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Using your iMac as a monitor depends heavily on the model you have. Apple offers native options like AirPlay and Target Display Mode for specific machines, while newer models and Windows PCs will require hardware capture cards or software workarounds.
To use an iMac as an external monitor, the method depends on your device models. For most recent setups, you can use Apple’s built-in AirPlay to Mac feature. For older iMacs, you can use Target Display Mode with a physical cable.
Here are the specific ways to do it, from the most modern wireless methods to older hardware solutions:
Key Takeaways
- Older iMacs from 2009–2015 support Target Display Mode, allowing them to work as external monitors for another Mac.
- To activate Target Display Mode, connect the Macs with the correct cable and press Command (⌘) + F2 on the iMac.
- iMac models from 2017 onward, including Apple Silicon (M1, M2, M3, and M4) iMacs, do not support Target Display Mode.
- Modern Macs can use AirPlay to Mac to wirelessly extend or mirror displays between compatible devices.
- Screen Sharing offers an alternative for newer iMacs but is better suited to remote access than high-performance display use.
- Sidecar lets you use an iPad as a second display for supported Macs.
- An iMac cannot be used as a direct monitor for a Windows PC through Target Display Mode.
Pro Tip
Before buying adapters or cables, check your iMac’s model year. If it’s 2017 or newer, Target Display Mode won’t work, and you’ll need to use AirPlay, Screen Sharing, Sidecar, or a dedicated external monitor instead.
Which iMac Models Support Target Display Mode?
Target Display Mode is not available on all iMac models. Apple removed this feature after 2014. Here is a complete list of compatible models:
| iMac Model | Compatible? | Cable Needed |
|---|---|---|
| iMac 27-inch (2011–2014) | YES — fully compatible | Thunderbolt cable |
| iMac 21.5-inch (2011–2014) | YES — compatible | Thunderbolt cable |
| iMac 2015 and newer | NO — not supported | Not applicable |
| iMac Pro (all models) | NO — not supported | Not applicable |
| iMac M1, M2, M3, M4 | NO — not supported | Not applicable |
If your iMac is from 2015 or newer, Target Display Mode is not available. Apple has not added this feature to any iMac since 2014. If you need an external display solution for a newer iMac, you will need a separate monitor.
What Is Target Display Mode?
Target Display Mode is Apple’s feature that lets you use your iMac’s screen as an external monitor for another Mac. Think of it like turning your iMac into a big, beautiful display that another computer can use. However, this feature was removed from newer iMacs. So the first thing to check is whether your iMac actually supports it.
Target Display Mode Setup Guide
1. The Modern Way: AirPlay to Mac
How to do it:
- On your primary device, go to Control Center and select Screen Mirroring.
- Choose your iMac from the list.
- Your iMac will instantly become a secondary monitor. You can use AirPlay settings to either mirror your screen or use it as an Extended Display.
2. The Traditional Way: Target Display Mode
How to do it:
- Turn on both computers and ensure they are connected via a compatible Thunderbolt or Mini DisplayPort cable.
- Press Command + F2 (or Command + Fn + F2) on the iMac’s keyboard.
- The iMac will shift its display to show the connected device.
3. The Universal Way: Third-Party Software (Mac & PC)
How to do it:
- Install the software on both your primary machine (Mac or PC) and your iMac.
- Connect both computers using your local Wi-Fi network or by plugging them directly together with a USB cable for better performance.
- Configure the settings within the application to “Extend” your desktop.
4. Hardware Route: Video Capture Cards (PC to iMac)
How to do it:
- Connect your PC’s HDMI out to the capture card’s input.
- Plug the capture card’s USB end into your iMac.
- Open a camera viewer or streaming software (like OBS) on the iMac to view the PC’s feed in a window, or take the feed full-screen.
Which iMacs Support Target Display Mode?
| iMac Year | Supports Target Display Mode? |
| iMac (2009) | Yes — with Mini DisplayPort |
| iMac (2010) | Yes — with Mini DisplayPort |
| iMac (2011) | Yes — with Thunderbolt |
| iMac (2012) | Yes — with Thunderbolt |
| iMac (2013) | Yes — with Thunderbolt 2 |
| iMac (2014) | Yes — with Thunderbolt 2 |
| iMac (2015) | Yes — with Thunderbolt 2 |
| iMac (2017 and later) | No — Target Display Mode removed |
| iMac with M1, M2, M3 | No — not supported |
If your iMac is from 2017 or newer, Apple has removed Target Display Mode completely. There is no workaround for this.
Option 1: Use Target Display Mode (iMac 2009–2015)
If you have a compatible older iMac, here’s how to set it up.
What You’ll Need
An iMac from 2009–2015 (the one acting as the monitor). A second Mac to connect to it (the “source” computer)
The right cable:
- Both Macs have Thunderbolt 2 → use a Thunderbolt 2 cable
- One has Mini DisplayPort, one has Thunderbolt → use a Mini DisplayPort to Thunderbolt cable
- Newer Mac with USB-C/Thunderbolt 3 → use a Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 adapter plus a Thunderbolt 2 cable
Steps to Set Up Target Display Mode
- Step 1: Make sure both Macs are turned on and logged in.
- Step 2: Connect the two Macs using the correct cable (see above).
- Step 3: On the iMac you want to use as a monitor, press Command (⌘) + F2.
- The iMac’s screen will switch to show the other Mac’s display. Your iMac is now acting as a monitor.
- Step 4: To exit Target Display Mode and return to normal, press Command (⌘) + F2 again.
Troubleshooting
- If Command + F2 doesn’t work, try Command + Fn + F2
- Make sure both Macs are fully awake (not in sleep mode)
- Check the cable is firmly connected at both ends
- Both Macs need to be running macOS (this doesn’t work with Windows)
Option 2: For Newer iMacs (2017 and Later) — What Are Your Options?
Apple removed Target Display Mode from newer iMacs. But you’re not completely stuck. Here are some alternatives.
Option A: Use Screen Sharing
macOS has a built-in Screen Sharing feature that lets you view and control another Mac’s screen over your Wi-Fi network.
- On the iMac, go to System Settings > General > Sharing
- Turn on Screen Sharing
- On the other Mac, open Finder
- Click Network in the left sidebar
- Find your iMac and click Share Screen
This is useful for remote access, but the image quality is lower than a direct connection. It’s good for light tasks, not for design or video work.
Option B: Use an External Monitor Instead
If you need a high-quality second screen for your Mac, the simplest solution is a proper external monitor. Many UK shops sell good monitors from £100–£400 that connect via USB-C or HDMI.
Alternatively, if you need screens for an event or temporary office setup: Hire touch screen monitors and displays: Hire Tablets UK – Touch Screen Monitor Rental — delivered to your venue anywhere in the UK.
Option C: Use Sidecar (iPad as Second Screen)
If you have an iPad as well as a newer iMac, Apple’s Sidecar feature lets you use the iPad as a second screen.
- Make sure your iPad and iMac are signed in to the same Apple ID
- On your iMac, click the Control Centre icon in the menu bar
- Click Display
- Under “Mirror or Extend To,” select your iPad
Your iPad’s screen will now show as an extended display for your iMac. Works well for notes, reference materials, or extra tools.
How to Use an iMac as a Monitor for a Windows PC
Unfortunately, you cannot use an iMac as a monitor for a Windows PC. Target Display Mode only works between two Macs. Windows computers are not compatible with this feature.
Your options for Windows users:
- Buy a separate external monitor
- Hire a display for events (Hire Tablets UK Touch Screen Rental)
- Use screen-sharing software like AnyDesk or TeamViewer to view the Windows screen on your iMac (though this is software-based and uses your network)
Setting Up Multiple Displays on a Mac
If you’ve successfully connected your iMac as a second display (or added an external monitor), here’s how to arrange everything nicely.
- Go to System Settings > Displays
- You’ll see both screens shown as rectangles
- Drag them into the position that matches your physical desk setup
- Choose whether to Mirror Displays (both show the same thing) or Extended Desktop (different content on each screen)
For most people, Extended Desktop is more useful — it gives you more workspace.
Is Your iMac Being Used to Its Full Potential?
If you’re using an older iMac just as a display, you might want to consider whether it still serves your needs. Modern iMacs with M-series chips are significantly faster and more capable.
For events, exhibitions, or product demonstrations, iMac hire can be a smart option: Need iMacs for an event? Check out our Audio Visual Rental page or contact Hire Tablets UK for a custom quote.
Rent Tech Devices for Business Events and Professional Use
Summary
Using an iMac as a monitor is possible, but only for iMac models from 2009 to 2015, using Apple’s Target Display Mode. Press Command + F2 to activate it. For newer iMacs, use Screen Sharing or consider adding a dedicated external monitor or iPad via Sidecar.
Windows users cannot use an iMac as a display at all.bIf you need screens, monitors, or Apple equipment for events and businesses across the UK, Hire Tablets UK is here to help.
Need display screens or iMacs for your event? Hire Tablets UK offers touch screen monitors, audio-visual equipment, and more, delivered across the UK.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my iMac as an external monitor?
Yes, but only if your iMac was made between 2011 and 2014. Apple’s Target Display Mode feature, which allows the iMac to act as an external monitor, was removed after 2014. iMac models from 2015 onwards, including all M1, M2, M3, and M4 iMacs, cannot be used as an external display.
What cable do I need to use my iMac as a monitor?
You need a Thunderbolt cable (also called a Mini DisplayPort cable for older Macs). Connect this from the Thunderbolt port on the Mac you want to use as the input source to the Thunderbolt port on your iMac (which will act as the display).
How do I activate Target Display Mode on my iMac?
Once you have connected the Thunderbolt cable between the two Macs, press Command + F2 on the keyboard of the iMac you want to use as a display. The iMac screen will switch to showing the other Mac’s display. Press Command + F2 again to switch back.
Does Target Display Mode work with Windows PC?
No. Target Display Mode only works between two Apple Mac computers. You cannot use a compatible iMac as a monitor for a Windows PC, Linux computer, or any non-Apple device.
My iMac is from 2017 — can I use it as a second screen?
Not with Target Display Mode. You can use Screen Sharing over Wi-Fi, or use your iPad as a second screen via Sidecar.
Does Target Display Mode affect the iMac’s performance?
When in Target Display Mode, the iMac’s processor is not being used (it’s just acting as a screen). The performance of your source computer is what matters.
Can I use the iMac keyboard and mouse when it’s in Target Display Mode?
Yes. The keyboard and mouse/trackpad connected to the iMac can be used to control the source Mac while in Target Display Mode.
Can I rent an iMac in the UK for events or short-term projects?
Yes. Hire Tablets UK offers iMac rental across the UK for events, exhibitions, conferences, and short-term business projects. All devices are delivered ready to use. Visit hiretablets.co.uk/imac-rental for more details.