Can I Use an iPad as an External Screen for My MacBook Pro: Possible, Not Possible, and How

Introduction to the Sidecar Feature

Apple has introduced a revolutionary feature called Sidecar, which allows certain iPad models to function as a second screen for your MacBook Pro. With Sidecar, you can extend or mirror your macOS desktop on your iOS device, including iPads and some iPad Pros, making it easier to multitask, work on documents, and enhance your productivity. This guide will help you understand the compatibility, setup process, and usage of the Sidecar feature.

Technical Requirements and Setup for Sidecar

Not all Mac and iPad models are compatible with Sidecar. However, if your device runs macOS Catalina or later, and your iPad runs iPadOS 13 or later, you are good to go. Here is a detailed technical list of compatible devices:

Sidecar-Supported Mac Models

2016 and later MacBook 2018 and later MacBook Air 2016 and later MacBook Pro 2018 and later Mac mini late 2015 and later iMac 2017 and later iMac Pro 2019 and later Mac Pro

Sidecar-Supported iPad Models

12.9-inch iPad Pro 11-inch iPad Pro 10.5-inch iPad Pro 9.7-inch iPad Pro 6th generation iPad 5th generation iPad mini 3rd generation iPad Air

Once you have ensured that both your Mac and iPad are compatible, you need to set up Sidecar. There are two options: wireless or cable connection. While a wireless connection is convenient, using a cable (USB-C cable for newer models) is recommended to maintain battery performance.

Wireless Setup

Wireless setup involves ensuring both devices are signed in with the same Apple ID. After that, you can enable Sidecar on your Mac by going to System Preferences > Remotes and Displays > Display. Click the " " button and find your iPad in the list of discovered devices.

Direct Cable Connection

For a more stable and reliable connection, use a USB-C cable to directly connect your iPad to your Mac. This method ensures a consistent performance and battery management.

Using the Sidecar Feature

Once Sidecar is enabled, you can start using it right away. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use the Sidecar feature:

Extending or Mirroring Your Display

To extend your Mac’s display onto your iPad, simply move your cursor to the green fullscreen button in the corner of your application window. Select the option that says 'Move to iPad.' This will allow you to work on your iPad as an extension of your MacBook Pro.

Using Apple Pencil

With Sidecar, you can also use your Apple Pencil to control your Mac through your iPad. This can be particularly useful for writing, sketching, and marking up documents. The changes you make on your iPad are reflected in real-time on your Mac.

Alternative Solutions for Older Macs

If your Mac is older and does not support the Sidecar feature, you can still extend your screen using third-party apps like Duet. These apps can work with any Mac and iPad, provided you have a good-quality and undamaged cable. Duet is a popular choice among developers and designers for its reliability and ease of use.

Duet App Tutorial

Download the Duet app from the App Store and install it on both your Mac and iPad. Connect your iPad to your Mac using a USB-C cable. Open the Duet app on your iPad and follow the on-screen instructions to set up the connection. Once set up, you can use your iPad as an external display for your Mac.

Using Duet or similar third-party apps can provide a similar experience to Sidecar, especially if you are working with older Mac models.

Conclusion

In summary, if your Mac is equipped with macOS Catalina or later and your iPad has iPadOS 13 or later, you can take advantage of the Sidecar feature to extend or mirror your Mac’s desktop on your iPad. For older Macs, there are still options available through third-party apps like Duet. Whether you want a seamless experience or a more flexible solution, you now have the tools to enhance your productivity.