If you want to use a second monitor with your Mac and you have an iMac lying around, here’s how to use the iMac as a second monitor.
Whether you have a MacBook or a desktop Mac, sometimes just one screen isn’t enough and you want to find a way to get a second screen working. The good news is that if you already have an iMac, this can be easy to use as you can use its display as a second monitor.
While iMacs are certainly more expensive than computer monitors, if you already have an iMac, you can save some extra money by not having to go out and buy a second monitor. Of course, no one is stopping you from buying an iMac over a second monitor, and you’ll get a second computer out of it, so it could definitely be a win-win situation there.
In any case, if you have a spare iMac and need a second display, here’s how to use the iMac as a second monitor.
Using iMac as Second Monitor
You might be surprised at this, but since Apple has tools built into OS X and officially supports an iMac to be used as a second monitor, no third-party software or special tricks are needed to make this happen.
The feature is called Target Display Mode, and it lets you use the built-in display on one iMac as an external display for another Mac.
There are a few requirements you will need before doing this. First off, your iMac must be at least a late 2009 model. It’s something older and unfortunately doesn’t work. Additionally, Apple states that the Retina 5K iMac and newer cannot be officially used as secondary monitors.
If your iMac fits within your budget, your MacBook or other Mac that will have your primary display will need a Mini DisplayPort or Thunderbolt port.
Thunderbolt and Mini DisplayPorts are the same and can be used interchangeably.
Finally, there is also a lightning cable or a Mini DisplayPort to Mini DisplayPort cable.
The first thing you’ll want to do is connect the Mini DisplayPort or Thunderbolt cable between your primary Mac and your iMac. From there, turn on both computers and then press Cmd+F2 on the keyboard of the iMac you want to use as your second monitor. This will turn your iMac’s display into a second monitor for your primary Mac.
When you’re done, you can press Cmd+F2 again to close the second screen. You can also unplug the cable between the two Macs.
If you want to adjust the settings for your second monitor, you can enter and select .
Note that when you enable Target Display Mode, any app or folder you open on the iMac will remain open. Also, if you start playing music in iTunes, it will continue to play even when you enable Target Display Mode.
Finally, it’s that simple to use an iMac as a second display. It makes the iMac much more versatile and useful not only as the computer itself, but also as a spare second monitor when you need it.
