Check device eligibility first

Sidecar uses an iPad as an extended or mirrored Mac display. Apple requires macOS Catalina 10.15 or later. Eligible Macs include MacBook Air models from 2018 onward, the 27-inch Retina 5K iMac from late 2015, and other Mac models introduced in 2016 or later. iPadOS 13 or later is required on any iPad Pro, iPad 6th generation or later, iPad mini 5th generation or later, or iPad Air 3rd generation or later. Check both the model and operating system on each device.

Put a reference window on the iPad wirelessly

Both devices must use the same Apple Account with two-factor authentication. For wireless Sidecar, keep them within 10 meters (30 feet), and turn on Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Handoff. The iPad must not share its cellular connection, and Internet Sharing must be off on the Mac. Also check that both are on the same Wi-Fi network. Select the iPad through Screen Mirroring in Control Center or, on macOS Ventura 13 and later, add it under System Settings > Displays. Move a document window to the iPad to keep a reference visible beside your Mac work.

USB connection and troubleshooting

A charge-only cable is not enough for a wired connection. Connect the devices directly with a USB cable that supports data, then approve the Trust prompt on the iPad. If Sidecar does not connect, check in this order:

  1. Confirm eligible models, current OS versions, the same account, and two-factor authentication.
  2. For wireless use, check Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Handoff, distance, the same Wi-Fi network, and hotspot or Internet Sharing status.
  3. For USB, check the data-capable cable, port, Trust approval, and whether Finder sees the iPad.
  4. Check whether a VPN or security tool blocks local network connections.

Sidecar and Universal Control do different jobs

Sidecar makes the iPad an additional Mac desktop display. Universal Control leaves the Mac and iPad showing their own apps and screens while sharing one keyboard and mouse. Choose Sidecar to place a Mac app window on the iPad; choose Universal Control to keep using iPad apps while moving the pointer between devices.

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