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How to Use Your MacBook Pro as a Monitor: A Pro’s Guide

So, you’re looking to leverage that stunning MacBook Pro display as a secondary monitor? Excellent choice! While not officially supported in the way you might expect from a dedicated display, there are viable workarounds. Forget clunky apps and unreliable connections. This guide dives deep into the most effective (and least frustrating) methods to get your MacBook Pro pulling double duty. Prepare to unlock its hidden potential!

The Core: Target Display Mode is Dead, Long Live Screen Sharing and Third-Party Apps

Let’s address the elephant in the room. The beloved Target Display Mode, which allowed older iMacs to be used as external displays via Thunderbolt or Mini DisplayPort, is sadly a relic of the past. Apple discontinued this feature years ago. So, if you’re searching for that specific functionality, you won’t find it on modern MacBook Pros.

However, don’t despair! There are robust alternative solutions that provide a similar experience. The two main approaches are:

Using Screen Sharing (Built-in macOS Feature)
Leveraging Third-Party Apps (Paid and Free Options)

We’ll break down each method in detail, highlighting the pros and cons to help you decide which is the perfect fit for your needs.

Method 1: macOS Screen Sharing – The No-Cost, Built-In Solution

Screen Sharing, a built-in feature within macOS, allows you to access and control one Mac from another on the same network. While not precisely turning your MacBook Pro into a traditional monitor, it offers a viable solution for extending your display.

Setting Up Screen Sharing

Enable Screen Sharing on the “Server” MacBook Pro (The One Acting as the Monitor): Go to System Settings (or System Preferences on older macOS versions) -> General -> Sharing. Turn on Screen Sharing.
Configure Screen Sharing Options: Click the “i” icon next to Screen Sharing. Choose who can access your screen – either “All users” or “Only these users” (and then select specific user accounts). For added security, strongly consider setting a password by enabling “Anyone may request permission to control screen.”
Connect from the “Client” Mac (The One Using the Monitor): Open Finder and look under the Locations section in the sidebar. You should see the name of your “Server” MacBook Pro. Click on it, and then click “Share Screen…” in the upper right corner. Alternatively, you can use Spotlight (Command + Space) to search for “Screen Sharing” and then enter the Apple ID associated with the “Server” Mac or connect directly via the IP address.

Advantages of Screen Sharing

Free and Built-in: No additional software or costs are involved.
Relatively Simple Setup: The process is straightforward and easy to understand.
Security: macOS Screen Sharing is generally secure, especially if you use a strong password.

Disadvantages of Screen Sharing

Performance: Screen Sharing relies heavily on your network connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet). Expect latency and potential lag, especially with demanding tasks like video editing or gaming.
Full Desktop Access: You’re essentially controlling the entire “Server” Mac, not just extending your display. This might not be ideal if you need to keep the “Server” Mac running other applications simultaneously without interruption.
Limited Resolution Options: Screen Sharing might not offer the optimal resolution for your “Server” MacBook Pro’s display, potentially resulting in a less-than-ideal visual experience.
No Drag-and-Drop Functionality: You can’t simply drag windows from one Mac to the other as you would with a traditional external monitor.

Method 2: Third-Party Apps – Paid and Free Options for Enhanced Functionality

Several third-party apps aim to bridge the gap left by the demise of Target Display Mode, offering more robust and feature-rich solutions for using your MacBook Pro as a monitor.

Popular App Choices

Luna Display: A hardware/software solution. Requires a small dongle plugged into the “Server” Mac. Offers very low latency and excellent performance, making it suitable for demanding tasks. It is generally considered the industry leader.
Duet Display: Another software-based solution. Can be used with a wired (USB) connection for even lower latency or wirelessly.
Universal Control (macOS Monterey 12.3 and Later): While not strictly turning your MacBook Pro into a monitor, Universal Control allows seamless cursor and keyboard movement between Macs (and iPads) placed side-by-side. This enables you to effectively extend your workspace across multiple devices, though it doesn’t provide true screen extension.

Advantages of Third-Party Apps

Improved Performance: Many apps are optimized for low latency and smooth performance, especially those using a wired connection.
True Extended Display Experience: Unlike Screen Sharing, these apps generally offer a true extended display, allowing you to drag and drop windows between Macs seamlessly.
Resolution Control: You usually have more control over the resolution and refresh rate of the “Server” MacBook Pro’s display.
Additional Features: Some apps offer features like touch input and stylus support, further enhancing the user experience.

Disadvantages of Third-Party Apps

Cost: Most of these apps require a purchase or subscription.
Software Compatibility: Ensure the app is compatible with your macOS versions on both Macs.
Potential for Compatibility Issues: While generally reliable, there’s always a chance of encountering compatibility issues or bugs.
Driver Installation: Some apps may require installing drivers, which can potentially cause conflicts with other software.

Universal Control: A Different Approach

Before diving into the FAQs, it’s crucial to highlight Universal Control, a feature introduced in macOS Monterey 12.3. While not creating a true external display, it seamlessly connects your Macs and iPads. Simply place the devices side-by-side, and you can move your cursor between them, using the same keyboard and mouse. This approach offers a fantastic way to expand your workspace without the performance limitations of Screen Sharing, but it’s worth remembering that the second screen is still running its native OS.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use any MacBook Pro as a monitor for any other Mac?

Generally, yes! As long as both Macs meet the minimum system requirements for the chosen method (Screen Sharing or the third-party app), you should be able to use one MacBook Pro as a monitor for another. However, older Macs may have limitations, especially when using newer software.

2. Is a wired connection better than Wi-Fi for screen sharing?

Absolutely! A wired Ethernet connection significantly reduces latency and improves performance compared to Wi-Fi. If possible, connect both Macs to your router via Ethernet cables for the best experience. Using a wired USB connection with apps like Duet Display also delivers far better performance than wireless.

3. Does using my MacBook Pro as a monitor drain its battery faster?

Yes, it will. The “Server” MacBook Pro is actively displaying content, which consumes battery power. Keep it plugged in to avoid draining the battery too quickly.

4. Can I use my MacBook Pro as a monitor for a Windows PC?

Screen Sharing is exclusive to macOS. However, some third-party apps like Duet Display offer cross-platform support and allow you to use your MacBook Pro as a monitor for a Windows PC.

5. How do I improve the performance of Screen Sharing?

Use an Ethernet connection instead of Wi-Fi.
Close unnecessary applications on both Macs.
Reduce the screen resolution on the “Server” MacBook Pro.
Ensure both Macs have sufficient RAM and processing power.
Restart both Macs periodically.

6. What are the minimum system requirements for Screen Sharing?

Both Macs should be running macOS versions that support Screen Sharing. Generally, macOS X 10.5 (Leopard) and later support Screen Sharing, but newer versions offer better performance and features.

7. Is there a free alternative to Luna Display?

Screen Sharing is the only truly free, built-in option. While some apps offer free trials or limited functionality in their free versions, Luna Display’s performance is generally unmatched.

8. How does Universal Control differ from using my MacBook Pro as a monitor?

Universal Control allows you to use the same keyboard and mouse across multiple Macs (and iPads), but it doesn’t extend the display in the same way as a true external monitor. Each device still runs its native operating system, and you can’t drag windows seamlessly between them.

9. Can I use my MacBook Pro’s built-in webcam while using it as a monitor?

With Screen Sharing, yes, you can access the camera through the “Server” Mac as usual. Some third-party apps might offer more integrated webcam support.

10. What happens if my network connection drops while using Screen Sharing?

The Screen Sharing session will disconnect. You’ll need to re-establish the connection once the network is restored.

11. Are there any security risks associated with using Screen Sharing?

If not properly configured, Screen Sharing could potentially allow unauthorized access to your “Server” Mac. Always use a strong password and restrict access to authorized users only.

12. Which third-party app is the best overall?

This depends on your specific needs and budget. Luna Display is widely considered the best for performance and low latency, but it’s also the most expensive. Duet Display offers a good balance of performance and features at a more affordable price. Universal Control is a fantastic free addition that might meet some users needs. Weigh the pros and cons carefully before making a decision.