

Now that we know the basics of Target Disk Mode, let us understand when you can use this mode. Open Finder to transfer any files you need and once that’s done, click on Eject to safely remove the connected Mac. Now you can use this Mac as you would like any other external storage media. Your host Mac should now be able to detect the target, Mac. Once you have Target Mode turned ON, you are all set to transfer files.

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If your target Mac is turned ON, go to System Preferences > Startup Disk and select Target Disk Mode.Restart your Mac and press the ‘ T’ key until you see a FireWire icon on the screen.This can be done using 2 methods described as follows. Also, make sure your Mac’s are plugged in to avoid running out of battery during the process. Once you have both Mac’s set up, follow the steps below to use Target Disk Mode.Ĭonnect the two Mac’s using FireWire or Thunderbolt cables. The other Mac is the Host this is the system that will be used to access the target, Mac. It could be the non-booting Mac or the Mac with issues. One Mac acts as a Target, which as the name suggests is the system you want to access. The Mac systems you plan to use for TDM needs to have a FireWire or Thunderbolt port. You will need 2 Mac systems and a FireWire cable to use Target Disk Mode. This mode is also useful when you want to troubleshoot or access your Mac when it doesn’t boot. Target disk mode is a type of boot mode in Mac that is used to transfer large files such as disk images, important backups etc.
