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How to set up and use Sidecar with iPad.

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How to Set Up and Use Sidecar with iPad

Sidecar

Sidecar is a fantastic feature introduced in macOS Catalina that allows you to use your iPad as a secondary display and extends the functionality of your Mac. With Sidecar, you can have the convenience of a dual monitor setup without the need for extra physical monitors. In this tutorial, we will guide you on how to set up and use Sidecar with your iPad.

Prerequisites

Before getting started, ensure that you have the following prerequisites:

  • A Mac running macOS Catalina or later.
  • An iPad running iPadOS 13 or later.
  • Both devices must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network or connected via a wired connection (USB-C or Lightning cable).

Step 1: Enable Sidecar on your Mac

To enable Sidecar functionality on your Mac, follow these steps:

  1. Go to System Preferences on your Mac.
  2. Click on the Sidecar icon in the System Preferences window.
  3. In the Sidecar preferences, ensure that your iPad is selected from the Devices list.

Step 2: Connect your iPad to your Mac

Now that you have enabled Sidecar on your Mac, you need to connect your iPad to your Mac. You can connect your iPad wirelessly or via a cable.

Wireless Connection

To establish a wireless connection between your Mac and iPad, follow these steps:

  1. Ensure that both your Mac and iPad are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
  2. On your iPad, swipe down from the top-right corner of the screen to access the Control Center.
  3. In the Control Center, tap on the Screen Mirroring icon.
  4. From the available devices list, select your Mac.

Wired Connection

If you prefer a wired connection or your Wi-Fi network experiences connectivity issues, you can connect your iPad to your Mac using a USB-C or Lightning cable. Follow these steps:

  1. Use a USB-C or Lightning cable to connect your iPad to your Mac.
  2. On your iPad, swipe down from the top-right corner of the screen to access the Control Center.
  3. Tap on the Screen Mirroring icon.
  4. From the available devices list, select your Mac.

Step 3: Use Sidecar

Once your iPad is connected to your Mac, you can start using Sidecar. Here are some useful tips to enhance your Sidecar experience:

Extend or Mirror Display

By default, your iPad acts as an extended display for your Mac. However, if you prefer to mirror your Mac's display on your iPad, follow these steps:

  1. On your Mac, click on the AirPlay icon on the menu bar.
  2. From the dropdown menu, select your iPad.
  3. Enable the Mirroring option.

Touch and Apple Pencil Support

Sidecar also supports touch and Apple Pencil input on your iPad. This opens up various possibilities for creative work and productivity. To use touch and Apple Pencil support:

  1. With Sidecar active, interact with your Mac using touch gestures directly on your iPad's screen.
  2. If you have an Apple Pencil, simply start using it on the iPad screen to draw, annotate, or edit content.

Sidecar includes a sidebar and a customizable toolbar that enhances productivity. To access the sidebar and toolbar:

  1. Hover your cursor to the left side of your iPad's screen to reveal the sidebar.
  2. On the sidebar, you can access the Dock, Control Center, and use various shortcuts.
  3. By default, the toolbar is located at the bottom of the iPad's screen and provides quick access to common macOS functions.

Disconnect Sidecar

To disconnect Sidecar and revert your iPad back to normal use:

  1. On your Mac, click on the AirPlay icon on the menu bar.
  2. From the dropdown menu, deselect your iPad.
  3. Alternatively, on your iPad, swipe up from the bottom of the screen to close the Sidecar panel, and the connection will be terminated.

Congratulations! You have successfully set up and used Sidecar with your iPad. Enjoy the benefits of an extended display and improved productivity on your Mac.

Remember, Sidecar is a marvelous feature that streamlines your workflow and provides immense convenience. Experiment with Sidecar to find the best ways to incorporate it into your daily tasks.