboard that came with the iMac. Apple warns that some third-party keyboards and older Apple keyboards do not support Target Display Mode.
Apple’s complete compatibility and troubleshooting guidance is at support.apple.com/en-us/105126.
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