Sometimes it’s a lot easier to work with your computer when you have a second monitor to use. You can actually use your iPad as a second monitor with your Mac. It’s easy to setup and once you’ve got it connected you’ll wonder what you ever did without it.
Apple calls this feature sidecar. Other people call it extending a desktop. It’s all the same thing.
Here are the steps you need to follow to use your iPad as a second monitor with your Mac.
Turn On Your iPad
Make sure your iPad is on and you aren’t viewing any apps (you’re at the Home Screen)
Make Sure You’re Using The Same WiFi Network
The iPad you’re wanting to use as a second monitor has to be on the same WiFi network as the Mac you have.
Connect Your Mac To Your iPad
Wirelessly connect to your iPad and control the screen from your Mac
Go to the Apple icon at the top left of the screen and click it.
This will take you to your Mac’s control panel to begin the desktop sharing.
Type “Display” into the search box and click on Displays when it shows up
Add your second monitor – your iPad – by clicking the + symbol in the bottom right
Your iPad will have a different name, click it and your desktop should be shared immediately.
Extra Tips
You can move where the second display is so that it’s natural to move the mouse into it. For instance if your computer thinks your iPad is on the right side, but it’s actually on the left of your Mac, you won’t be able to drag items left and drop them on the desktop on the iPad.
You can even move the iPad display to the top of underneath you main Mac display for other configuration options.
Something else that’s awesome about using your iPad as a second display with your Mac, you’ll get a virtual Touch Bar at the bottom of the iPad screen to make navigating apps and the web faster. You can disable this completely if you want, but it’s a nice touch.
Universal Control
For a different type of sharing – or universal control in Apple speak – you can take advantage of your iPad apps, but use the same mouse and keyboard on your Mac to control it. To do this, don’t go to the + and add a display, instead scroll to the bottom of the display settings window and click on “Advanced”.
Then make sure the box is checked about sharing your mouse and keyboard.
