How to Use iPad as a Second Monitor

Turn your iPad into a wireless second monitor for Mac or PC. Complete setup guide for Sidecar, Universal Control, and third-party apps.

1. Verify system compatibility. Check that your Mac runs macOS Catalina 10.15 or later and your iPad runs iPadOS 13 or later for Sidecar. For Universal Control, you need macOS Monterey 12 or later and iPadOS 15 or later. Both devices must use the same Apple ID and have Bluetooth and Wi-Fi enabled.
2. Enable Sidecar on Mac. Open System Preferences and click Sidecar. Check 'Show Sidebar' and 'Show Touch Bar' if desired. Select your iPad from the dropdown menu under 'Connect to'. Your iPad will automatically connect and display your Mac desktop extension.
3. Position the iPad display. Go to System Preferences > Displays > Arrangement. Drag the iPad display rectangle to match its physical position relative to your Mac screen. This ensures your cursor moves naturally between displays. Click 'Done' when positioned correctly.
4. Configure display settings. In System Preferences > Displays, select your iPad from the sidebar. Adjust resolution, brightness, and color profile to match your workflow needs. Enable 'Mirror Displays' if you want identical content on both screens instead of extended desktop.
5. Use Universal Control features. Move your cursor to the edge of your Mac screen toward your iPad to seamlessly transition between devices. Drag files directly from Mac to iPad or vice versa. Type on your Mac keyboard while selecting text fields on your iPad screen.
6. Set up third-party apps for PC. Download Duet Display, Luna Display, or Splashtop Wired XDisplay on both your PC and iPad. Follow the app-specific setup process to establish connection via USB cable or Wi-Fi. Install any required drivers on your PC when prompted.
7. Optimize touch and Apple Pencil input. Enable touch gestures in your Sidecar settings to use iPad's touchscreen for direct manipulation. Use Apple Pencil for precise cursor control, drawing in creative applications, or signing documents. Configure pressure sensitivity in supported applications.