How to use your iPad as a second monitor

what to know

• Set up Sidecar on your Mac: System Settings > Display > + (Plus) > Your iPad.
• Use Sidecar: Screen Mirroring > Use as a separate monitor to drag windows between monitors.
• Duet Display is an option for Windows devices as well as older Macs and iPads.

This article explains how to use Sidecar to use your iPad as a second display for your Mac. Instructions apply to iPadOS 15 and later and macOS Monterey (12) and later.

Sidecar only works on certain Macs and iPads running macOS Catalina (10.15) and iPadOS 13 and later. Check out Apple's Sidecar requirements for a complete list.

Sidecar is built into many Macs and iPads. Here's how to use this feature to run your iPad as a second monitor for your Mac.

You need to be logged in with the same Apple ID on both your Mac and iPad to use Sidecar between them.

1. Open System Settings (or System Preferences ) on your Mac from the Apple menu or Dock.

   

2. Select Show .

3. Select the + (plus sign) or Add Display and select your iPad from the Mirror or Expand options.

   

   You can connect wirelessly via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on both devices, or use a wired USB connection.

4. With your iPad connected, select it and choose to mirror or extend your Mac's display from the Use as menu .

   

   You can also access these options from Screen Mirroring in the menu bar. If you don't see the icon in the menu, open Control Center and select the icon.

5. Use the Show Sidebar menu to choose whether and on which side of the iPad display it appears.
   

   

   The sidebar contains buttons to help you perform desktop tasks on your iPad. It includes the keyboard, Command, Option, Control, and Shift keys as well as buttons that control the menu bar and dock.
   

6. Choose the location of the Touch Bar on iPad from the Show Touch Bar menu.
   

   

   Even if your Mac doesn't have a Touch Bar, you can use the Touch Bar in Sidecar. It mirrors the functionality of context-sensitive menus on some Mac models.
   

7. Check the box next to Enable double-clicking the Apple Pencil to quickly switch between tools, display color palettes, and more.

   Double-click is supported on the second-generation Apple Pencil and Apple Pencil Pro.

   

8. Another desktop appears on your iPad screen. You can drag windows between it and your Mac.

   

   To arrange your iPad and Mac (and any other external monitors connected to your Mac), go to System Preferences > Displays or System Settings > Displays > Arrange .

9. To stop mirroring or extending your Mac to your iPad, click the Disconnect icon in the sidebar or select your iPad from the Screen Mirroring options on your Mac.

   

Is the iPad display as good as an actual monitor? Not really. Newer 12.9-inch or 13-inch iPad Pro (M4) models offer some useful viewing space, but can't match larger external displays.

However, apps like Duet Display that convert your iPad into a second display while also taking advantage of the iPad's touch interface can be an added benefit.

If Sidecar doesn't work for you, or you're looking for a tool for Windows (or older Macs and iPads), there are other great options you can try.

While many apps can use your iPad as a second display over Wi-Fi, the Duet Display uses the same Lightning or 30-pin cable that charges your iPad. This fast connection lets you do everything from watch videos (there may be lag over Wi-Fi) to play games.

Duet Display also works well with the iPad Pro. iPad Pro's 12.9-inch display is perfect for adding a second monitor to your MacBook, iMac, or PC.

You can watch Duet Display's demonstration video on Youtube.

FAQ

• To connect your iPad to your TV, connect your Chromecast device to your TV, then cast your iPad screen to your TV with a compatible app. Or, use the Apple Lightning Digital AV Adapter to connect your iPad directly to your HDTV. You can also use a composite or component cable or an Apple Lightning to VGA adapter. Or, use AirPlay to mirror or cast iPhone content to an AirPlay-compatible TV.

• To print from your iPad, use Apple's AirPrint wireless protocol and an AirPrint-compatible printer. In the document, select Share > Print > Select Printer > Select Printer > Print . Or, use third-party printing applications to print to Wi-Fi-enabled printers and USB printers.

• To connect Apple Pencil to iPad, connect Apple Pencil to the side of iPad for automatic pairing. For older iPads, plug your Apple Pencil into your iPad's Lightning port, then tap Pair , Connect , or Tap to Connect .