Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesUse Apple’s Sidecar feature to extend or mirror your Mac desktop on a compatible iPad. First check that both devices meet Apple’s model and software requirements and use the same Apple Account with two-factor authentication. Then, on your Mac, open System Settings > Displays > Add Display and select your iPad.
Check that your Mac and iPad support Sidecar
Apple’s published requirements are macOS Catalina 10.15 or later on the Mac and iPadOS 13 or later on the iPad. Compatibility depends on the exact model, not just whether the device can install a recent operating system.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
| Device | Supported models listed by Apple |
|---|---|
| Mac | MacBook Air introduced in 2018 or later; iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, Late 2015); and all other Mac models introduced in 2016 or later. |
| iPad | All iPad Pro models; iPad (6th generation or later); iPad mini (5th generation or later); or iPad Air (3rd generation or later). |
Apple’s requirements are listed in its Sidecar support article. If you have an older device, check its model and installed OS version before troubleshooting connection settings.
Both devices must be signed in to the same Apple Account, with two-factor authentication enabled. For wireless Sidecar, Apple also requires Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and Handoff to be on; the devices must be within 10 metres (30 feet) of each other. The iPad must not be sharing its cellular connection, and the Mac must not be sharing its internet connection. For a USB connection, the iPad must trust the Mac.
#1 Best Overall
- WHY IPAD — The 11-inch iPad is now more capable than ever with the superfast A16 chip, a stunning Liquid Retina display, advanced cameras, fast Wi-Fi, USB-C connector, and four gorgeous colors.* iPad delivers a powerful way to create, stay connected, and get things done.
- PERFORMANCE AND STORAGE — The superfast A16 chip delivers a boost in performance for your favorite activities. And with all-day battery life, iPad is perfect for playing immersive games and editing photos and videos.* Storage starts at 128GB and goes up to 512GB.*
- 11-INCH LIQUID RETINA DISPLAY — The gorgeous Liquid Retina display is an amazing way to watch movies or draw your next masterpiece.* True Tone adjusts the display to the color temperature of the room to make viewing comfortable in any light.
- IPADOS + APPS — iPadOS makes iPad more productive, intuitive, and versatile. With iPadOS, run multiple apps at once, use Apple Pencil to write in any text field with Scribble, and edit and share photos.* iPad comes with essential apps like Safari, Messages, and Keynote, with over a million more apps designed specifically for iPad available on the App Store.
- FAST WI-FI CONNECTIVITY — Wi-Fi 6 gives you fast access to your files, uploads, and downloads, and lets you seamlessly stream your favorite shows.
Connect the iPad from Mac display settings
- On the Mac, open Apple menu > System Settings > Displays.
- Select Add Display, then choose your iPad from the available devices.
- In Displays, select the iPad and choose whether to extend or mirror the Mac display.
- Arrange the display positions in settings so the iPad is on the side where you want the pointer to move. Drag a window toward the iPad’s edge to move it there, or use the window controls to move it.
Apple also documents starting Sidecar from the Mac’s Control Center using Screen Mirroring. Labels and settings locations may differ on older macOS versions, which use System Preferences rather than System Settings. Apple’s Mac user guide covers extending, mirroring, moving windows and disconnecting.
Choose wireless or USB
Wireless
Wireless Sidecar avoids a cable, but requires the devices to meet Apple’s Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Handoff, account and proximity conditions. Apple gives the maximum distance as 10 metres (30 feet). Keep the iPad and Mac within that range and connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
Rank #2
- WHY IPAD — The 11-inch iPad is now more capable than ever with the superfast A16 chip, a stunning Liquid Retina display, advanced cameras, fast Wi-Fi, USB-C connector, and four gorgeous colors.* iPad delivers a powerful way to create, stay connected, and get things done.
- PERFORMANCE AND STORAGE — The superfast A16 chip delivers a boost in performance for your favorite activities. And with all-day battery life, iPad is perfect for playing immersive games and editing photos and videos.* Storage starts at 128GB and goes up to 512GB.*
- 11-INCH LIQUID RETINA DISPLAY — The gorgeous Liquid Retina display is an amazing way to watch movies or draw your next masterpiece.* True Tone adjusts the display to the color temperature of the room to make viewing comfortable in any light.
- IPADOS + APPS — iPadOS makes iPad more productive, intuitive, and versatile. With iPadOS, run multiple apps at once, use Apple Pencil to write in any text field with Scribble, and edit and share photos.* iPad comes with essential apps like Safari, Messages, and Keynote, with over a million more apps designed specifically for iPad available on the App Store.
- FAST WI-FI CONNECTIVITY — Wi-Fi 6 gives you fast access to your files, uploads, and downloads, and lets you seamlessly stream your favorite shows.
USB
A wired connection is an option if you prefer to connect directly or keep the iPad charged. Use the cable included with the iPad if it fits both devices, or another cable that matches their ports. You do not need to buy a cable if you already have a suitable one. When prompted, trust the Mac on the iPad.
Recommended Free Tools
Extend or mirror: what changes?
- Extend: The iPad becomes additional Mac workspace. Move a window onto it to keep another app or document visible alongside what is on the Mac’s main display.
- Mirror: The iPad shows the same Mac content as the Mac display rather than acting as separate workspace.
Sidecar is for displaying the Mac desktop on the iPad. It is different from Universal Control: with Universal Control, the iPad continues to show its own Home Screen and apps while the Mac’s keyboard, mouse or trackpad controls both devices. Choose Universal Control if your goal is to share input devices, not move Mac windows onto the iPad. Apple explains the distinction in its Sidecar support article.
Rank #3
- WHY IPAD — The 11-inch iPad is now more capable than ever with the superfast A16 chip, a stunning Liquid Retina display, advanced cameras, fast Wi-Fi, USB-C connector, and four gorgeous colors.* iPad delivers a powerful way to create, stay connected, and get things done.
- PERFORMANCE AND STORAGE — The superfast A16 chip delivers a boost in performance for your favorite activities. And with all-day battery life, iPad is perfect for playing immersive games and editing photos and videos.* Storage starts at 128GB and goes up to 512GB.*
- 11-INCH LIQUID RETINA DISPLAY — The gorgeous Liquid Retina display is an amazing way to watch movies or draw your next masterpiece.* True Tone adjusts the display to the color temperature of the room to make viewing comfortable in any light.
- IPADOS + APPS — iPadOS makes iPad more productive, intuitive, and versatile. With iPadOS, run multiple apps at once, use Apple Pencil to write in any text field with Scribble, and edit and share photos.* iPad comes with essential apps like Safari, Messages, and Keynote, with over a million more apps designed specifically for iPad available on the App Store.
- FAST WI-FI CONNECTIVITY — Wi-Fi 6 gives you fast access to your files, uploads, and downloads, and lets you seamlessly stream your favorite shows.
Use touch, Apple Pencil and the Sidecar controls
Sidecar supports basic gestures on the iPad and can show an onscreen sidebar and Touch Bar controls on supported computers. Apple Pencil is optional: while Sidecar is active, it can point, click, select, draw, edit photos and manipulate objects. Pencil double-tap depends on the Pencil, its settings and whether the app supports the action. You do not need an Apple Pencil for ordinary second-display use.
Disconnect Sidecar
On the Mac, open Control Center and disconnect from Screen Mirroring. You can also use the disconnect control shown on the iPad while Sidecar is active.
Rank #4
- Smart Connector. 3.5 mm headphone jack. Stereo speakers. On/Off - Sleep/Wake. Home/Touch ID sensor. Dual microphones. Volume up/down. Nano-SIM tray (cellular models). Lightning connector
- A10 Fusion chip.
- Touch ID fingerprint sensor,
- 8MP back camera, 1. 2MP FaceTime HD front camera.
- Stereo speakers.
If the iPad does not appear
Work through these checks in order; Apple recommends confirming compatibility and connection prerequisites, then updating both devices if Sidecar still has trouble.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Verify the models and software. Check that the Mac and iPad meet the requirements above and are running macOS Catalina 10.15 or later and iPadOS 13 or later.
- Check the account. Confirm both devices use the same Apple Account and that two-factor authentication is enabled.
- For wireless, check the connection conditions. Turn on Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and Handoff on both devices. Make sure they are on the same Wi-Fi network, within 10 metres (30 feet), and not sharing an internet or cellular connection as described above.
- Check local-network access. A VPN can block local networking and prevent discovery. If you use one, check whether it is interfering with the devices connecting locally. Apple’s iPad user guide notes this wireless troubleshooting consideration.
- For USB, confirm trust. If prompted on the iPad, choose to trust the Mac.
- Install available updates. Apple advises updating to the latest macOS and iPadOS versions when Sidecar is not working as expected.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
