Apple's Sidecar feature lets you use your iPad as aExternal display with MacThis is useful when you need an extra screen but don't want to use one for that purpose alone. However, users find Sidecar frustrating because it often doesn't work. Here are the top 8 ways to fix Sidecar not working on iPad and Mac.
Remember that Sidecar is different from Universal Control. Universal Control lets you use a single keyboard and mouse as input sources for your iPad and Mac. Meanwhile, Sidecar turns your iPad into a secondary display for your Mac.
1. Check device compatibility
Sidecar is limited to select Macs running macOS Catalina or later, and iPads require at least iPadOS 13 or later. Before you begin troubleshooting, check that your Mac and iPad are running the latest software and are compatible. You can find a list of compatible devices below.
Mac compatibility
- MacBook Pro (2016 model or later)
- MacBook (2016 and later)
- and MacBook Air (2018 models or later)
- iMac (2017 or later models)
- iMac Pro
- Also Mac mini (2018 models or newer)
- Mac Pro
- MacStudio
iPad compatibility
- iPad Pro (all models)
- iPad (6th generation or later)
- and iPad mini (5th generation or later)
- iPad Air (3rd generation or later)
2. Verify your Apple ID
Using the same Apple ID on your Mac and iPad is a prerequisite for using Sidecar. Therefore, your iPad and Mac must have the same Apple ID. Here's how to check if you have the same ID on both.
Mac
Step 1: on Mac Yours, click Apple قائمة menu and open System Preferences.
Step 2: in System Preferences page , Click Apple ID.
Step 3: Make a note of your Apple ID.
2. Verify your Apple ID 3
iPad
Step 1: On iPad, turn on Settings app And press Your Name. make sure that Apple ID Yours matches the one on your Mac.
Step 2: if it was Different Apple ID So get up By logging out and logging in Using the same Apple ID.
3. Enable two-factor authentication
Another important requirement for Sidcar is setting up two-factor authentication for your Apple ID. For security purposes, you'll need to enable two-factor authentication for your Apple ID.
Mac
Step 1: Click Apple قائمة menu In the upper left corner and select System Preferences.
Step 2: Click Apple ID in the upper right corner.
Step 3: Locate Password and Security , make sure to Turn on two-factor authenticationIf not, click . Play button and enter Your phone number , and enable it.
Once you enable two-factor authentication on one device, it will automatically sync to your other Apple devices.
iPad
Step 1: To ensure two-factor authentication is enabled on your iPad, open the Settings app, tap your name, and then tap Password & Security.
Step 2: You should see that Two-factor authentication It is on. If it is not, turn it on and set it up.
4. Update your iPad and MAC software.
Since Sidecar only works with macOS Catalina or later and iPadOS 13 or later, you'll need to check that your Mac and iPad are at least up to date. To check for and apply the latest software update, here's what you need to do.
Mac
Step 1: on Mac Yours, click Apple قائمة menu In the upper left corner of menu bar and select System Preferences.
Step 2: in System Preferences window , Click Preparing software update , and your Mac will start searching for any Pending update.
Step 3: In case Update available , Click Update Now button.
iPad
Step 1: On your iPad, turn on "Settings" And click "general".
Step 2: Click on Software Update Setup And install any Pending updates.
5. Enable Bluetooth and Wi-Fi on MAC and iPad
You need to keep Bluetooth and Wi-Fi on both your Mac and iPad for Sidecar to work.
Step 1: on Mac , Click Control Center button And do itEnable Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.
Step 1: on iPad , swipe down from the top right corner andEnable Bluetooth and Wi-Fi of Control Center Menu.
Step 3: You should also make sure that both devices are connected. On the same Wi-Fi network.
6. Enable Handoff on MAC and iPad
Sidecar uses the Handoff feature built into Apple devices, so you need to enable this on your Mac and iPhone.
Mac
Step 1: Click Apple قائمة menu In the upper left corner of menu bar and select System Preferences from the dropdown menu.
Step 2: in System Preferences window , Click general.
Step 3: at the bottom of the General section Enable the option Allow Handoff between this Mac and your iCloud devices.
iPad
Step 1: On your iPad, turn on Settings app , Click general. Click on Airplay & Handoff option.
Step 2: Enable the toggle next to hand off.
7. Reset trust settings
When you first connect your iPad to your Mac, it asks you to trust the device. If you're trying to use Sidecar using a wired connection, you should try resetting the trust setting on your iPad.
Step 1: turn on Settings app On your iPad, tap Year. left columnScroll down the right pane to click on the option. “Move or reset iPad.”
Step 2: in Transfer or reset iPad screen , click the . button Reset.
Step 3: In the pop-up menu, select Setting up “Rest Location & Privacy” And make sure to use iPad passcode.
The next time you connect your iPad to your Mac, it will ask you to trust your Mac again.
8. Restart your iPad and MAC.
Sometimes you need to restart your Apple devices for changes to take effect. So, restart your Mac and iPad and try using Sidecar again.
Mac
Step 1: Click Apple قائمة menu In the upper left corner, click Restart option from the list.
iPad
Step 1: If you use one Newer iPads And don't know how to turn it off, press and hold power button Volume up key To bring up the power menu.
Step 2: pass power button on screen to turn off iPad.
Step 3: Wait for a minute and press and hold power button to restart the device.
Use your iPad as a side device with your MAC
After following the above solutions, Sidecar should work for you. While you can use Sidecar in both wired and wireless modes, you should use wired mode for reliability and better performance. Which of the above steps helped you fix Sidecar not working on iPad and Mac? Let us know in the comments below.
