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Quick and easy tutorial for connecting a MacBook to your iMac

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Trying to connect your MacBook to your iMac? You can easily use a display cable and target display mode to use your iMac as a display. Or, you can use the built-in network file sharing feature to share files between the two devices. This wikiHow guide teaches you how to use your iMac as a monitor for a MacBook, as well as how to share files and printers between both computers.

Using Your iMac as a Display

Connect two computers using the Mini DisplayPort or Thunderbolt cable. Press Command-F2 on the iMac to connect. Alternatively, set up File Sharing on one device and connect to the server by entering the IP address of the other Mac to log in as a registered user.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Using your iMac as a Monitor

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  1. The type of cable you’ll need varies by model:[1]
    • iMac 27-inch (2009): Mini DisplayPort to Mini DisplayPort cable.
    • iMac 27-inch (2010): Mini DisplayPort to Mini DisplayPort cable.
    • iMac (2011 to mid 2014): Thunderbolt or Thunderbolt 2 cable.
    • iMac models from late 2014 (the Retina 5k model) and later can’t be used as displays.
  2. If both the MacBook and iMac have the same port (Mini DisplayPort or Thunderbolt), you won’t need to purchase an adapter. If your MacBook has a Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) port, you’ll need a Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 adapter.
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  3. If you haven’t yet logged in to either computer, you should do so now.
  4. The iMac’s display will now show the MacBook’s screen instead of its own.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Sharing Files Between Computers

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  1. This will open the System Preferences settings in a new window.
    • This is called System Settings in macOS Ventura and later.
  2. A list of sharing services will appear.
    • In macOS Ventura and later, you'll need to click General in the sidebar to access the Sharing option.
  3. Here’s how to allow users of the other computer to access the files on this one:
    • Click File Sharing to turn it on.
    • Click + under the folder list.
    • Select a folder and click Add.
      • Anyone with an account on this Mac can access it from the other computer. If you want to restrict access to certain users, select the folder, click + under the user list, then select who should have access.
      • You can add users with local accounts (regular logins you set up on this Mac) or by Apple ID by selecting them from your contacts.
    • Make note of the IP address on the Sharing screen. It should look like ″afp://10.0.0.1″ or ″smb://10.0.0.1″.
    • Click Done to confirm the changes.
  4. It’s at the top of the screen.
  5. This is the address you found on the other computer’s Sharing screen.
    • Select Registered User if you want to log into a local account on the other computer.
    • Select Using an Apple ID to log in with your Apple ID.
    • Select Guest if the files don’t require a login.
  6. Once you’ve connected to the other computer, you can access its files.
  7. If you’d like to share the printer from this computer, return to the Sharing settings, click Printer Sharing, and choose a printer. Once shared, you’ll be able to print to it from any app on the other computer by selecting the printer (and logging in, if prompted to do so).
    • Anyone with an account on this computer can print by default. To select specific users, click + under the user list, then choose who should be allowed to print.
    • If you're just getting started with your printer, check out our guide on setting up a wireless printer connection.
  8. If you want users of the other computer to be able to connect to this one for remote administration or screen sharing, choose one of those options from the list, then follow the same instructions as you did for file and printer sharing.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    connect a macbook to use as a cd burner to an imac
    Kyle Smith
    Kyle Smith
    wikiHow Technology Writer
    Kyle Smith is a wikiHow Technology Writer, learning and sharing information about the latest technology. He has presented his research at multiple engineering conferences and is the writer and editor of hundreds of online electronics repair guides. Kyle received a BS in Industrial Engineering from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo.
    Kyle Smith
    wikiHow Technology Writer
    Expert Answer
    If your MacBook has a disc drive, you can use it to burn files onto DVDs and CDs. Then, you can insert the disc into your iMac's disc drive to access the burned files.
  • Question
    I am flummoxed trying to connect an 2012 iMac to a 2017 MacBook Pro. The MacBook display is broken and I urgently need to access files on it. What do I do?
    Kyle Smith
    Kyle Smith
    wikiHow Technology Writer
    Kyle Smith is a wikiHow Technology Writer, learning and sharing information about the latest technology. He has presented his research at multiple engineering conferences and is the writer and editor of hundreds of online electronics repair guides. Kyle received a BS in Industrial Engineering from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo.
    Kyle Smith
    wikiHow Technology Writer
    Expert Answer
    You'll need a Thunderbolt or Thunderbolt 2 cable. Since the MacBook Pro 2017 only has Thunderbolt 3 ports, you'll also need a Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 adapter.
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About This Article

Kyle Smith
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wikiHow Technology Writer
This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Kyle Smith. Kyle Smith is a wikiHow Technology Writer, learning and sharing information about the latest technology. He has presented his research at multiple engineering conferences and is the writer and editor of hundreds of online electronics repair guides. Kyle received a BS in Industrial Engineering from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. This article has been viewed 195,836 times.
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Updated: April 12, 2024
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