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Target Display Mode

Hi I have an iMac mid 2011 21.5" and a macbook pro 2020. I am trying to use my iMac as a second display using command+f2 for target display mode, but it just makes an error sound. I have a thunderbolt 2 cable and an adapter for thunderbolt 3 to thunderbolt 2. I don't have an original keyboard, but i have modified the keys, so I can confirm the command button works.

  • My iMac is OS 10.11.6 and MacbookPro is 10.15.6
  • I have tried resetting pram
  • I have done a hardware test and have no problems
  • I have unplugged everything and plugged back in after a few mins
  • I do not have the checkbox on keyboard preferences for "Use all F1, F2, etc. keys as standard functions keys" so I don't need to click fn
  • I have tried installing virtual kvm but it says Ready to accept connections.
  • I have tried installing typeeto and using my macbook pro as a bluetooth keyboard to run command+f2 but get same error sound.
  • Both macs are up to date.
  • Yes I am logged in to both devices and they are both plugged in.
  • On System information, on thunderbolt it says no devices connected:

Thunderbolt Bus:

Vendor Name: Apple Inc.

Device Name: iMac

UID: 0x0001000A1BA67DC0

Route String: 0

Firmware Version: 25.1

Domain UUID: 67E2BD46-7F5A-2E55-9ED5-D191FD5B79DB

Port:

Status: No device connected

Link Status: 0x7

Speed: Up to 10 Gb/s x2

Receptacle: 1

Port Micro Firmware Version: 2.1.3


  • I have tried connecting the iMac to my macbook air using the regular thunderbolt 2 cable, but still same issue.


I really don't know what else to try. I have also spoken to apple support on the chat service, but I had already done everything they had suggested.

iMac 21.5″, OS X 10.11

Posted on Sep 15, 2020 4:11 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Sep 15, 2020 7:32 PM

The 2020 MacBook Pro does not support Target Display Mode with a Thunderbolt iMac.

Use your iMac as a display with target display mode - Apple Support

"You can connect any of these older iMac models to another Mac from 2019 or earlier for use as an external display."

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