Dual Screen Q: Can I connect my MacBook Pro (OS X El Capitan 13-inch, late 2013) to my iMac (27-inch OS Catalina, Late 2015)?

Can I connect my MacBook Pro (OS X El Capitan 13-inch, late 2013) to my iMac (27-inch OS Catalina, Late 2015?


I purchased a Thunderbolt Cable (2m) and hit Command F2 but nothing is working. Do I need to use a different cable or HDMI?


Thanks for your help Apple community!



MacBook Pro 13″, OS X 10.11

Posted on Sep 19, 2021 9:23 AM

Reply
1 reply

Sep 19, 2021 9:30 AM in response to TAKESuccess

You do not have a cable issue; your have a "too new" issue. What you are trying is called Target Display Mode (TDM), a technology Apple have deprecated.


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


Only certain iMacs could be used as an external monitor for another Mac. A 2015 iMac is too new. A MacBook Pro could never act as a monitor for another Mac. TDM was limited to a sub-set of iMacs made between 2009 and Mid 2014.

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.

Dual Screen Q: Can I connect my MacBook Pro (OS X El Capitan 13-inch, late 2013) to my iMac (27-inch OS Catalina, Late 2015)?

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