Can I use my 2011 iMac as a monitor on my new Macbook Pro (Monterey)?

I just upgraded my last Macbook Pro to an M1 model running Monterey but it appears Apple are trying to outlaw the connection I used to have to my iMac so I can use it as a second monitor, which i only do while working from home, it's still my family's workhorse PC the rest of the time.


If, as I understand it, Target Display Mode has been disabled through thunderbolt, I heard that an Airplay connection could work but I can't get the option to come up (pressing option doesn't change the Night Shift button, and it's not visible on control centre either, despite being airplay ready and on the same network and signed in to the same icloud account).


Is there any way to return my set up to this basic functionality? Seems a clear and blatant contravention of tech industry's stated objectives about keeping old tech functional and repairable.


Arguments that it would save energy to buy a monitor (and presumably throw away my perfectly good machine) are ridiculous as any environmentalist would tell you. My preferred option, if Apple really have blocked all the possible connections (WHY?!), will be to return my M1 and go back to older laptop. I can make it work for at least another 3 years or until the iMac finally dies, at which point I'd continue my gradual and reluctant move away from Apple. But it's not too late Tim.

Posted on Jul 4, 2022 1:58 PM

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Posted on Jul 5, 2022 5:22 AM

Gregster wrote:

But my set up is not behaving the way the AirPlay statement above indicates. Both machines are set to 'Everyone', and on the same network anyway. Is there anything I can try?

FWIW, AirPlay Mac-to-Mac requires both Macs are running Monterey. A 2011 iMac cannot run Monterey.

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6 replies

Jul 4, 2022 2:27 PM in response to Gregster

Target Display Mode was discontinued years ago.

It has since been replaced by AirPlay to Mac. Apple continues to offer a way to use an iMac or other Mac as a screen, but it requires specific hardware.


AirPlay to Mac is available on MacBook Pro (2018 and later), MacBook Air (2018 and later), iMac (2019 and later), iMac Pro (2017), Mac mini (2020 and later), and Mac Pro (2019) and works with iPhone 7 and later. Older models may share content at a lower resolution to supported Mac models when “Allow AirPlay for” is set to “Everyone” or “Anyone on the same network” in Sharing preferences on Mac.


Apple will likely not return to Target Display mode mostly because, most Macs now have a resolution that far exceeds the Mac resolution those Target Display compatible Macs can actually display, so there's little point in maintaining something where you will be very restricted visually.


As mentioned, this is a user to user forum. Threats of moving away from Apple, do not work here. You are free to select whatever device fits your needs. Do note however, I don't recall any native feature in Windows were one can use one Windows PC as a screen for another Windows PC via Thunderbolt or any other cable. Windows 10 and 11 offer a wireless alternative but it requires hardware that supports Miracast.




Jul 5, 2022 1:34 AM in response to Phil0124

OK - Point taken. I'll save the vitiol and disappointment.

My question is simply is there another way (instead of sending my M1 back) to keep using my 2011 iMac for second screen work? Buying another screen is not an option because a) it would blow the budget and B) I've nowhere to put it, as the iMac is in day-to-day use.


Sounds like Target Dispaly Mode is out.


But my set up is not behaving the way the AirPlay statement above indicates. Both machines are set to 'Everyone', and on the same network anyway. Is there anything I can try?

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Can I use my 2011 iMac as a monitor on my new Macbook Pro (Monterey)?

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