If you have an iPad, you actually already have a second screen for your MacBook. With Sidecar you use the iPad as an extra display, wirelessly or with a cable. Handy on the go, when you have no separate monitor, or to draw on your Mac with an Apple Pencil. This article explains how to set up the iPad as a second screen and what to do when it fails.
Blue Apple repairs MacBooks and iPads in Amsterdam. If your MacBook's screen is broken, Sidecar can be a temporary solution until the repair.
What do you need?
- A Mac and iPad that support Sidecar (most models of recent years).
- The same Apple Account on both devices, with two-factor authentication.
- Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and Handoff on for both, and the devices within about ten metres. Or a USB cable between them.
How to turn it on
- On your Mac, click Control Centre top right.
- Click Screen Mirroring.
- Choose your iPad in the list.
You can also do it via System Settings, Displays: click the plus or the button to add a display and choose your iPad.
Extend or mirror
By default the iPad becomes an extension: a second desktop you drag windows to. If you want the same picture on both, choose mirroring in System Settings, Displays. There you also put the iPad left or right of your Mac, so the pointer crosses over on the right side.
Handy features
- Apple Pencil: draw or write directly in Mac apps that support it.
- Sidebar: on the edge of the iPad there are buttons for Command, Option, Control and Shift and to show the keyboard.
- Touch: scrolling with your fingers works, but clicking is done with the mouse, trackpad or Pencil.
Settings for the iPad itself
In System Settings, Displays, choose your iPad to set the resolution and the position of the sidebar and Touch Bar. If you do not want the sidebar, turn it off; that gives more screen space. If you use the iPad lying on a table, a stand or case that tilts it is kinder to your neck. To stop Sidecar, click Screen Mirroring on your Mac again and choose Disconnect, or tap the disconnect button in the sidebar on the iPad.
Universal Control: something else
If you do not want your Mac's picture on the iPad, but want to control the iPad itself with your Mac's keyboard and trackpad, use Universal Control. Move the pointer past the edge of your Mac's screen and it appears on your iPad. You turn it on in System Settings, Displays, Advanced.
It does not work
- Check that both devices are signed in with the same Apple Account.
- Turn Wi-Fi and Bluetooth off and on on both devices.
- Try it with a USB cable; that is often more reliable.
- Update macOS and iPadOS.
- Check that your iPad and Mac are recent enough; very old models do not support Sidecar.
Prefer a real monitor?
For long work a bigger screen is more comfortable. See connecting your MacBook to a monitor and dock, hub or adapter.
What we do at Blue Apple in Amsterdam
We repair screens, ports, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth problems on MacBooks, and iPads too. If your MacBook screen is broken, you can work with Sidecar or a monitor for now while we plan the repair. More on our pages about MacBook screen repair and MacBook repair in Amsterdam.
Frequently asked questions
Does Sidecar work with an Android tablet?
No, Sidecar only works with an iPad. For other tablets there are apps from other makers.
Does my iPad charge over the cable?
Yes, with a cable the iPad gets power from your Mac.
Is there lag?
Wirelessly sometimes a little. With a cable the picture is almost instant.
