How To Use iPad As Second Monitor?

Using your iPad as a second screen can greatly improve your productivity and convenience.

Whether you use a Mac or Windows PC, you can easily add your iPad as an extra monitor, expanding your workspace and making your tasks easier. 

This setup works not only with computers but also with gaming consoles like the Nintendo Switch, Xbox, and PlayStation 5, so you can enjoy gaming anywhere.

Easy Start: Making Your iPad a Dual Monitor

Mac Users: Mastering Sidecar

• Make sure your Mac and iPad use the same Apple ID. Turn on Bluetooth and Wi-Fi on both.

• On your Mac, go to System Preferences, then click Sidecar and turn on “Enable Sidecar.”

• Click the AirPlay icon in the menu bar on your Mac. Choose your iPad from the list. Select “Use As Separate Display” to extend your desktop.

• Now, move windows between your Mac and iPad. Use the controls on your iPad to interact with apps and content seamlessly.

Windows Guide: Using Duet Display

• Get the Duet Display app on your Windows PC and iPad.

• Sign in to Duet Display on both devices with the same account.

• Link your iPad to your PC using a cable or wirelessly.

• Your iPad becomes a second screen for your Windows desktop.

• Control Windows apps on your iPad's screen with touch, Apple Pencil, and gestures.

Benefits of Using Your iPad as a Second Monitor

Increased Screen Space

Using a second display increases your workspace, allowing you to have more windows and apps open simultaneously. This reduces the need to switch between windows and makes multitasking easier.

Side-by-Side Viewing

Using an iPad as a second screen lets you view reference materials on one screen while you work on the other. It's useful for tasks such as coding, writing, data analysis, and comparing documents.

Portability

An iPad is highly portable compared to regular monitors. You can move it easily or use it anywhere, which adds flexibility to your work setup.

Versatility

An iPad, a helpful tool for getting work done, can act as a second screen and also allow you to take notes, draw, and watch videos.

Easy Setup

Most modern operating systems and apps allow you to use an iPad as a wireless second display with little setup needed.

Check iPad Compatibility as a Second Monitor

Macs Compatible with iPad Sidecar

• MacBook Air (2018 and newer)

• Mac Mini (2018 and newer)

• MacBook Pro (2016 and newer)

• iMac (2017 and newer, or late 2015 Retina 5K 27-inch)

• Mac Pro (2019 and newer)

• iMac Pro (2017)

• Mac Studio (2022 and newer)

Also, your Mac needs to have macOS Catalina 10.15 or later.

Windows PC Requirements for Using iPad as a Second Monitor

To use your iPad as a second monitor for a Windows PC, you'll need:

• A third-party app.

• An iPad that supports the app (usually newer models).

• A Windows PC with a compatible wireless or wired connection (like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or USB).

Connect Your iPad as a Second Monitor

Using Sidecar: A Guide for Mac Users

Requirements: Ensure your Mac runs macOS Catalina or later and your iPad runs iPadOS 13 or newer. Both devices should use the same Apple ID with two-factor authentication enabled.

Setup:

• On your Mac, navigate to System Preferences > Displays.

• Click “Add Display” and select your iPad from the options.

• Alternatively, use the AirPlay icon in the menu bar and choose your iPad.

Configuration:

• Link your iPad to your Mac to display or extend your screen.

• Customize your display preferences by accessing the “Use as” menu.

• Toggle the visibility of the sidebar and Touch Bar on your iPad using the same menu.

Wireless or Wired Connection:

• Sidecar operates wirelessly if your devices are within 30 feet, with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled.

• Alternatively, connect your iPad to your Mac via USB for a wired connection.

Using Touch Bar and Sidebar:

• Access app-specific controls using the Touch Bar on your iPad.

• Manage visibility of the menu bar, Dock, and keyboard via the sidebar settings.

Apple Pencil Integration:

• If your iPad supports Apple Pencil, utilize it to interact with your Mac's interface on the iPad screen.

• Double-tap the Pencil to switch between drawing tools in compatible apps.

Navigation Gestures:

• Control your Mac screen from your iPad with simple gestures like tapping, swiping, zooming, and scrolling.

• Effortlessly access the iPad's Home Screen or App Switcher by swiping up from the bottom of the screen.

Disconnecting:

• To disconnect from Sidecar, either tap the Disconnect icon on your iPad's sidebar or select your active iPad from the Screen Mirroring menu on your Mac.

Using Duet Display on Windows

• Get the Duet Display app on your Windows PC and iPad.

• Open the app on both devices.

• Connect your iPad to your PC using Wi-Fi or a Lightning/USB cable.

• On your PC, select your iPad in the app to connect.

• Now, easily extend or mirror your PC screen using your iPad.

SpaceDesk: A Free Solution for Your Windows PC

SpaceDesk is a free tool that lets you use your phones or Surface tablets as extra screens for Windows.

• Download and install the SpaceDesk Driver software on your Windows PC from the developer's website. It works with Windows 7, 8.1, 10, and 11. 

• Download the SpaceDesk Viewer app onto your secondary device—such as a phone or tablet—from either the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.

• Connect your devices with a wired (USB) or wireless (LAN, Wi-Fi) connection. Make sure all devices are on the same network for wireless connections. 

• Once connected, you can either mirror your main Windows desktop or extend it to the secondary device's screen. Use your PC's keyboard, mouse, or the touchscreen on your secondary device to interact with the extended display.

Turn Your iPad into a Portable Gaming Console Monitor.

Using an iPad as a portable screen for gaming consoles such as Nintendo Switch, Xbox, and PS5 lets you enjoy console games on the move or in different rooms at home.

• You'll need an iPad that supports USB-C and has iPadOS 17 installed.

• Connect the HDMI cable from your gaming console to a USB-C to HDMI video capture card or adapter.

• Attach the capture card to your iPad's USB-C port and open the Capture Pro app on your iPad.

• Connect your gaming controller to the console as usual. The app detects the HDMI input and displays your console's video on the iPad screen. Now, you can start playing with the iPad as your portable display.

This setup works smoothly, without noticeable delay, and the iPad's speakers will play the game sound. 

You can even use Stage Manager on iPadOS 17 to keep the game window open while using other apps or websites for guides. 

Enjoy console gaming anywhere with ease. Whether you're traveling or prefer playing in a different room, using the iPad as your screen avoids moving the entire console setup.

Plus, its high-resolution display enhances your visual experience.