The iPad is a versatile device. You can use it as a TV, a notebook, a sketchpad, a gaming console, or a laptop (with the right accessories). But one of its most underrated features is its ability to be used as a second monitor.
With Apple’s Sidecar technology, you can wirelessly pair your iPad to your Mac and freely drag apps and windows between both devices. You can also mirror your iPad display for presentations, watching TV, or sharing your screen. It’s simple to use, but the setup isn’t obvious. Here, I break down all the steps for turning on Sidecar and using an iPad as a second monitor.
Sidecar vs. Universal Control
Universal Control, which originally launched in macOS Monterey, allows you to interact between the iPad and Mac while sticking to their respective operating systems. The iPad continues to run iPadOS while the Mac runs macOS. The benefit is the ability to use a single keyboard, mouse, or trackpad to operate both the Mac and the iPad.
Sidecar, on the other hand, solely turns your iPad into a wireless secondary display. That means you’ll have to choose between using macOS or iPadOS. You can either extend the Mac operating system to your iPad or mirror the iPad to your Mac. You can use your mouse to drag apps and windows between devices, and your keyboard to type within those apps. But when mirroring, you can’t control the iPad via a mouse—you’ll have to use the touchscreen or Apple Pencil.
Are Your Devices Compatible?
Most Mac and iPad models support Sidecar, as far back as 2016, but here’s the compatibility just in case. Sidecar is available in the following iPad models running iPadOS 13 or later:
- iPad Pro (all models)
- iPad (6th generation or later)
- iPad Mini (5th generation or later)
- iPad Air (3rd generation or later)
For Mac, it works on the following models running macOS Catalina or later:
- MacBook Pro (2016 or later)
- MacBook (2016 or later)
- MacBook Air( 2018 or later)
- iMac (2017 or later)
- iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, Late 2015)
- iMac Pro
- Mac Mini (2018 or later)
- Mac Pro (2019)
- Mac Studio (2022 or later)
Check Your Settings
Once you’ve checked that your iPad and MacBook are compatible with Sidecar, you’ll want to look over your settings. First, make sure that both devices have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth turned on. Then, enable Handoff on both machines.
On iPad
On an iPad, open the Settings app and then head to General > AirPlay & Continuity, and toggle on Handoff. On a Mac, open Settings > System Preferences > General and toggle on Allow Handoff between this Mac and your iCloud devices.
Double-check that you’re signed into the same Apple ID on the iPad and Mac by going to Settings > Apple Account (your name and picture). The email addresses should match up.
How to Turn On Sidecar
Enabling Sidecar differs depending on the version of the macOS operating system you’re using. Here are your options:
