How to Use Sidecar to Use iPad as a Second Screen for Mac
You may wish you had a second monitor while working on apps like photo, video, or document editors. Using A second monitor can also help while researching, dragging, and dropping files between apps. instead of a monitor, you’re able to achieve the same result with an iPad. A native feature called Sidecar which is available on both iPad and Mac can help turn your iPad into a second monitor for Mac. However, there are a few requirements for Sidecar to work. So let’s begin with them.
Requirements for Sidecar to Work
1.First, both your iPad and Mac models should support the Sidecar feature. Here are the supported Mac models.
And here are the supported iPad models.
2.Apart from that, both iPad and Mac should be logged in with the same Apple ID.
3.Both devices should have Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Handoff enabled. you’re able to find Bluetooth and Wi-Fi settings on the Settings app home page. Whereas the Handoff setting can be found in theSettings app > General > Airplay > Handoff. Make sure you enable all three options on both devices. Alternatively, you can connect both iPad and Mac using the USB cable.
- verify you are not sharing the internet through a hotspot or internet tethering on both devices. This feature may not work when the hotspot is enabled.
If all the requirements are satisfied, using the iPad as your second display is very simple to set up.
Setup iPad as Second Screen for Mac Using Sidecar
1.Bring both iPad and Mac nearby within 10 meters of each other to connect them wirelessly. You can also use a USB cable which will also charge your iPad while using it as a second screen. Now open theSystem Settingsfrom the Spotlight search or the Application Folder on your Mac.
2.On the System Settings app, open theDisplaysoption in the sidebar and click on thePlus icon (+)at the top right corner.
3.Then select theiPadoption under the Mirror or extend to option.
Alternatively, you can hover on the maximize button on any active window and then select the Move to iPad option from the menu. This will not only start using the iPad as a second display, but it also immediately moves that window to the iPad.
4.That’s it, even if your iPad is locked, it will automatically unlock and turn it into a second display for your MacBook.
5.Now click on theArrangebutton at the top.
6.Here you can adjust the iPad and Mac position which will make it easier for you to seamlessly move the cursor and app windows between devices.
7.To further change settings, tap on the iPad at the top in the Display settings to change the behavior of the sidebar, touch bar, and Apple Pencil. The sidebar carries quick controls for Mac along with modified keys like Command, Control, Option, and Shift.
Some apps provide various controls on the touch bar for faster access. This feature should work even if your Mac does not have a touch bar. However, you can disable both of them from the settings to take advantage of the complete iPad display.
8.By default, your Mac uses an iPad as an extended display. But you also have the option to use the iPad to Mirror your Mac display.
9.While using the iPad as a second screen, you may always swipe up from the bottom on the iPad to close the Continuity app and use the iPad normally. Again you can open the Sidecar app from the dock on the iPad to continue using it as a second screen.
10.To disconnect, open the sameDisplaysettings, then select theiPadoption. Now click on theDisconnectbutton to disconnect the connection. This will also close the Sidecar app on your iPad.
Pro Tip:You can alsouse the iPad as a second screen on your Windows PC.
Using iPad as Second Screen on Mac
Sidecar is a native feature and it’s easy to connect both using a cable and wirelessly. Most importantly, it also provides a lag-free and high-quality output on the iPad. However, it only works when both devices are logged in with the same Apple ID and does not work on older iPad and Mac models.
But if you still prefer to use it or you want to take advantage of the touch screen on your iPad, then you can use third-party apps too to use the iPad as a second screen.
Ravi Teja KNTS
Tech writer with over 4 years of experience at TechWiser, where he has authored more than 700 articles on AI, Google apps, Chrome OS, Discord, and Android. His journey started with a passion for discussing technology and helping others in online forums, which naturally grew into a career in tech journalism. Ravi’s writing focuses on simplifying technology, making it accessible and jargon-free for readers. When he’s not breaking down the latest tech, he’s often immersed in a classic film – a true cinephile at heart.
