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iMac as Mac Mini monitor?
Hey everyone! Is anyone currently successfully using an iMac (any model) as the primary monitor for a newer Mac Mini? I’m trying to decide if this is possible. I’ve read up on it but I seem to find contradictory information. I currently own a late 2013 iMac, but was considering buying a slightly newer cheap used one for $200-300, if this is possible.
Thanks!
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7 Replies
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Target Display Mode was only supported in iMacs from mid-2014 and earlier, and was officially discontinued with macOS Mojave.
At one time this was done with Target Display mode but can’t be done with recent macOS.
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https://support.apple.com/en-us/105126
More details from Apple
iMac models introduced in 2011, 2012, 2013, and mid 2014
To use any of these iMac models as an external display:
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The iMac used as a display must have macOS High Sierra or earlier installed.
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The other Mac that you’re connecting it to must have been introduced in 2019 or earlier and have macOS Catalina or earlier installed.
support.apple.com
Use your iMac as a display with target display mode - Apple Support
Target display mode is a feature available with certain older Mac models.
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Thanks so much! Sounds like my 2013 iMac might work, but my mac mini is 2024 so I’m guessing that knocks out the possibility.
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Hi,
After mid 2014 iMacs it has been hard to use old iMacs as a second display. With an extra cost, you can use it. You can try Luna Display, https://astropad.com/product/lunadisplay/, or Duet, https://www.duetdisplay.com/. I think Luna will work better as it has a hardware setup. You can try a trial version of Duet to check the speed. I had some speed problems before with Duet Air and canceled it. Good luck.
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Thanks so much for the advice!
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As others have mentioned, using an iMac for a display is not possible with current OS versions unfortunately. However, I currently have a dual monitor display using my Mac Studio with two 5K 27” Retina display iMacs. These have been in use for the past 2 years but requires taking the iMac apart and installing a $180 driver. I’m a motion designer and depend on these displays to perform in a professional setting and they do not disappoint. If you don’t need 5K resolution, the cost will be much less. It’s a time consuming project not for the faint of heart as the monitors need to be disassembled and modified. I used a few You Tube videos as my inspiration and then added a few things to taste. There are caveats – built in speakers and camera can’t really be utilized but the displays look identical to an unmodified iMac. Let me know if this is something you’re interested in pursuing and I can send you some additional info. Cheers.
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Thank you all so much for the advice. It’s been very helpful!
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