How to Set Up Sidecar to Use Your iPad as a Second Mac Display

Enable Sidecar to wirelessly extend your Mac desktop to your iPad. Complete setup guide with system requirements and troubleshooting tips.

1. Verify system compatibility. Ensure your Mac runs macOS Catalina 10.15 or later and your iPad runs iPadOS 13 or later. Both devices must be signed in to the same Apple ID with two-factor authentication enabled. Check that Handoff is enabled in System Preferences > General > AirPlay & Handoff on Mac and Settings > General > AirPlay & Handoff on iPad.
2. Connect devices to the same network. Connect both your Mac and iPad to the same Wi-Fi network. Alternatively, enable Bluetooth on both devices if you plan to use Sidecar without Wi-Fi. The devices must be within 10 meters of each other when using Bluetooth.
3. Access Sidecar from the Control Center. Click the Control Center icon in the menu bar on your Mac. Look for the Screen Mirroring button and click it. Select your iPad from the list of available devices under the Sidecar section.
4. Configure display settings. Choose whether to mirror your Mac display or use the iPad as an extended display. For extended mode, go to System Preferences > Displays and arrange the display positioning by dragging the iPad icon to your preferred location relative to your Mac screen.
5. Customize the Sidebar and Touch Bar. Enable the Sidebar on your iPad by clicking the Sidebar button in the Sidecar interface or going to System Preferences > Sidecar > Show Sidebar. The Touch Bar appears automatically at the bottom of compatible apps. Toggle these features on or off based on your workflow preferences.
6. Set up Apple Pencil integration. If you have an Apple Pencil, it automatically works with Sidecar for precise input and drawing. Double-tap the Apple Pencil to switch between tools in compatible apps like Photoshop, Illustrator, or Sketch. The pencil pressure and tilt sensitivity transfer directly to your Mac applications.
7. Disconnect and manage connections. Disconnect Sidecar by clicking the X button in the Sidecar interface on your iPad or by clicking the Screen Mirroring button in Control Center and selecting Disconnect. Your iPad returns to normal operation immediately.