How to use your iPad as a second display for your Mac computer without any wires or add-ons
- You can use your iPad as a second display for your Mac, which is great if you're juggling multiple tasks and windows.
- Your iPad and Mac can be connected through the AirPlay and Sidecar features — however, you'll need to make sure that both devices are up-to-date.
- When you use Sidebar to connect your iPad and Mac, you won't need any extra cables or dongles.
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When you have a lot of windows open, or you're undertaking a specifically complex operation, it can be helpful to have an extra display for your Mac.
Luckily, you can use your iPad as a second display for your Mac using the Sidecar tool.
While you need to ensure that your Mac is operating on macOS Catalina or newer, and that your iPad is running iPadOS 13 or later, there are hardware requirements as well.
A general rule of thumb seems to be that this only works for Macs from 2016 or later, and for iPads from around that time, though for a full list of compatible devices click here.
Check out the products mentioned in this article:
Mac (From $1,299.00 at Apple)
iPad (From $279 at Walmart)
How to use your iPad as a second display for a Mac
To connect your Mac and iPad, we'll be using a feature called Sidecar.
1. Make sure both your iPad and Mac are signed into the same iCloud account. You should also plug your iPad into its charger, as well as your MacBook if you're using one, as Sidecar can take a lot of battery power.
2. Click on the AirPlay icon in the top menu bar of your Mac.
3. Scroll down and click on your iPad.
- You can also get here by going to "Sidecar Preferences" in your System Preferences.
4. Your AirPlay icon should be replaced by a blue square, showing that Sidecar is running.
5. You will also notice your Mac's background displayed on your iPad. You can now move files, windows, and programs from your MacBook to your iPad and back.
If you have an Apple Pencil, you can also use it as a cursor on the iPad.
For a full list of all the extra features that come with using your iPad as a second display, check out this article from Apple's official website.
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