Working on a laptop while traveling is convenient, but sacrificing the screen space of a dual-monitor desktop setup can severely impact your productivity. If you own both a Mac and an iPad, Apple has built a magical, wireless solution directly into the operating system: Sidecar. Sidecar allows you to instantly transform your iPad into a fully functional second monitor for your Mac.
Requirements for Sidecar
Before you begin, ensure your devices meet these basic requirements:
- Your Mac must be running macOS Catalina or later.
- Your iPad must be running iPadOS 13 or later.
- Both devices must be signed in to the exact same Apple ID using Two-Factor Authentication.
- Both devices must have Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Handoff turned on.
- They must be within 30 feet (10 meters) of each other if using wirelessly.
How to Start a Sidecar Session
Starting Sidecar takes only two clicks. You do not need to install any third-party apps.
- Wake up your iPad and unlock it.
- On your Mac, click the Control Center icon (the two toggles) in the top right corner of the menu bar.
- Click on Screen Mirroring (or Display in older versions).
- You should see your iPad’s name listed under “Link to Mac or iPad.” Click on your iPad.
Instantly, your iPad screen will flash and display your Mac’s desktop wallpaper. You can now drag windows from your Mac screen all the way over to your iPad screen.
Extending vs. Mirroring
By default, Sidecar “extends” your desktop, giving you more space to spread out your work. However, if you are giving a presentation and want someone across the desk to see exactly what you see, you can mirror the display.
- While Sidecar is active, click the blue Screen Mirroring icon in your Mac’s menu bar.
- Select Mirror Built-in Retina Display.
- To switch back, select Use As Separate Display.
Using the Sidebar and Touch Bar
When using Sidecar, you will notice some extra controls on the iPad screen.
- The Sidebar: Located on the left or right edge of the iPad, this offers quick access to modifier keys like Command, Option, Control, and Shift. It also includes an Undo button and a button to hide/show the dock.
- The Touch Bar: Even if your Mac doesn’t have a physical Touch Bar, Sidecar will display a virtual one at the bottom of the iPad screen for apps that support it.
You can turn these off in your Mac’s System Settings > Displays menu if you want the iPad to act purely as a blank screen.
Can I Use the Apple Pencil?
Yes! While you cannot use your fingers to navigate Mac apps via touch, you can use an Apple Pencil. The Pencil acts as a highly precise mouse alternative. This is incredible for graphic designers who want to use full Mac software (like Photoshop or Illustrator) but draw directly on the iPad screen.
Conclusion
Sidecar is a game-changer for Mac power users. Whether you connect it wirelessly at a coffee shop or plug it in via USB-C to keep the iPad charged at your desk, it provides a seamless, zero-lag dual-monitor experience.