I’m not sure how old this iMac is but here’s what the ports look like on the back. Thanks for your help everyone
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Wait, is that… popcorn in the Ethernet port? Lol
Kaius said:
Wait, is that… popcorn in the Ethernet port? Lol
Nope, paper. Thanks to toddlers!
Kaius said:
Wait, is that… popcorn in the Ethernet port? Lol
I think Target Display Mode only works on iMacs with MiniDisplay or Thunderbolt. Your iMac might be too old for that. You can check under ‘About this Mac’ for your model, or find the serial number on the bottom and use it on this support page support.apple.com. Here’s a list of iMacs that do support it:
- 24-inch and 27-inch iMacs from 2009
- 2010 models
- iMacs from 2011 to 2014
@Eli
No 4K or 5K iMacs from 2014 work with this. Also, no 24 inch from 2010, and late 2009 or 2010 21.5-inch models aren’t supported.
What are you trying to do? Transfer files? Use the iMac as a screen? Or something else?
Addison said:
What are you trying to do? Transfer files? Use the iMac as a screen? Or something else?
I want to use it as a second screen.
Addison said:
What are you trying to do? Transfer files? Use the iMac as a screen? Or something else?
I want to use it as a second screen.
It probably won’t work. You didn’t mention how old your MacBook Air is, and the operating system can be picky about versions. Even if it works, it’s not great. I tried it once, and the screen was blurry. Here’s a link for more info: Use your iMac as a display with target display mode - Apple Support (CA)
@Hollis
The age of the MacBook Air doesn’t really matter.
Whitney said:
@Hollis
The age of the MacBook Air doesn’t really matter.
It does if it’s an Apple silicon MacBook Air.
Addison said:
What are you trying to do? Transfer files? Use the iMac as a screen? Or something else?
I want to use it as a second screen.
Yeah, it won’t work.
Looking at the ports, other than USB, you’ve got FireWire 400 and 800 ports and a Mini DVI display port. If you want to use it as a monitor, it’s not possible. Only iMacs with MiniDisplayPort support that.
@Zuri
Those FireWire ports are 400 and 800.
The mini one showed up on old Sony camcorders.
Your iMac is too old to be used as a monitor. You might be able to use a network solution like VNC, but the quality won’t be great.
Your iMac is really old.
FireWire 400 and 800? Haven’t seen those in a long time!
Nico said:
FireWire 400 and 800? Haven’t seen those in a long time!
I still use them on my old Mac mini from 2010.
Your iMac is too old for Target Display Mode. That only worked on the 2009 and 2010 27-inch iMacs and non-4K/5K iMacs from 2011 to 2014. You don’t have the right port either, just a mini DVI.