How to Use Your iMac as a Monitor: Expanding Workspaces in 2025

The versatility of Apple’s product line continues to impress, and one standout feature is the ability to use an iMac as an external display. This guide will walk you through how to use your iMac as a monitor. Whether your main device is a laptop or another desktop, you’ll learn what’s required for the setup, follow a step-by-step process, and pick up helpful tips and key considerations. Begin the transformation today and experience a new way to elevate your digital routine—enjoying larger-screen viewing while boosting productivity.

What You’ll Need to Turn Your iMac into a Monitor

To use your iMac as a monitor, first ensure that it’s running MacOS High Sierra or an earlier version. You’ll also need to confirm that the specific iMac model you intend to use has special cables and adapters, which enable the device to receive data input and function as a display. In addition, you may need to install the required software and gather a few essential accessories. Below are some commonly required cables and adapters often used:

Cables

The type of cable you’ll need depends on the input available on the device you’re connecting and the output supported by your iMac. Here are a few frequently used options:

• Thunderbolt Cable– A must-have for iMacs with Thunderbolt ports, allowing reliable and seamless connections across Apple devices.
• Mini DisplayPort Cable– Designed for iMacs with Mini DisplayPort, this cable delivers smooth, high-resolution video transmission.
• USB-C Cable– By using a USB-C cable, you can also easily connect your iMac to a compatible source device.

Embrace the power of Thunderbolt 4 with the Anker USB-C to USB-C Thunderbolt 4 100 W Cable (2.3 ft). It delivers up to 100 W of power and ultra-fast data transfer speeds of up to 40 Gbps—ideal for rapid file transfers and powering high-demand devices.

Adapters

If your source device features an output different from Thunderbolt or Mini DisplayPort, you’ll need an adapter to convert the signal. Here are some widely used options:

• HDMI to Thunderbolt/Mini DisplayPort adapter– Used to connect devices with HDMI output to your iMac.
• DisplayPort to Thunderbolt/Mini DisplayPort adapter– Suitable for connecting equipment that features a DisplayPort output to iMac.
• USB-C to Thunderbolt/Mini DisplayPort adapter– Essential for linking modern devices with USB-C output to your iMac. The Anker 518 USB-C Adapter (8K HDMI) elevates your viewing setup by supporting resolutions up to 8K at 60Hz or 4K at 144Hz, enabling seamless screen mirroring or extension. With broad compatibility for USB-C devices that support DisplayPort Alt Mode, it provides a straightforward connection to your iMac.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using Your iMac as a Monitor

Repurposing your iMac as a secondary display is an excellent way to enhance your workspace efficiency. Follow these step-by-step instructions to set up your iMac as an external monitor with ease:

Connect the Cable or HDMI Adapter

To begin the process of using your iMac as a monitor for another device, you will require either a Mini DisplayPort cable or a suitable HDMI adapter. Identify the “output” port on the source device you wish to connect. Depending on the model of your iMac and the device you want to connect, you may need a Mini DisplayPort to Mini DisplayPort cable, a Mini DisplayPort to HDMI adapter cable, or a USB-C to HDMI adapter. Once the appropriate cable or adapter has been selected, connect one end to the source device’s output and the other to the Thunderbolt (or appropriate) port on your iMac.

Enable Target Display Mode

After establishing a connection, you will need to activate Target Display Mode on your iMac. This is done by pressing “Command” + “F2” on the iMac’s keyboard. Once enabled, your iMac will begin functioning as a display for the connected device. If the screen does not switch over immediately, ensure that both devices are powered on and that all cable connections are properly secured.

Adjust Display Settings

For the best viewing experience, you may need to fine-tune your display settings. On the connected device, access the display settings menu. The location of this menu may vary depending on the operating system—on a Mac, navigate to System Preferences; on a Windows PC, go to Display Settings. Adjust the resolution to match your iMac’s native resolution or select the highest available. You may also want to customise additional settings such as brightness, contrast, and screen orientation. Your iMac is now ready to be used as a fully functional secondary display.

Tips and Considerations

Using your iMac as an external monitor can be a practical way to repurpose older hardware, but it’s important to be aware of certain technical requirements and limitations. Here are a few key points to keep in mind before getting started:

1. iMac Compatibility:Bear in mind that only iMac models released between 2009 and 2014 support Target Display Mode. Models with Thunderbolt ports (2011–2014) only support Target Display Mode with other Thunderbolt-enabled devices.
2. Selecting the Correct Cable and Adapter:Ensure you choose the correct cable and adapter based on the ports available on your device and the iMac model in use (Mini DisplayPort or Thunderbolt).
3. Video and Audio Output:iMacs equipped with Mini DisplayPort or Thunderbolt 1/2 can generally transmit both video and audio. However, certain adapters may only support video. Always review the specifications of your adapter to confirm functionality.
4. Keyboard Usage:Target Display Mode can also be activated using an external keyboard by pressing the designated function key (usually F2 or a display key, depending on the keyboard layout).
5. Exiting Target Display Mode:To exit this mode, press Command + F2 again, or simply power off the connected device.
6. Performance Note:Using your iMac as an external display may result in performance limitations, such as input lag, compared to dedicated monitors. Keep this in mind if you're planning to use the iMac for gaming or other tasks that demand low latency.

Conclusion

In conclusion, you can now unlock the full potential of your iMac by effortlessly turning it into a stunning external display. By following our detailed, step-by-step guide on how to use iMac as a monitor, the entire process becomes straightforward and accessible. Practical tips and key considerations will empower you to make the most informed choices.. Whether for work, study, or entertainment, enhancing your productivity and workspace aesthetics is just a step away — transforming your iMac into a secondary monitor has never been easier.

FAQ

Here are a few commonly asked questions about using iMac as a monitor.

How can I wirelessly use my iMac as a second monitor?

You can wirelessly use your iMac as a second display by utilising Apple’s built-in feature called AirPlay. Make sure that both your iMac and the main device (whether a MacBook, iPhone, or iPad) are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. On your primary device, open Control Centre and select Screen Mirroring. Your iMac should appear in the list of available devices. Select it, and your iMac will mirror or extend the display from your main device.

Is it possible to use an old iMac as a second monitor?

Yes, it is — provided your old iMac and your main Mac are compatible. iMacs manufactured between 2009 and 2014 support Target Display Mode, which allows certain models to act as external displays. All you need is a compatible cable (Thunderbolt or Mini DisplayPort) and then press Command + F2 on the iMac you wish to use as the monitor.

Which Mac models include Target Display Mode?

Target Display Mode is available on select iMac models produced between 2009 and 2014. This includes the iMac (27-inch, Late 2009), iMac (27-inch, Mid 2010), and iMacs from Mid 2011 to Mid 2014. Please note that this feature is not available on newer iMac models released after 2014 due to the introduction of Retina displays.

Can I use the new 24-inch iMac as an external display?

Unfortunately, no. The latest 24-inch iMac models do not support Target Display Mode, as Apple has officially discontinued this feature. If you're looking to use an iMac as a second screen, third-party solutions like Luna Display or Duet Display may offer an alternative, though with mixed results depending on your use case.

Can an iMac be used as a monitor for Xbox?

Older iMacs (pre-2014) can function as displays for devices like an Xbox via Target Display Mode. However, newer iMacs do not support this functionality, so you cannot directly use iMac as a monitor for an Xbox. As a workaround, you can consider using external capture cards or software-based display solutions like Luna Display — though these may introduce slight delays (latency), which could impact gaming experiences.