You can use your iMac as an external monitor for your Mac or other devices using a feature called Target Display Mode. However, it’s important to note that Target Display Mode is only available on certain iMac models.
To use Target Display Mode, you’ll need a Thunderbolt or Mini DisplayPort cable to connect your Mac to the iMac. Here’s how you can set it up:
1. Make sure both your iMac and Mac are turned on and awake.
2. Connect one end of the Thunderbolt or Mini DisplayPort cable to the Thunderbolt or Mini DisplayPort port on your iMac.
3. Connect the other end of the cable to the Thunderbolt or Mini DisplayPort port on your Mac.
4. Press Command + F2 on your iMac’s keyboard to enter Target Display Mode. Alternatively, you can go to System Preferences on your iMac, click on “Displays,” and then click on the “Detect Displays” button while holding down the Option key.
5. Your iMac’s screen should now become an external display for your Mac. You can use your Mac as normal, and the iMac will function solely as a monitor.
It’s worth mentioning that Target Display Mode only works when connecting a Mac to an iMac. It doesn’t support connecting other devices like game consoles or PCs. Additionally, not all iMac models support Target Display Mode, so make sure to check if your specific model is compatible.
If you have a newer Mac and iPad, you can also use a feature called Sidecar to extend or mirror your Mac’s display to your iPad. This allows you to use your iPad as a second monitor wirelessly or wired, depending on your setup.
To use Sidecar, make sure your Mac and iPad are running macOS Catalina or later and iPadOS 13 or later. Then, follow these steps:
1. On your Mac, click on the Control Center icon in the Menu Bar (it looks like two pill-shaped icons).
2. In the Control Center, click on the “Screen Mirroring” button.
3. Choose your iPad from the list of available devices.
4. Your Mac’s display will now be mirrored on your iPad. You can use your iPad as a second monitor or extension of your Mac’s screen.
Using Sidecar can be a convenient way to have an extra display without needing additional cables or adapters. It’s especially useful for tasks like multitasking, drawing, or accessing specific apps on your iPad while working on your Mac.
You can use your iMac as an external monitor for your Mac using Target Display Mode, but make sure your iMac model supports this feature. Alternatively, you can use Sidecar to extend or mirror your Mac’s display to your iPad, providing a wireless or wired second monitor solution.