Apple

Can an iMac be mounted on the wall? We solve your doubt

Precautions before placing iMac on the wall

Keep in mind that when we talk about placing an iMac on the wall it is not a really easy task. These teams are not light in weight and have a high price. Any minor failure that may exist in the installation or in the construction of the wall where it is going to be anchored can end with a fatal outcome. That is why the necessary precautions must be taken and always done between several people to avoid accidents. The fact of raising a weight to a considerable height should always be done in a accompanied way, and if it can be with someone who is a better ‘handyman’.

imac wall

You have to have the surface previously ready without any type of object in the middle, since the clearer the better. Obviously in the front part to be able to maneuver in a more correct way there should not be any type of element such as the table where the rest of the accessories will be. In addition, if you do not want to clean for a long time you can also protect the floor or the curbs of the walls. Keep in mind that to carry out the installation you will have to make holes in the walls and the dust generated will be diffusing throughout the room.

What do you need before installing?

To be able to mount an iMac on a wall you have to take into account that different accessories and tools are needed. Looking at the back of an iMac and any other monitor or television, it can be seen that there are not the necessary holes to be able to mount a VESA base. This means that in addition to the traditional support that they have been able to use with other monitors, you also need a suitable adapter depending on the iMac you want to mount on the wall.

Models that are compatible

As we will discuss below, in order to install the iMac on a wall it is necessary to remove the foot that this type of equipment has. This is an important limitation when it comes to knowing which models are compatible, since as of mid-2011 the iMac could not be removed. Specifically on the Apple website they give the following compatibility for this type of adapters:

  • 24-inch iMac (aluminum and glass)
  • 27-inch iMac (Late 2009, Mid 2010, and Mid 2011)
  • 24-inch LED Cinema Display
  • 27-inch LED Cinema Display
  • 27-inch Apple Thunderbolt Display

imac 2011

The only one that is free is the iMac Pro from 2017 which does have an adapter that can be installed in a comfortable way and is found in the official Apple store. This is the only iMac that passes from 2012 that includes this possibility, also obviously removing the Display Pro that accompanies the Mac Pro that also has an integrated VESA adapter.

VESA adapters required

As we have commented previously, the iMac has a serious problem, and that is that a VESA mount cannot be installed in a simple way. From the factory, the classic holes are not integrated in order to install the VESA mount correctly. This can undoubtedly be appreciated in an aesthetic way by not having these holes that can be quite ugly to look at. That is why the solution that Apple offers in these situations is to get an adapter that is put on the back. The location will be in the place where the part that supports it is, that is, the leg.

The adapters sold by Apple include the necessary tools to be able to remove this leg in a simple way. This is logical since if it is to be installed on the wall it is not necessary to have any type of leg to hold it on a flat surface. In the space that is free after removing this leg, you can install the corresponding adapter that can be found in the Apple Store Online or on Amazon.

Specifically in Amazon you can find an adapter that is compatible with the models that we have previously mentioned and that is available for purchase. This is the ideal size to fit into the place of the leg and has the universal design to be able to attach to traditional VESA wall mounts or even tabletop ones.

VESA mount that you can use

vesa wall bracket

In the market you can find a large number of VESA mounts to attach the iMac to the wall but in a personalized way. With these we mean that you can find supports that are fixed such as TooQ that is capable of supporting up to 30 kg of weight and is universal for all VESA adapters that can be purchased. It is a support that remains completely attached to the wall and that allows only a fairly slight vertical movement. This means that it does not take up much space and is as close to the wall as possible. The installation is quite simple since you simply have to fit the iMac adapter with the opening of the support itself.

Invision

In the event that you want to have greater freedom of movement horizontally, you can find movable arms in which to attach the monitor. This allows you to work in a much more comfortable way in case you are not always sitting in a fixed place or you want to be moving the screen in a wide range. One of the most valued is that of Invision for its size and also for the weight that it resists that reaches up to 7 kg. Offers a quite good freedom of movement of the iMac in 360 degrees.

Tools you will need for installation

Beyond the support and adapter that are needed, a series of tools are also needed to use to have the most optimal assembly possible. In general, the only thing you will need is a screwdriver to mount the bracket accordingly and also everything necessary to be able to pierce the wall. In many cases the supports come with the necessary screws and plugs to be able to carry out the installation comfortably, so you only have to look for a good drill.

In the case of the iMac adapter, the tools are also included to be able to disassemble the leg itself, the tools are also included. If it is true that they are really simple, since it is simply a card like a credit to be able to pry and remove the leg. Next, the screws must also be removed through a torx wrench that is also included.

Installing the adapter and bracket

Once you have everything you need to install the iMac on the ceiling, you can get to work to remove the foot from the iMac, install the adapter and attach it to the bracket. Next, we detail each of the processes.

Remove the foot from the iMac

As we have previously commented, the first step that must be taken is to remove the foot from the iMac in order to install a different mount. For safety, you should always have a suitable surface to be able to knock down the iMac screen avoiding scratches. This can be done at the table itself with a small sheet underneath or a blanket to prevent scratching or damage. Once this is done, you simply have to follow the following steps:

  • Disconnect the iMac from the electrical current.
  • Queue the iMac face down on a smooth surface.
  • Use a thin card (made of cardboard) in the slot in the holder to be able to remove the lock. You should enter it until you hear a click.
  • Push the bracket down until you see a screw surface.
  • Remove the screws with the TORX tool that will come in the adapter pack.
  • Take the stand out of the iMac normally after removing all the screws.

Install the adapter

Once the foot has been removed, it is time to install the corresponding adapter in order to have the necessary means to install the support. The supports may have a different design, but in the end the anchoring system is quite identical since it takes advantage of the space left by the foot of the iMac once it is completely removed. You will see how it has two different parts. One in which there are a series of holes to insert screws and another that is small and round.

VESA iMac

The latter is the one that is simply embedded in the space that has been left when the foot is removed. To be able to secure it, it will be necessary to insert the same screws that we have used previously using the same torx wrench. Once done, with a simple pressure, you will completely insert the piece, leaving the safety activated so that at no time it can be released when it is placed on the wall itself.

Attach it to the wall bracket

When the adapter has been installed correctly and safely, it is possible to engage with the support. Previously, this has had to be installed on the wall with the corresponding anchoring of the screws, making sure that it will not move when applying the weight of the iMac. This wall bracket will have one end that is obviously not visible when being against the wall and another surface with a series of holes to be able to attach to another sheet of metal.

In the case that the support is fixed, surely you do not have to join both plates using screws, but for the most part they are embedded, which greatly facilitates the installation. If you have a mobile arm, you must join both metal plates through a system of screws to ensure that it will not fall even if you move it at different angles. Obviously each of the supports that exist have a different operation and you should always follow the instructions that accompany it to avoid scares with its use.

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