Using mid-2011 iMac as display

[fadingaway]

I have recently purchased a brand new MacBook Pro, and was hoping to use my mid-2011 iMac as a display, rather than cowering over the small screen on the MacBook Pro itself as I work from home a lot.

This article on Apple's own site suggests it should be possible: https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT204592 using Target Display Mode, but the thunderbolt port on the back of the iMac is a different size to the one on my new MacBook Pro. Having done some research it would seem that my iMac has a Thunderbolt (1) port, and my MacBook has Thunderbolt 3.

I just want to know if it is indeed possible to use my mid-2011 iMac as a display (which the article suggests it is) and if so, what type of adapter will I need? I can see lots of Thunderbolt 2 to 3 adapters/leads, but I imagine that wouldn't be right. Has anyone else done this?

Any help much appreciated!

Thanks,

Sam

 

[Juicy Box]

Has anyone else done this?

No, at least your particular case, but I have used a Mid 2011 iMac in Target Display Mode.

I can see lots of Thunderbolt 2 to 3 adapters/leads, but I imagine that wouldn't be right.

The Thunderbolt 2 has the same connector as Thunderbolt 1, so I would guess that a Thunderbolt 2 to 3 adapter/cable would be fine.

 

[fadingaway]

Thanks - I guess I'll order the cable and give it a try.

Has anyone else attempted to do this from a (new) MacBook Pro, or can think of any reasons why this might not work?