If you have ever found yourself wanting to multitask on multiple screens or extend your workspace to get more done, you might have considered using your iPhone or iPad as an extension of your Mac. This is possible with the Sidecar feature, which allows you to connect your iPad wirelessly to your Mac and use it as a second display or an extended workspace. By doing this, you can leverage your iPad as both a touch interface and an expanded area for your Mac apps.
In this blog post, we will discuss the different methods to use your iPad as an extension of your Mac, the benefits and potential drawbacks, and how to troubleshoot issues that may arise.
Video Tutorial:
What’s Needed
To use your iPad as an extension of your Mac, you will require the following:
- Mac running macOS Catalina or later
- iPad running iPadOS 13 or later
- Both devices with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi turned on
- A Lightning cable to connect your iPad to your Mac for the first time
- The two devices must be signed in to the same iCloud account and have Handoff enabled.
What Requires Your Focus?
Prior to beginning the connection process, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Ensure both devices are updated to the latest operating systems and have the necessary hardware to connect.
- Your iPad needs to have at least a 2nd-generation Apple Pencil or a Bluetooth keyboard if you want to use it as an input device for your Mac.
- The Sidecar feature is available for newer Macs only, including MacBooks introduced in 2016 or newer and iMacs introduced in 2017 or newer.
Different Methods to Use iPad As Extension of Mac
Here are the different methods you can try to set up Sidecar and use your iPad as an extension of your Mac:
Method 1: Via Sidecar in System Preferences
This is the easiest and most direct method. Follow these steps:
- Ensure your Mac and iPad are signed in to the same iCloud account with Handoff enabled.
- Click on the Apple menu at the upper-left corner of your Mac and select ‘System Preferences.’
- Select ‘Sidecar.’
- You should be able to see a list of available iPads. Click on your iPad’s name to connect it to your Mac.
- Your device will display a prompt, asking if you want to use your iPad as an extended desktop, a mirror display, or an Apple Pencil input device. Choose your preferred option.
- You can now use your iPad as a second screen to multitask or extend your workspace.
Pros:
- Straightforward setup process
- Easiest and most direct method to connect your iPad as an extension of your Mac.
- Quickly switch between different mode options.
Cons:
- The Sidecar feature is only available for newer Mac and iPad models.
Method 2: Via AirPlay to Apple TV and iPad
You can also use this method if you have an Apple TV and want to wirelessly connect your Mac to your iPad. Follow these steps:
- Ensure your Mac and Apple TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Click on the AirPlay icon in your Mac’s menu bar.
- Select your Apple TV from the list of available devices.
- On your Apple TV, open the Control Center and select ‘Screen Mirroring.’
- Select your iPad from the list of available devices.
- You can now use your iPad as an extended display for your Mac.
Pros:
- Wireless connection between your Mac, Apple TV, and iPad.
- No need for a cable.
Cons:
- Requires an Apple TV to work.
- The AirPlay feature can sometimes be unreliable.
- Lags may occur due to the wireless connection.
Method 3: Via a Third-Party App
You can also use third-party apps to extend your Mac display to your iPad, such as Duet Display and Luna Display. To do this:
- Download and install the app on both your Mac and iPad.
- Connect the two devices with a Lightning cable or Wi-Fi.
- Open the app on your iPad and select ‘Connect.’
- You can now use your iPad as an extended display for your Mac.
Pros:
- Third-party apps provide additional features not available on Sidecar.
- You can use the iPad in a variety of orientations.
Cons:
- The app requires installation and purchase.
- Inconsistencies may arise as updates often change the app’s performance.
- It may not support all devices and may have compatibility issues.
Why Can’t I Use iPad As Extension of Mac?
Despite the relative simplicity of Sidecar and the other methods, you may encounter some issues. Here are some common reasons why you may not be able to use your iPad as an extension of your Mac and how to fix them:
1. Compatibility Issues:
Certain older Apple devices, such as Macs released before 2016, are not compatible with the Sidecar feature. Check your device’s specifications before attempting to connect your iPad.
Fix:
Upgrade your Mac to macOS Catalina or later.
2. Connectivity Issues:
Issues with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity can interfere with the connection between your iPad and your Mac. Poor connectivity can lead to lags and other problems.
Fix:
Make sure Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are both enabled and working properly on both devices. If necessary, turn them off and on again.
3. Software Issues:
Software bugs and compatibility issues may occur, leading to problems connecting your iPad to your Mac.
Fix:
Ensure both your Mac and iPad are updated to their latest operating systems. Restart both devices if necessary or contact Apple support for further assistance.
Implications and Recommendations
Using your iPad as an extension of your Mac can have several benefits, such as increased productivity and better multitasking. It’s a useful feature that can help you maximize your workflow and get more done. While the Sidecar feature is the most direct and straightforward method, third-party apps like Duet Display and Luna Display offer additional features and flexibility. However, it’s important to ensure that both your Mac and iPad meet the necessary requirements before attempting to connect them.
5 FAQs about Using iPad As Extension of Mac
Q1. Can I use Sidecar with an older Mac?
A1: No, Sidecar is only available for Macs released after 2016 running macOS Catalina or later.
Q2. Can I use Sidecar without Wi-Fi or Bluetooth?
A2: No, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are both necessary to use Sidecar.
Q3. Can I use an Apple Pencil with Sidecar?
A3: Yes, you can use an Apple Pencil as an input device with Sidecar.
Q4. Does using Sidecar drain my iPad battery?
A4: Yes, using Sidecar can have an impact on your iPad battery life, so you should ensure that you have sufficient battery power for both devices before starting.
Q5. Can I use Sidecar on a Windows PC?
A5: No, Sidecar is exclusive to Apple devices.
In Conclusion
Using your iPad as an extension of your Mac can be a highly beneficial way to enhance your workflow and achieve more multitasking capabilities. The Sidecar feature is a straightforward method of doing this, and third-party apps like Duet Display and Luna offer additional features and flexibility. However, it’s important to ensure that both your Mac and iPad meet the necessary requirements before attempting to connect them. With these easy steps, you can now enjoy the full benefits of using your iPad as an extension of your Mac.