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Yes—if your iPad and Mac meet Apple’s requirements, Sidecar can turn the iPad into an extended or mirrored Mac display without buying an app or cable. It is built into macOS, and you can connect wirelessly or use the iPad’s USB charge cable. The catch: “old iPad” does not guarantee compatibility, and Sidecar does not natively turn an iPad into a second monitor for Windows.
Check whether your iPad and Mac support Sidecar
Apple’s Sidecar requirements call for macOS Catalina 10.15 or later on a supported Mac, and iPadOS 13 or later on a supported iPad. The qualifying models are:
- Mac: MacBook Air introduced in 2018 or later; late-2015 27-inch Retina 5K iMac; or other Mac models introduced in 2016 or later.
- iPad: any iPad Pro; iPad 6th generation or later; iPad mini 5th generation or later; or iPad Air 3rd generation or later.
Both devices must be signed in to the same Apple Account, with two-factor authentication enabled. Check the model and software version on each device before troubleshooting a connection: if either device falls outside Apple’s supported list, Sidecar may not be available.
Connect the iPad as a Mac display
Wireless connection
- On both devices, turn on Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Handoff. Sign in to the same Apple Account and enable two-factor authentication.
- Keep the iPad within 10 meters (30 feet) of the Mac. The iPad must not share its cellular connection, and the Mac must not share its internet connection. These are Apple’s stated wireless Sidecar conditions.
- On a Mac with macOS Ventura 13 or later, open System Settings > Displays, then select the iPad. On macOS Monterey, open System Preferences > Displays > Display Settings. Earlier macOS releases provide a Sidecar settings pane.
- Choose to extend or mirror the Mac display. To extend, move a Mac window onto the iPad display; to mirror, use the Screen Mirroring menu.
USB connection
- Connect the iPad directly to the Mac with the iPad’s USB charge cable. The cable that came with the iPad is the intended first option, so a new cable is not required for the basic setup.
- If prompted, tap Trust on the iPad to trust the Mac.
- Select the iPad in the Mac’s Displays settings, using the path for your macOS version above, then choose extend or mirror.
A USB connection also keeps the iPad charged while it is being used as a display. Apple’s Sidecar guide covers the connection requirements and display controls.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Choose what the iPad displays
Sidecar puts Mac windows on the iPad. Use it as an extended desktop when you want extra workspace, or mirror the Mac when you want the same image on both screens. A keyboard connected to either device can type into Mac apps; the Mac’s connected mouse or trackpad can point and click. Apple Pencil can point, select, draw, edit photos, and mark up documents.
Sidecar is not the same as using iPad apps with a shared Mac keyboard and pointer. For that, Apple directs users to Universal Control. Nor should the iPad be treated as an ordinary touch monitor: Sidecar’s touch interactions are limited, with broader interaction dependent on newer OS versions.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
If the Mac or iPad is too old—or the computer runs Windows
Sidecar is the simplest no-extra-cost route when your devices meet Apple’s requirements. If they do not, third-party options may help, but their compatibility and costs differ and can change. Check the developer’s current documentation before installing or buying anything.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →- OpenDisplay: Its project site describes a free, open-source Mac alternative with USB or Wi-Fi connections and true display extension. The developer lists macOS 14 or later and iPadOS 15 or later. These are project-provided compatibility claims; consult its current documentation for supported devices and setup details.
- Luna Display: Its App Store listing describes an iPad receiver for Mac and Windows hosts. It lists macOS 10.13 or later, Windows 10 64-bit build 1809 or later, and iOS 12.1 or later for the secondary iPad. Luna is a software-and-hardware solution; the current hardware price is not established here.
- Duet Display: The vendor’s help documentation explains switching from mirror to extend mode. Check its current requirements and pricing directly; the available details do not establish compatibility with every older computer or iPad.
Before choosing an alternative, verify the exact iPad model and OS, whether it supports your host computer, whether it extends or only mirrors, the connection method, any required hardware, current price, and whether you are allowed to install its desktop software.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
What “cost nothing” means in practice
For a compatible Mac-and-iPad pair, Sidecar is built in, and the included charge cable can provide the wired connection. You do not need to buy a stand, though an adjustable iPad stand can make the screen easier to position on a desk. Treat a stand as an ergonomic extra, not a setup requirement.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
