How to Extend or Mirror Your Mac’s Screen to an iPad With Sidecar

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You can extend or mirror your Mac’s screen to an iPad using Sidecar, a feature available on macOS Catalina (10.15) and later. Here’s how to set it up:

Requirements

  1. Compatible Devices: Ensure your Mac and iPad are compatible. Generally, this includes:
    • Macs: 2016 or later models (MacBook, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, Mac mini, iMac, iMac Pro, Mac Pro)
    • iPads: iPad (6th generation or later), iPad Pro, iPad Air (3rd generation or later), iPad mini (5th generation or later)
  2. Software:
    • macOS Catalina (10.15) or later
    • iPadOS 13 or later
  3. Apple ID: Both devices must be signed into the same Apple ID.
  4. Connection: You can connect via USB or wirelessly (ensure Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are enabled).

Steps to Extend or Mirror Your Mac’s Screen

Using Sidecar

  1. Connect your iPad:
    • Wireless: Ensure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network. On your Mac, click on the Control Center icon in the menu bar, select Display, and then choose your iPad from the list.
    • Wired: Connect your iPad to your Mac using a USB cable.
  2. Activate Sidecar:
    • Click on the Apple menu () in the upper left corner of your Mac’s screen.
    • Select System Preferences, then choose Sidecar.
    • You can also find Sidecar by clicking on the Display icon in the Control Center.
  3. Choose Display Options:
    • You can choose to extend or mirror your display. To mirror, select the Mirror Display option. To extend, select the option to use the iPad as a separate display.
    • Adjust display settings as needed.
  4. Using Your iPad as a Second Display:
    • Use your Apple Pencil or finger to interact with apps on the iPad if it’s in extended mode. You can drag windows from your Mac onto the iPad screen.
  5. Adjust Settings (Optional):
    • If you want to change the arrangement of displays, go to System Preferences > Displays and adjust the arrangement as needed.

Additional Features

  • Touch Bar: If your Mac doesn’t have a Touch Bar, you can access a virtual Touch Bar on your iPad while in Sidecar mode.
  • Gestures: Use gestures on the iPad for navigation and interaction.

Troubleshooting Tips

  • If you encounter issues, ensure both devices are updated to the latest software versions.
  • Restart both your Mac and iPad.
  • Check that both devices are connected to the same Apple ID and Wi-Fi network.

By following these steps, you can effectively extend or mirror your Mac’s screen to your iPad using Sidecar, enhancing your productivity with additional screen space or shared content.

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