Using an iPad as a Second Display for Mac

Requirements

• Ensure Mac and iPad meet Sidecar system requirements.
• Both devices need to be signed in with the same Apple Account.

Setup Options

• Wireless Connection: Use Sidecar wirelessly, but connect iPad to Mac using USB to keep it charged.
• Universal Control: Use this for controlling both devices with one keyboard/mouse while displaying iPad’s home screen instead of extending Mac’s desktop.

Moving Windows

• Move Mac window to iPad: Hover pointer over full-screen button and select option to move window to iPad.
• Drag windows to/from iPad directly.
• To move back: Hover over full-screen button and choose "Move Window Back to Mac".

Screen Mirroring

• macOS Monterey or later: Use Screen Mirroring menu in the menu bar.
• macOS Big Sur: Use Display menu in Control Center or menu bar.
• macOS Catalina: Use Display or AirPlay menu in the menu bar.

Sidebar

• Sidebar provides Mac controls on iPad screen with modifier keys (Command, Option, Control, Shift, etc.).

Multi-Touch Gestures

• Scroll: Swipe with two fingers.
• Copy: Pinch in with three fingers.
• Cut: Pinch in twice with three fingers.
• Paste: Pinch out with three fingers.
• Undo: Swipe left or double-tap with three fingers.
• Redo: Swipe right with three fingers.

Apple Pencil

• Can be used for drawing, editing, and marking up documents, reflecting changes live on Mac.
• Supports double-tap for custom actions (configurable in settings).

Touch Bar

• Available on iPad even if Mac lacks a Touch Bar.
• Accessible via System Settings or System Preferences based on macOS versions.

Keyboard and Mouse

• Use Mac’s keyboard/mouse or iPad’s Smart/Magic Keyboard.
• Apple Pencil can also be used for pointing and selecting.

Switching Between Apps

• Switch to an iPad app to suspend Sidecar session.

Sidecar Settings

• macOS Ventura and later: System Settings > Displays > iPad.
• macOS Monterey: System Preferences > Displays > Display Settings > iPad.
• Earlier macOS versions: System Preferences > Sidecar.

Supported Devices

• MacBook Pro, MacBook, MacBook Air (2018 or later), iMac (2017 or later), iMac Pro, Mac mini (2018 or later), Mac Pro (2019 or later), Mac Studio (2022 or later).
• iPad Pro (all models), iPad (6th gen. or later), iPad mini (5th gen. or later), iPad Air (3rd gen. or later).

Wireless Connection Requirements

• Devices must be within 10 meters.
• Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Handoff must be on.
• iPad should not share cellular connection; Mac should not share internet connection.
• For USB use, iPad needs to trust Mac.

Troubleshooting

• Resolve Wi-Fi/Bluetooth interference issues if Sidecar performance is affected.
• Ensure latest macOS and iPadOS updates are installed for better compatibility.