Which cable for video/display share between iMac and MacBook Pro

[Paddymc1]

Hi,
I have a broken screen on a 13” MacBook Pro 2020. I cannot see the display. It has two thunderbolt 3 (usbc) ports.

I have a 2017 iMac Retina 27” with two thunderbolt (usbc) ports

Is there a direct cable I could use from one to another directly to get the MacBook screen onto the iMac. Is it possible or would I need extra cables?

Thanks in advance for any help.

Pad

 

[Juicy Box]

Apple stopped supporting Target Display Mode starting with the 2014 iMacs, so a simple cable solution like TDM wouldn't work.

The next easiest thing would be a SW solution, like screen sharing.

I have multiple Macs in my home, some headless, and I use Screen Sharing almost daily. It isn't a perfect solution, as there is sometimes lag, but depending on what you plan on doing with your Macs, it might be a good solution for you.

 

[Paddymc1]

Hey, thanks for the quick reply.
I want to see what files are on the MacBook and erase some.
what would you advise to purchase to screenshare if I cannot see the MacBook screen?

 

[Red Menace]

You can also boot into target disk mode, where it will just look like another disk to the connected machine.

 

[Dave Braine]

You can also boot into target disk mode, where it will just look like another disk to the connected machine.

No, he can't. Read Post #2.

 

[r6mile]

No, he can't. Read Post #2.

Target Disk Mode is distinct from Target Display Mode (despite both abbreviated as TDM). Connecting the two computers using a Thunderbolt cable will enable the OP to see the files on the MBP from the iMac as if it was another disk - that may not be what he is after though.

 

[Juicy Box]

You can also boot into target disk mode, where it will just look like another disk to the connected machine.

No, he can't. Read Post #2.

Actually the OP can, as @Red Menace was referring to Target Disk Mode, not Target Display Mode that I was referring to in Post #2.

But, it most likely won't solve the OP's problem, as I think the OP wanted to use the newer MBP on the older iMac display.

If the OP just wanted to access the files of the MBP or boot from the MBP's internal drive, then @Red Menace suggestion of using Target Disk Mode would be helpful.

 

[Red Menace]

Yes, target disk mode should work to just "see what files are on the MacBook and erase some", otherwise screen sharing could be used, although an external display might be needed to turn it on.

 

[Dave Braine]

Target Disk Mode is distinct from Target Display Mode (despite both abbreviated as TDM). Connecting the two computers using a Thunderbolt cable will enable the OP to see the files on the MBP from the iMac as if it was another disk - that may not be what he is after though.

Ok, thanks for that. I didn't notice the difference. Target Display Mode is a new one to me. I knew that you could use some iMacs as displays, but didn't know it was called that. I do now. ?

 

[Paddymc1]

Thanks for the help. i have a new monitor and it’s connect with usbc to hdmi adapter and then hdmi cable into the monitor.
On the monitor can see second Catalina screen and I can move my mouse over and see it.
Is there a way to swap Displays so I can see the main screen on the monitor?

tried command+fn+f1 and all the other function keys when they came up on the touchbar

Edit: I closed the lid and it showed on monitor. Just need to connect usb keyboard to the usb to usbc adapter going to MacBook.

All the help was much appreciated, thank you