You can make a difference in the Apple Support Community!

When you sign up with your Apple Account, you can provide valuable feedback to other community members by upvoting helpful replies and User Tips.

Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

Mac mini cable to connect to older mac mini

What cable is required to connect a 2018 macmini to a 2012 mac mini? Compatible to use Apple Configurator 2.

Mac mini, macOS 10.15

Posted on May 4, 2021 5:54 PM

Reply

Top-ranking reply

Level 10

82,564 points

Posted on May 4, 2021 9:56 PM

Ah' OK, the 2012 Mac Mini will not work for that. You need to have/use a newer Mac with USB-C.

Try this,

connect the 2018 Mac Mini directly to your router with a Ethernet cable
use a USB keyboard for Command R inputs if your wireless keyboard is unpaired
erase the disk as per the instructions at > https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT208496
then try again to reinstall the macOS as per > https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204904

If that doesn't help or you do not have access to another newer Mac, then you can also seek help from your local Apple Store or AASP.

View in context

Similar questions

3 replies

Top-ranking reply

Level 10

82,564 points

May 4, 2021 9:56 PM in response to helpmydeadapple

Ah' OK, the 2012 Mac Mini will not work for that. You need to have/use a newer Mac with USB-C.

Try this,

connect the 2018 Mac Mini directly to your router with a Ethernet cable
use a USB keyboard for Command R inputs if your wireless keyboard is unpaired
erase the disk as per the instructions at > https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT208496
then try again to reinstall the macOS as per > https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204904

If that doesn't help or you do not have access to another newer Mac, then you can also seek help from your local Apple Store or AASP.

Reply

Level 10

82,564 points

May 4, 2021 7:20 PM in response to helpmydeadapple

What exactly are you trying to accomplish by connecting the 2 Mac Mini's together?

(target disk mode, file sharing, screen sharing)

Apple Configurator 2 it is for Configuring iOS device from a Mac. Plus it has pretty low reviews.

see > https://apps.apple.com/us/app/apple-configurator-2/id1037126344?mt=12

Reply

May 4, 2021 9:12 PM in response to den.thed

Hi den.thed

The 2018 mini will not boot nor install OS.

I get the flashing folder since I erased the disk.

Most times I get the globe error support.apple.com/macstartup -1008F .

When it does load the next stage of installation, the message that it failed and to try again appears. Always 10 minutes before completion.

To answer your question I'm trying to:

https://support.apple.com/guide/apple-configurator-2/revive-or-restore-an-intel-based-mac-apdebea5be51/mac

Reply

Mac mini cable to connect to older mac mini

Welcome to Apple Support Community

A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.

Learn more Sign up