Questions
Everything people ask before turning their iMac into a monitor.
Do I have to open the iMac or buy a driver board?
No. Encore is an app for both Macs and a cable. Nothing is taken apart, no parts to order, and the iMac stays a working computer.
Will my iMac work?
Encore works with every Intel iMac from Late 2012 on, 21.5-inch and 27-inch, and with iMac Pro. If your iMac runs macOS Catalina or later, it works. Check yours in Apple menu › About This Mac.
Which cable do I need?
The one that fits your iMac. iMacs from 2017 on: a Thunderbolt 3 or 4 cable, or a USB-C to USB-C cable. iMacs from 2012 to 2015: a USB-C to USB-A cable into the iMac's USB port, or Thunderbolt 2 with Apple's Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 adapter. An Ethernet cable works with every iMac. For USB, pick a 10 Gbps cable, not a charging cable.
Check your iMac and cable
Choose your old iMac and the Mac you work on.
Why doesn't my iMac show up in AirPlay or Screen Mirroring?
Most iMacs that can use Encore can't receive AirPlay, and AirPlay over Wi-Fi is compressed. Encore uses a cable and appears as a real display instead.
What happened to Target Display Mode?
Apple's Target Display Mode only worked on 24- and 27-inch iMacs from 2009–2010 and all iMacs from 2011 to mid 2014, with an older Mac on the other end. The Retina 5K iMacs never had it. Encore brings the idea back for the iMacs that came after.
Can I use it with a Windows PC?
Not yet. Encore is Mac to iMac only.
Which Macs can I connect?
A MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, Mac mini, iMac, Mac Studio or Mac Pro on macOS 13 Ventura or later. Macs with Apple silicon can use any of the cables; Intel Macs use Thunderbolt or Ethernet.
Can I close my MacBook and only use the iMac?
Yes. Close the lid while the MacBook is charging, and the iMac becomes your only display, just like with a regular monitor.
Do the iMac's speakers and microphone work?
Yes. Turn on sound in the Encore menu and your Mac plays through the iMac's speakers, with your volume keys. The iMac's microphone can be your Mac's microphone too.
Does the iMac have to stay on?
Yes, it runs macOS with Encore in the background. Its screen sleeps when your Mac sleeps and wakes up with it.
How much does it cost?
$49, once. Try every feature free for 72 hours first. One license covers one Mac and any number of iMacs. No subscription, no account.
What happens when the trial ends?
Encore asks for a license before it keeps showing your Mac on the iMac. Buy it in the app or on this site and the picture is back in seconds.
Can I get a refund?
Yes. If Encore isn't right for you, write to us within 14 days of buying and you get your money back.
Is my data private?
Your screen goes over the cable between your two Macs and nowhere else. Encore has no account and no tracking. It only checks this site for updates, without sending anything about you.
Will it keep working after macOS updates?
Yes. We test every new macOS version, and updates for Encore 1 are free. Encore updates both Macs by itself.
Something else? Ask us.