Need to discover a approach to make use of iMac as a monitor? Whereas Apple’s goal show mode is restricted to 2009 to 2014 iMacs, happily, there are a number of different choices to utilize that good large display in your previous or new iMac as a monitor.
Goal show mode is an Apple resolution to make use of iMac as a monitor with one other Mac in a wired setup. It was a extremely popular function for years, however when Apple launched its Retina iMacs beginning in late 2014, assist was dropped.
The excellent news is even you probably have a contemporary Apple all-in-one (even the brand new M3 iMac) that doesn’t assist goal show mode, you’ll be able to nonetheless use iMac as a monitor with a wide range of choices. Let’s dig into the 5 finest options…
Use iMac as monitor: 5 options
Luna Show or Duet Show
To get the identical performance that focus on show mode presents with Mac to Mac (and even get PC to Mac and iPad to Mac) assist, Luna Show and Duet Show are two of the highest choices.
We’ve used each right here at 9to5Mac and have discovered them to be nice merchandise that see common updates.
Use iMac as a monitor with Sidecar
This, in fact, doesn’t provide Mac to Mac assist, however if you wish to use a more recent iMac as a monitor with an iPad, Sidecar is a superb free resolution. And it really works wired or wirelessly.
- On macOS Monterey or Ventura, click on Management Middle (two tablet icon) within the Menu Bar > Display screen Mirroring > select your iPad.
- As soon as linked, beneath System Preferences/Settings you’ll be able to select whether or not the Mac or iPad is the first show
Sidecar is constructed into Mac and iPad since macOS Catalina and iPadOS 13. Should you haven’t tried Sidecar earlier than, try our full information right here:
Pair iMac with an exterior monitor
This may appear apparent however one other alternative is to pair your iMac with an exterior monitor and select which one you wish to be the first show and secondary show.
For a better take a look at among the finest screens in the marketplace, try our guides:
And one inexpensive 32-inch 4K monitor that matches the M1 iMac aesthetic is Samsung’s M8 Sensible Monitor.
AirPlay to Mac
This function doesn’t work if you wish to prolong your iMac or iPad desktop area, however you’ll be able to mirror from iPhone, iPad, or iPod contact on to a more recent iMac or some other appropriate Mac.
Nevertheless, this does require a newer Mac. Study extra in our full information:
Goal show mode
Should you occur to have an previous iMac, you might be able to use goal show mode however it is going to additionally should be working macOS Excessive Sierra or earlier – similar for the secondary Mac. Right here’s what you’ll want to make use of iMac as monitor with the unique resolution.
Necessities per Apple for 2011-mid 2014 iMacs:
- iMac used as a show should have macOS Excessive Sierra or earlier put in.
- The opposite Mac that you just’re connecting it to should have been launched in 2019 or earlier and have macOS Catalina or earlier put in.
- The cable connecting the 2 Mac computer systems should be a Thunderbolt
or Thunderbolt 2 cable.
Necessities for 2009-2010 fashions to make use of iMac as monitor:
- iMac used as a show should have macOS Excessive Sierra or earlier put in.
- The opposite Mac that you just’re connecting it to should have been launched in 2019 or earlier and have macOS Catalina or earlier put in.
- The cable connecting the 2 Mac computer systems should be a Mini DisplayPort
cable.
If in case you have two Macs that meet these necessities, Apple says:
- Ensure that your iMac is on.
- Ensure that the opposite Mac is began up and logged in to a macOS consumer account.
- Join the 2 computer systems utilizing the suitable Mini DisplayPort or Thunderbolt cable.
You need to use multiple iMac as a show, if every iMac is utilizing a Thunderbolt cable to attach on to a Thunderbolt port on the different Mac (not the opposite iMac). - Press Command-F2 on the keyboard of the iMac. You need to now see the desktop of the opposite Mac.
- To exit goal show mode, press Command-F2 once more. Or disconnect the cable, or restart both Mac.
Thanks for studying our information on methods to use iMac as a monitor!
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