iPad as Second Monitor (Sidecar) Guide 2026
Sidecar makes iPad a second Mac display wirelessly. After 4 years using daily, here's the 2026 guide.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. This costs you nothing extra and helps keep this site free.
⚡ Sidecar Hardware
Both required.
Best Sidecar iPad
Pro Sidecar Mac
Larger iPad screen
Sidecar drawing
Cost Breakdown — All Options
| Where | Cost | Wait | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wireless | Wi-Fi same network | Up to 30ft away | Setup |
| Wired | USB-C cable | Lower latency | Recommended |
| Apple Pencil support | Yes | Use as input device | Drawing |
| Touch input | iPad gestures work | Yes | Touch interface |
| Sidecar quality | Up to 5K iPad Pro | iPad's native | High res |
What Is Sidecar
iPad becomes wireless second display for Mac. Apple-built feature, free.
Drag windows between Mac + iPad screens. Or mirror Mac display to iPad.
System Requirements
- Mac (2016+ MacBook Pro / 2017+ MacBook / iMac / Mac mini)
- iPad with iPadOS 13+
- Same Apple ID on both
- Wi-Fi (same network for wireless)
Setup
- System Preferences → Displays → click 'Add Display' (+ icon)
- Pick your iPad from list
- iPad becomes second display immediately
Wireless vs Wired
- Wireless: Up to 30 feet, Wi-Fi-based. Some latency.
- Wired (USB-C): No latency. Charges iPad. Best for serious work.
Apple Pencil Input
iPad as Sidecar = Apple Pencil works for Mac drawing.
Use Apple Pencil + Pro tablet apps:
- Photoshop on Mac, Pencil input via Sidecar
- Affinity Designer 2 on Mac, Pencil input
- Sketch on Mac, Pencil input
Display Modes
- Extended Display: separate windows on Mac + iPad
- Mirror: same content both screens
- Toggle: Cmd+drag iPad icon between modes
iPad as Drawing Tablet
Sidecar + Apple Pencil = iPad becomes Wacom-quality drawing tablet for Mac.
Cheaper than buying separate Wacom Cintiq ($1,000+).
For pro illustrators using Mac apps (Photoshop, Affinity, Procreate-via-Mac).
Touch + Gestures
iPad gestures work in Sidecar mode:
- Pinch to zoom
- 3-finger swipe for spaces
- Touch to interact (some Mac apps)
Sidecar Toolbar
Toolbar on iPad shows Mac shortcuts:
- Show/Hide Dock
- Show menu bar
- Cmd, Shift, Ctrl modifier keys
- Show keyboard
- Disconnect
Performance Tips
- Use wired (USB-C) for least latency
- iPad in landscape for more horizontal screen
- Place iPad to right of Mac for natural workflow
- iPad Pro 13" gives most extra screen space
Use Cases
- Writing: Mac primary, iPad shows research
- Design: Mac for editing, iPad with Pencil for drawing input
- Coding: Mac code editor, iPad documentation/terminal
- Video editing: Mac timeline, iPad for video preview
Universal Control vs Sidecar
- Sidecar: iPad becomes second Mac DISPLAY
- Universal Control: iPad keeps own iPadOS, but Mac mouse/keyboard work on iPad too
Verdict
Sidecar = free $1,000 Wacom tablet (with Apple Pencil) + free additional 13" display.
If you have Mac + iPad already: huge productivity boost.
If considering buying for Sidecar: iPad Pro M4 13" + USB-C cable = ~$999 + $19 cable.
Mail-In Repair Service
Don't have time to wait for Apple? We offer mail-in repair with overnight return shipping.