Convert 27" iMac Into an External Monitor

[pigoo3]

From time to time we get folks asking if they can use their old iMac as an external display (or 2nd display). Here's a 15 minute video on how to convert a 27" iMac to an external display.

The premise is actually how to make a DIY Studio Display for less than 50% the price of a new Studio Display (~$600 vs. $1599). Sounds like this procedure works for 2014-2017 27" iMacs...but possibly could work for others.

This project assumes you need to purchase a 2014 27" iMac or different model year (from eBay or other venue). The guy in the video purchased a fully operational 2014 27" iMac. If you could find a 2014 27" iMac that was non-working (but display was fine)...you could probably save a bunch more $$$.

Of course if someone already had a 2014-2017 27" iMac just lying around (after purchasing a newer computer)...then total cost for this project would be much much lower.

Enjoy:

Nick

 

[bws605]

Exactly what I want to do to my late 2015 iMac when I upgrade next year! Thanks for the info.

 

[Randy B. Singer]

From time to time we get folks asking if they can use their old iMac as an external display (or 2nd display).

For more info, here is a Wiki-How on how to do it:

https://www.wikihow.com/Use-an-iMac-As-an-External-Monitor

 

[Groovetube]

****. I have a 2017 27 iMac so it apparently can’t be used as an airplay receiver?

 

[Randy B. Singer]

****. I have a 2017 27 iMac so it apparently can’t be used as an airplay receiver?

There are only a very few years of iMac that could ever be used as an external monitor.

It also requires a very specific cable to do so:
http://www.cultofmac.com/20176/using-imac-as-monitor-requires-very-specific-cable/

There is third party hardware that will allow *any* iMac to be used as an external display. But it is so expensive that it may not be worth it to you.

Luna Display ($80)
https://astropad.com/product/lunadisplay/

 

[zacster]

When I was still working I used to use my 27" iMac to access my Lenovo X1 through Remote Desktop and it would use the full resolution of the screen, and my keyboard and magic mouse had full functionality, something I never could get to work when directly connecting them. It's ironic that it is so much trouble if you want to go Mac to Mac. At this point my iMac is 8 years old and in need of an upgrade, and it would be so easy if I could use the existing 27" screen with an M2 Mini.