Can I use a 2017 MacBook Pro as a second monitor for a 2020 Mac Mini?
February 23, 2021 2:53 PM   Subscribe

How do I connect a MacBook Pro (2017) to be a second monitor for a 2020 M1 Mac Mini? I would like to be able to use the camera and mic for videoconferencing and use the MacBook Pro display as a second monitor. Thanks!
posted by zepheria to Computers & Internet (5 answers total) 1 user marked this as a favorite
 
Best answer: I don't think you'll be able to do this. The MacBook Pro doesn't support the option to be used as an external display, also called "Target Display Mode". The only Mac which appears to officially support Target Display Mode is the iMac, and only certain versions of OS X on the iMac offer Target Display Mode support, apparently.
posted by They sucked his brains out! at 4:16 PM on February 23, 2021


You can do it with software called Luna Display not cheap at $79 but I don't know of any other options. There's bound to be some lag vs. a directly connected screen but they claim to have some special sauce that minimizes the lag.
posted by sol at 5:15 PM on February 23, 2021


Response by poster: Interesting! The Luna software and dongle look like they’ll let me use it as a monitor but not access the MacBook webcam, but it’s a step closer than I was before. Thanks!
posted by zepheria at 6:36 PM on February 23, 2021


You may want to inquire on the Reddit MacMini forum, which is oddly lively.
posted by rdn at 9:06 PM on February 23, 2021


Perhaps of interest, if anyone still reads this thread:

AirPlay to Mac also allows users to extend or mirror an Apple device's display to a Mac, and we've confirmed this works on a Mac-to-Mac basis. This makes it possible for supported Macs to use another Mac as an external display, and with AirPlay to Mac working both wirelessly or with a wired connection, Apple has come close to reviving Target Display Mode, which allowed 2009 to 2014 iMac models to serve as another Mac's external display

Monterey would be supported on the OP's two laptops, I believe.
posted by They sucked his brains out! at 4:02 PM on June 10, 2021


« Older What is this mystery bullseye?   |   How to nurture a newly transplanted tree Newer »
This thread is closed to new comments.