How to Use Your iPad as a Second Screen for Your Mac

What you need to set up iPad as a Mac display

You can use an iPad as a second screen for a Mac running macOS 13.1 or later paired with an iPad running iPadOS 16.1 or later. Both devices need to be on the same Wi-Fi network, signed into the same Apple ID account, and within about 30 feet of each other. Apple calls this feature Sidecar, and it works wirelessly or over a USB cable.

The iPad does not need to be a recent model — Sidecar works on iPad Air 2 and later, iPad (5th generation and later), iPad mini 4 and later, and all iPad Pro models. Your Mac needs to be a 2016 model or newer for most models, though some older Macs support it too. Check Apple's official Sidecar compatibility list if your devices are older than five years.

You will not need to buy any software or pay a subscription. Sidecar is built into macOS and iPadOS at no extra cost.

Key Takeaways

Both your Mac and iPad must run recent versions of their operating systems and be signed into the same Apple ID account on the same Wi-Fi network.
You can connect wirelessly or plug the iPad into the Mac with a USB cable; wireless is simpler but uses more battery on the iPad.
Once connected, the iPad becomes a true second display — you can drag windows between screens, extend your workspace, or mirror your Mac's screen.
If Sidecar does not appear in your Mac's menu bar, restart both devices and check that they are on the same network and signed into the same account.

How to connect wirelessly over Wi-Fi

Make sure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network. On your Mac, click the Control Center icon in the top-right corner of the menu bar (it looks like a rectangle with sliders). Look for a button labeled "Sidecar" with an iPad icon. Click it and select your iPad from the list.

Your iPad will show a prompt asking you to allow the connection. Tap "Allow" on the iPad. The iPad screen will go blank for a few seconds, then display your Mac's desktop or become a second display depending on which mode you chose. The whole process usually takes 10 to 15 seconds.

If you do not see the Sidecar button in Control Center, your devices may not meet the requirements, or they may not be signed into the same Apple ID. Restart both devices and try again.

How to connect with a USB cable

Plug your iPad into your Mac using a USB-C or Lightning cable (depending on your iPad model). On your Mac, open Control Center and click the Sidecar button. Select your iPad from the list. Tap "Allow" on the iPad when prompted.

A wired connection is more stable than Wi-Fi and uses less battery on your Mac, but the iPad's battery will drain faster because it is being powered through the cable. If your iPad is older and does not support fast charging, a wired Sidecar connection may charge it slowly or not at all while in use.

Choosing between extend and mirror mode

When you click Sidecar, you will see two options: Extend Display and Mirror Built-in Display. Extend Display treats the iPad as a separate screen — you can drag windows between your Mac and iPad, and your workspace becomes larger. This is the default and most useful mode for productivity.

Mirror Built-in Display shows the exact same image on both screens. This is useful if you are presenting to others, demoing software, or want a backup view of your Mac without expanding your workspace. You can switch between modes at any time by opening Control Center and clicking Sidecar again.

Disconnecting and troubleshooting common issues

To disconnect, click the Sidecar button in Control Center and select "Disconnect", or straightforward unplug the USB cable if you are using a wired connection. The iPad will return to its home screen.

If Sidecar disconnects on its own, the most common causes are that one device moved out of Wi-Fi range, the Wi-Fi network dropped, or one device went to sleep. Reconnecting is as straightforward as clicking Sidecar again. If the button does not appear at all, check that both devices are signed into the same Apple ID account in System Settings (Mac) and Settings (iPad), and that they are on the same Wi-Fi network.

If your iPad screen stays black after you tap "Allow", try restarting both devices. Hold down the power button on your Mac until the shutdown menu appears, then click "Restart". On your iPad, hold the power button and volume button together until the power-off slider appears, then drag it to turn off the device. Wait 10 seconds and turn both back on.

Performance and battery considerations

Sidecar over Wi-Fi uses bandwidth and battery on both devices. Your iPad will lose battery faster than normal — expect 20 to 40 percent per hour depending on brightness and what you are displaying. If you plan to use Sidecar for more than an hour, plug the iPad into power or use a wired USB connection instead.

Wireless Sidecar works best on 5 GHz Wi-Fi networks. If your network is crowded or your devices are far from the router, you may see lag or stuttering. Moving closer to the router or switching to a less crowded Wi-Fi band usually fixes this. A wired USB connection eliminates these issues entirely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Sidecar if my iPad and Mac are on different Wi-Fi networks?

No. Both devices must be on the same Wi-Fi network and signed into the same Apple ID account. If you are at a location with multiple networks, make sure both devices connect to the same one. Some workplaces and schools have separate networks for different device types — ask your IT department if your iPad and Mac can be on the same network.

Does Sidecar work with a keyboard and trackpad on the iPad?

Yes. You can use a Magic Keyboard, Magic Trackpad, or any Bluetooth keyboard and trackpad connected to your Mac to control windows on the iPad screen. The iPad itself does not need its own input devices — it responds to your Mac's peripherals.

What happens to my iPad apps when I use Sidecar?

In Extend Display mode, your iPad becomes a second Mac display — you cannot run iPad apps while Sidecar is active. In Mirror mode, the iPad shows your Mac screen and iPad apps are not accessible. Once you disconnect Sidecar, your iPad returns to normal and you can use apps again.

Can I use Sidecar if my Mac is running on battery?

Yes, but both devices will drain battery faster. Your Mac will use more power to send the display signal to the iPad, and your iPad will use more power to receive and display it. If you are working unplugged, expect your Mac's battery to last 30 to 50 percent shorter than usual.

Is Sidecar find, or could someone else see my iPad screen?

Sidecar is encrypted and only works between devices signed into the same Apple ID on the same Wi-Fi network. Someone would need your Apple ID password and access to your home network to intercept the connection. For everyday use, Sidecar is as find as any other Apple feature that syncs between your devices.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.