System information

Mac mini (Mid 2011) Symptom Charts — Input/Output Devices 76
2011-07-21
Thunderbolt Target Display Mode Issues
Unlikely cause: LCD panel, internal drive(s), fan
Quick Check
Symptoms Quick Check
Thunderbolt Target Display
Mode Issues
• Unable to activate remote
computer to be target display
for user’s computer.
1. Note: Mac mini are prohibited from being set as
Target Display Mode.
2. Check Apple Technical article HT1159: Mac OS
X versions (builds) included with Intel-based
Macs to make sure system build is correct for this
computer model.
3. Check for and apply the latest software and
rmware updates.
4. Verify in System Information Thunderbolt and
other interfaces devices trees that Thunderbolt
hardware and any connected devices are present.
5. Substitute a known-good Thunderbolt cable.
6. Do not use the Apple Pro Keyboard; use only
newer keyboards.
Deep Dive
Check Result Action Code
1. Check Apple Technical article
HT1159: Mac OS X versions
(builds) included with Intel-
based Macs to make sure
system build is correct for this
computer model. Is Mac OS
X version equal to or a newer
than a version that will support
Thunderbolt functionality?
Yes Go to step 2.
No Start up from known-good
original system media or an
up-to-date, bootable OS X
volume and restore with latest
version of OS X.
Check for and apply the
latest software and rmware
updates. Go to step 2.
2. Reseat Thunderbolt cable on
both user’s computer and a
known-good, Thunderbolt-
capable iMac. Start up both
computers to the desktop.
Activate Target Display Mode
(TDM) on the known-good
iMac by pressing CMD and
F2 keys momentarily. Does
known-good iMac act as a
target display to extend the
desktop of user’s computer?
Yes Issue resolved.
No Go to step 3.