Target Display Mode

Use your iMac as a display with Target Display Mode

Target Display Mode lets you use the built-in display on a supported iMac as an external display for another Mac.

imac-target-display-mode-hero.jpg

To use your iMac as a display in Target Display Mode, connect it to another Mac using the correct cable (see System Requirements below). Then press Command-F2 on the keyboard connected to your iMac. When you're done, press Command-F2 again.

System Requirements

You need the following to use Target Display Mode:

See the list below for iMac models that support Target Display Mode, the type of cable you need to connect that model of iMac, and the kind of port you need on your other Mac.

The following older iMac models can be used as an external display when plugged into another older Mac model.

iMac models introduced in 2011, 2012, 2013, and mid 2014

To use any of these iMac models as an external display:

  • The iMac used as a display must have macOS High Sierra or earlier installed.

  • The other Mac that you're connecting it to must have been introduced in 2019 or earlier and have macOS Catalina or earlier installed.

  • The cable connecting the two Mac computers must be a Thunderbolt  or Thunderbolt 2  cable.

24-inch and 27-inch iMac models introduced in 2009 and 2010

To use any of these iMac models as an external display:

  • The iMac used as a display must have macOS High Sierra or earlier installed.

  • The other Mac that you're connecting it to must have been introduced in 2019 or earlier and have macOS Catalina or earlier installed.

  • The cable connecting the two Mac computers must be a Mini DisplayPort  cable.

Mac notebook power adapters

Find the right power adapter and cable for your Mac notebook

Learn which power adapter, cable, and plug works with your Mac notebook computer.

Power adapters for Mac notebooks are available in 29W, 30W, 45W, 60W, 61W, 85W, and 87W varieties. You should use the appropriate wattage power adapter for your Mac notebook. You can use a compatible higher wattage adapter without issue, but it won't make your computer charge faster or operate differently. Lower wattage adapters don't provide enough power.

MagSafe power adapters have three pieces: Connector and adapter, AC cable, and the AC plug, or "duckhead."

MacBook (2015 and later) comes with an Apple 29W or 30W USB-C Power Adapter with duckhead and a USB-C Charge Cable. MacBook Pro (2016 and later) comes with an Apple 61W or 87W USB-C Power Adapter with duckhead and a USB-C Charge Cable.

The images below show the style of adapter that comes with each MacBook, MacBook Pro, and MacBook Air. If you're not sure which model Mac you have, use these articles:

USB-C

MagSafe 2

MagSafe

USB-C

    

Apple 29W or 30W USB-C Power Adapter and USB-C Charge Cable

  • MacBook (2015 and later)

Apple 61W USB-C Power Adapter and USB-C Charge Cable

  • MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2017, Four Thunderbolt 3 Ports)

  • MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2017, Two Thunderbolt 3 Ports)

  • MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2016, Four Thunderbolt 3 Ports)

  • MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2016, Two Thunderbolt 3 Ports)

Apple 87W USB-C Power Adapter and USB-C Charge Cable

  • MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2017)

  • MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2016)

Make sure you're using the correct USB-C charge cable

You can verify that you're using the correct version of the Apple USB-C Charge Cable with your Mac notebook and its USB-C AC Adapter.

The cable's serial number is printed on its external housing, next to the words "Designed by Apple in California. Assembled in China."

  • If the first three characters of the serial number are C4M or FL4, the cable is for use with the Apple 29W or 30W USB-C Power Adapter.

  • If the first three characters of the serial number are DLC or CTC, the cable is for use with the Apple 61W or 87W USB-C Power Adapter.

  • If the cable says "Designed by Apple in California. Assembled in China" but has no serial number, you might be eligible for a replacement USB-C charge cable.

MagSafe 2

    

85W MagSafe power adapter with MagSafe 2 style connector

  • MacBook Pro (Retina, 15 inch, Mid 2015)

  • MacBook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, Mid 2014)

  • MacBook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, Late 2013)

  • Macbook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, Early 2013)

  • MacBook Pro (Retina, Mid 2012)

60W MagSafe power adapter with MagSafe 2 style connector

  • MacBook Pro (Retina, 13-inch, Early 2015)

  • MacBook Pro (Retina, 13-inch, Mid 2014)

  • MacBook Pro (Retina, 13-inch, Late 2013)

  • MacBook Pro (Retina, 13-inch, Early 2013)

  • MacBook Pro (Retina, 13-inch, Late 2012)

45W MagSafe power adapter with MagSafe 2 style connector

  • MacBook Air (13-inch, 2017)

  • MacBook Air (11-inch, Early 2015)

  • MacBook Air (13-inch, Early 2015)

  • MacBook Air (11-inch, Early 2014)

  • MacBook Air (13-inch, Early 2014)

  • MacBook Air (11-inch, Mid 2013)

  • MacBook Air (13-inch, Mid 2013)

  • MacBook Air (11-inch, Mid 2012)

  • MacBook Air (13-inch, Mid 2012)


About the MagSafe to MagSafe 2 Converter

If you have an older MagSafe adapter, you can use it with newer Mac computers that have MagSafe 2 ports using a MagSafe to MagSafe 2 Converter (shown).

MagSafe "L" and "T" shaped adapters 

     

60W MagSafe power adapter with "T" style connector

  • MacBook Pro (13-inch, Mid 2009)

  • MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2.53GHz, Mid 2009)

  • MacBook (13-inch, Mid 2009)

  • MacBook (13-inch, Early 2009)

  • MacBook (13-inch, Aluminum, Late 2008)

  • MacBook (13-inch, Late 2008)

  • MacBook (13-inch, Early 2008)

  • MacBook (13-inch, Late 2007)

  • MacBook (13-inch, Mid 2007)

  • MacBook (13-inch, Late 2006) 

  • MacBook (13-inch)

60W MagSafe power adapter with "L" style connector

  • MacBook Pro (13-inch, Mid 2012)

  • MacBook Pro (13-inch, Late 2011)

  • MacBook Pro (13-inch, Early 2011)

  • MacBook Pro (13-inch, Mid 2010)

  • MacBook (13-inch, Mid 2010)

  • MacBook (13-inch, Late 2009)

85W MagSafe power adapter with "T" style connector

  • MacBook Pro (15-inch Mid 2009)

  • MacBook Pro (17-inch Mid 2009)

  • MacBook Pro (17-inch Early 2009)

  • MacBook Pro (15-inch Late 2008)

  • MacBook Pro (17-inch Late 2008)

  • MacBook Pro (15-inch Early 2008)

  • MacBook Pro (17-inch Early 2008)

  • MacBook Pro (15-inch 2.4/2.2GHz)

  • MacBook Pro (17-inch 2.4GHz)

  • MacBook Pro (15-inch Core 2 Duo)

  • MacBook Pro (17-inch Core 2 Duo)

  • MacBook Pro (15-inch Glossy)

  • MacBook Pro (17-inch)

  • MacBook Pro

85W MagSafe power adapter with "L" style connector

  • MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2012)

  • MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2011)

  • MacBook Pro (17-inch, Late 2011)

  • MacBook Pro (15-inch, Early 2011)

  • MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2011)

  • MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2010)

  • MacBook Pro (17-inch, Mid 2010)

45W MagSafe power adapter with "L" style connector

  • MacBook Air (13-inch, Mid 2011)

  • MacBook Air (11-inch, Mid 2011)

  • MacBook Air (13-inch, Late 2010)

  • MacBook Air (11-inch, Late 2010)

  • MacBook Air (Mid 2009)*

  • MacBook Air (Late 2008)*

  • MacBook Air (Original)*

*Adapters that shipped with the MacBook Air (Original), MacBook Air (Late 2008), and MacBook Air (Mid 2009) are not recommended for use with MacBook Air (Late 2010) models. When possible, use your computer's original adapter or a newer adapter.

Learn more

You can get extra or replacement adapters with AC cord and plug at the Apple Online Store (links below), an Apple Reseller, or an Apple Store.

A replacement adapter might not be the same size, color, shape, or wattage as the original adapter that came with your computer. But it should power and charge your Mac like the adapter that originally came with your computer. 

If you need help using your MagSafe adapter, see Apple Portables: Troubleshooting power adapters.

If you're looking for a PowerPC-based power adapter, see PowerPC-based Apple Portables: Identifying the right power adapter and power cord.

Published Date: June 4, 2018