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Expand your workspace and use your iPad as a second screen without any cables. Here's how.

Cody Godwin

Working from home has been a game-changer for many people. But along with the advantages, there are also problems to overcome. For example, though using multiple computer monitors can be useful, sometimes there just isn't enough space!

Thankfully, there's another way. All you need is enough extra room for an iPad.

Apple devices have a feature called Sidecar that allows users to utilize a digital tablet as an additional screen for Apple computers. 

It can either mirror what’s displayed on the computer or work as a second screen. 

Sidecar doesn’t require any additional equipment, and you can easily navigate on or between screens with your connected mouse, keyboard, trackpad or Apple Pencil. 

Watch this video to see how to use your iPad as a second screen. 

How to use iPad as a second monitor 

There are numerous easy ways to get content from your computer to your iPad. 

  1. Move your mouse over. It will pop through the side of the iPad and your pointer mouse will appear as a little circle.
  2. Hover or long-press the green button in the upper left corner and select “Move to iPad.” This might show the name of your device instead of "iPad." 

Sidecar works whether the iPad is on the right, left, top, or bottom of your computer, but you might need to tell your computer how it’s arranged. 

To do this, go to "Displays" in System Settings. 

Depending on your operating system, you can drag the layout of screens to match your setup. If that doesn’t work, click "Arrange" to rearrange the layout. 

Apple Sidecar requirements

There are a few requirements needed for Sidecar to work between your iPad and Apple computer.

Both devices must be logged in to the same Apple account and within 30 feet of each other. 

There are some requirements for the operating systems (OS) of both devices: iPads need to be running at least OS13 and computers need macOS Catalina or later.

To check your iPad’s OS: 

  • Go to Settings 
  • About 
  • iPadOS Version

To check your computer’s OS: 

  • Click the Apple in the top left corner
  • Click About This Mac  
  • The line “MacOS” will show what OS the device is running

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