How to use an iPad as a second screen for a Mac with Sidecar

2 min read · 7 steps · Updated 2 October 2026

Short answer

Sign in to the same Apple Account on both devices and keep them close together. On the Mac, move the pointer over the green full screen button of a window and choose to move it to the iPad. To show the same picture on both, choose the iPad in the Screen Mirroring menu in Control Centre.

Sidecar turns an iPad into an extra display for a Mac. You can put a second window there, or draw with Apple Pencil in a Mac app. It works without a cable, or with one if you want the iPad to charge.

Step by step

  1. Check that your devices can do it

    The Mac needs macOS Catalina or later and is usually a model from 2016 or later (MacBook Air from 2018). The iPad needs iPadOS 13 or later: any iPad Pro, iPad 6th generation or later, iPad mini 5th generation or later, or iPad Air 3rd generation or later.

  2. Sign in to the same Apple Account

    Both devices must use the same Apple Account with two-factor authentication switched on.

  3. Without a cable: turn on Bluetooth and Wi-Fi

    Both devices need Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and Handoff switched on, and they must be within 10 metres of each other. The iPad must not be sharing its mobile connection and the Mac must not be sharing its internet connection.

  4. With a cable: trust the Mac

    Connect the iPad with its USB cable. If the iPad asks, tap Trust.

  5. Move a window to the iPad

    On the Mac, move the pointer over the green full screen button in the top left of a window. Choose the entry that moves the window to your iPad. The iPad is now an extra desktop.

  6. Or mirror the Mac screen

    To show the same picture on both screens, click Control Centre in the menu bar, click Screen Mirroring and choose your iPad.

  7. Stop using Sidecar

    Tap the disconnect button in the sidebar on the iPad.

Good to know

The sidebar on the iPad has buttons for the menu bar, the Dock, the Command, Option, Control and Shift keys, Undo and the on-screen keyboard.

Settings are on the Mac under System Settings, Displays. Click your iPad there to move the sidebar, show or hide the Touch Bar, or allow a double tap on Apple Pencil.

To send the picture to a television instead, see how to mirror a Mac screen to a TV with AirPlay.

In short: Same Apple Account, devices close together, green button, move to iPad.

Sources
  • Apple Support: Use an iPad as a second display for a Mac

Rules and prices change. Check the official source before you act.