To use your iMac as a monitor for your MacBook Pro M1, you can follow these steps:
1. Check compatibility: Make sure your iMac and MacBook Pro are compatible for using the iMac as a secondary display. This method requires your iMac to have a Thunderbolt or USB-C port.
2. Connect the cables: Use a Thunderbolt cable or USB-C cable to connect your MacBook Pro to your iMac. If your MacBook Pro has a Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) port, you can use a Thunderbolt 3 cable. If your MacBook Pro has a USB-C port, use a USB-C cable.
3. Enable Target Display Mode: On your iMac, press and hold the Command (⌘) and F2 keys together. This will activate Target Display Mode on your iMac, allowing it to function as a secondary display.
4. Check for Duet Display compatibility: If you have a newer iMac or MacBook Pro and the above steps don’t work, you can try using third-party software like Duet Display. Duet Display offers an app for both your iMac and MacBook Pro, allowing you to use your iMac as a secondary display.
5. Install and launch Duet Display: Download and install the Duet Display app on both your iMac and MacBook Pro from their website (https://www.duetdisplay.com/). Once installed, launch the app on both devices.
6. Connect your devices through Duet Display: Connect your MacBook Pro to your iMac using the Thunderbolt or USB-C cable. When Duet Display detects the iMac, the message will change from “Connect to Mac or PC” to “Launching Duet,” and you should see your primary Mac screen on the iMac display.
7. Adjust display settings: Once your iMac is functioning as a secondary display, you may want to adjust the display settings to fit your preferences. You can do this by going to System Preferences on your MacBook Pro and selecting the Displays option. From there, you can adjust the resolution, arrangement, and other display settings.
It’s worth noting that using your iMac as a secondary display may impact the performance of both devices, particularly if you’re running graphics-intensive tasks. Additionally, some features such as the Touch Bar on your MacBook Pro may not be available on the iMac display.
I hope these steps help you use your iMac as a monitor for your MacBook Pro M1. If you encounter any issues, it’s always a good idea to check the documentation or support resources provided by Apple or the software you are using.