Level 1

8 points

Connecting two Mac minis

I have a 2012 Mac mini and just recently bought the new m2 Mac mini. My question, is there a way to connect both Mac minis together to one monitor. The purpose in doing so is that I have an drawing app on my old Mac mini that is not available on my new Mac mini (since the macosx are different).

In other words can you be selective as to which Mac mini to boot up to while using one monitor?

Or is it better just to get another monitor and just treat them as two separate computers?

Posted on Feb 1, 2023 03:15 PM

Reply

Top-ranking reply

Level 10

88,684 points

Posted on Feb 1, 2023 03:54 PM

Connect the M2 Mac mini to the HP using an HDMI cable.

Connect the 2012 Mac mini to the display using either a Mini DisplayPort to DVI adapter and a DVI cable or a Mini DisplayPort to VGA adapter and a VGA cable.

Then just switch the displays input source between HDMI and DVI or VGA depending on which Mac mini you want to use.

View in context

Similar questions

7 replies

Top-ranking reply

Level 10

88,684 points

Feb 1, 2023 03:54 PM in response to jmsmbry

Connect the M2 Mac mini to the HP using an HDMI cable.

Connect the 2012 Mac mini to the display using either a Mini DisplayPort to DVI adapter and a DVI cable or a Mini DisplayPort to VGA adapter and a VGA cable.

Then just switch the displays input source between HDMI and DVI or VGA depending on which Mac mini you want to use.

Reply

Level 10

88,684 points

Feb 1, 2023 05:12 PM in response to jmsmbry

Yup’ either way should work.

If the M2 give you trouble going from HDMI to HDMI, then you may need to get a premium certified HDMI cable.

Reply

Level 10

88,684 points

Feb 1, 2023 03:30 PM in response to jmsmbry

What display (monitor) do you have and what inputs does it have?

Most displays have multiple inputs and you can switch from one input to the other.

For example: if the display has HDMI and VGA input, then you can hook up HDMI from the new Mac mini and VGA from the old Mac mini.

Reply

Level 1

8 points

Feb 1, 2023 04:01 PM in response to den.thed

Thanks sounds like an easy solution. I currently have the m2 connected to monitor with a dvi cable using a dvi to hdmi adapter at the computer.

I will connect old Mac mini that way and connect new m2 using a hdmi cable.

Reply

Level 10

423,845 points

Feb 1, 2023 03:19 PM in response to jmsmbry

You'd need a KVM switch that would fit both systems that are a decade apart.

https://www.google.com/search?q=kvm+switch

Reply

Level 1

8 points

Feb 1, 2023 03:24 PM in response to Limnos

Not familiar with these. How is it connected and can you easily switch between the two?

Reply

Level 1

8 points

Feb 1, 2023 03:40 PM in response to den.thed

I have a HP monitor and it has a HDMI, DVI and a VGA ports on the back

Reply

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

Connecting two Mac minis

Welcome to Apple Support Community

A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.

Learn more Sign up