How to Use iPad as Second Screen on Mac or PC

O iPad is one of the best alternatives when it comes to digital work, and this is largely due to the wide range of applications it has along with a broad viewing environment that provides multitasking activities. And not only that, but there is also another very interesting feature, how to use or iPad as a second fabric from a computer. This feature of extending, or mirroring, the screen of a PC, whether it is equipped with Windows or even a Mac, is a resource that can become very useful, in addition to enhancing the machine with some very interesting features.

We will see below some of the advantages and the main applications that allow the use of the iPad as a second screen of the Mac or to embed the iPad screen in Windows. This feature can save you the purchase of a second monitor if you're looking for an extra screen to help you out, or bring new possibilities to the work environment that can take your efficiency to a new level!

Second screen benefits

The advantages of using iPad as a Second Screen on Mac or Windows are many and involve from amplifying the desktop of the PC, allowing a separation for different activities — but still within the same environment —, to accessing applications and programs in different ways (since the iPad incorporates its touch screen). your computer, ensuring greater accessibility to freely use the device, close (or not so close), in the way the user prefers.

Here it should be noted that there are two ways to use the iPad as a second screen in your tasks:

• The first of these is the screen extension, very useful for when the user is in need of extra space on his desktop screen to organize items or drag program screens or reading files that have been left in the background. And all without having to switch commands to switch views.

• The second way is screen mirroring, which faithfully replicates whatever is on your Mac or PC's main screen. This alternative guarantees greater accessibility and even a certain distance from the main computer (when in wireless) for tasks that combine using the programs that are on your main machine, but with all the accessibility and ease of access that the iPad has.

The user then has to decide which of the two ways he will be more likely to embark on this new sea of ​​possibilities. Types of connection between machines include the use of a Lightning-USB cable, of the same Wifi network or even through accessories. You can also use a clip or stand to keep the iPad firmly next to your Mac or PC. Therefore, the highest law is to make the most of all practical and accessible forms of this combination in search of achieving a better result in your activities.

How to use the iPad as a second fabric

Use iPad as a Mac or PC Second Screen It's a simple task, but in addition to a native mode exclusive to some Mac models, it requires some programs and applications to be installed on both devices. A Wi-Fi internet connection, and accessory purchase in another case, may also be required for use in wireless. Below, we list the main programs and applications, free and paid, capable of transforming the much loved iPad on a monitor, be it for Macs, Macbooks or even in Windows PCs.

Mac native connection

Sidecar

From the iPadOS 13, and using a Mac or Macbook with the MacOS Catalina or later, in addition to meeting other system requirements, it is possible to perform screen transfer, either as mirroring or extension, natively, using the environment's own resources. Apple to Sidecar. 

The native feature for some devices Mac can be done via a Lightning cable connection — the iPad be configured to trust no Mac — or via Wi-Fi — where both devices must be within 10 meters of the Bluetooth, Wi-Fi e Handoff enabled and router mode disabled. For both connection cases, with or without cables, both devices must be logged in to the same iCloud account using two-factor authentication. Once these settings are checked, follow these steps:

1. After checking the recommendations above and with the iPad and Mac connected by Lightning cable or wirelessly:
   • If you are using macOS Big Sur, click on the menu View from Control Center to immediately select your iPad;
   • For macOS users Catalina, Click on the button AirPlay on the Mac screen — upper right corner. 
2. The iPad screen will present the Mac screen in the form of an extension;
3. You can also access the feature Sidecar via the following path: Apple > System Preferences > Sidecar > Connect To.

O Sidecar is a feature that came to make connecting and using the Mac screen on iPad. With it, you can perform many tasks with the convenience of a super functional second screen. The possibilities include, in addition to using the iPad in a horizontal position, as an extension or mirror, the accessibility of moving windows from one screen to another, using the touch and Apple Pencil in various programs, display the sidebar with several quick commands, and you can still switch between your native or remote environment on iPad while connected to your Mac.

Wired connection

duet display

Among the paid apps, we chose this one that is perhaps the most popular to use the iPad as a second screen of a Mac or PC. THE duet display It uses cable connection, which makes the connection faster and more stable, and it can also be installed on iPhone.

To configure it, follow the steps:

1. Install the Duet Display (R$54,90) on your iPad and also in the Windows or Mac computer who want to mirror the screen;
2. Run the program after installation on your Windows PC or Mac. It may be necessary to restart the machine to complete the installation;
3. Open the program on the main computer and also the App on the iPad;
4. Connect the Lightning-USB cable between the iPad and the machine that you want to mirror the screen and wait for the transmission.

In the program's settings, it is possible to change the frame rate, performance and resolution, as well as configure the iPad's position in relation to the main machine, by right-clicking on the Desktop and choosing Display (for Windows) or go to Apple > System Preferences > Displays (on Mac).

Other Apps that use wired connection:

• Good Dual Display (R$4,90): Mac-only app with multi-touch support and multitasking features like Split View (split screen) and Slide Over (screen overlay);
• iDisplay (BRL 84,90): It has access to automatic rotation, extension to multiple screens and Wi-Fi connection availability on Macs;
• Splashtop Wired X Display HD ($19,99): Free for a short period, it also has a non-HD option (R$9,99). For Windows compatibility, iTunes must be installed;
• Yam Display (BRL 44,90): Mac-only, allows for device-to-device transfer, supports Split View on compatible iPads, as well as a wireless version — Yam Air (R$22,90) — and another free one, the Yam Display Free.
• HDMI Monitor – Orion ($ 24,90): Exclusive app for iPads with USB-C input, enabling data transfer through a capture card with HDMI input. The application can be used as a secondary monitor, transmit the image from consoles using HDR levels or even transform the device into a webcam.

Wireless

Wi-Display

For those who do not discard the practicality of a wireless connection, the Wi-Display is one of the best and most practical options, and it also has a free version, the WiDisplay Lite. Available for multiple platforms, including Windows Phone, the Wi Display still brings together the possibilities of making streaming audio and also screen recording, from Mac or Windows PC, from the iPad screen.

To use it, follow these steps:

1. Install the App Wi Display (R$22,90) on iPad and also the program Wi Display for Mac or Windows PC which will display the main screen to be shared. It may be necessary to restart the machine to complete the installation;
2. On Mac or Windows, click the Wi-Display icon which will appear (in the Mac menu bar or in the Windows notification area);
3. Once the iPad is recognized on the Wi Display Host screen, click on “Connect” to establish the connection;
4. In case the iPad is not recognized, it is possible to include the iPad manually, through the “IP+“, including the IP number that will appear on the iPad screen with the Wi Display open.

Other Apps that use wireless connection:

• Air Display (BRL 84,90): Allows up to four screens, in horizontal or vertical positions, and the use of Lightning-USB cable connection;
• ApowerMirror – Mirror&Reflect (Free or VIP from BRL 29,95): Enables reverse transmission (iPad screen on Mac or Windows), file transfer between devices, in addition to simulating a slideshow.
• Astropad Studio (R$ 489,90/year): Provides a secondary screen and turns the iPad into a professional work desk. With this application, you can mirror your desktop screen (Mac or PC) on the iPad, increase productivity, customize your work environment, and improve sensitivity when drawing. This application is recommended for users who intend to work with geometric designs.

Connection with accessory

Luna Display

Unlike the options above, the Luna Display uses as an intermediary for the connection a hardware in pendrive that they make it available on their website, leaving aside the wired connection, which limits the space of movement of the iPad; or by Wi-Fi, responsible for some lags and a processing not so faithful to the main machine. The device costs R$129,99 and guarantees free access to the Luna Display app.

With both devices connected to the same Wi-Fi network and the app Luna Display open, just insert the red accessory into your Mac's USB port and, as if by magic, see the screen mirrored on the iPad. Another novelty here is the availability of connection to another Mac, the Target display mode, a feature that guarantees greater accessibility for use on both devices — which had been discontinued after a long period of native operation on Apple's PC.

The accessory for Windows-equipped PCs is expected to be released in September this year, whose pre-purchase can already be done.

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Sources: Business – Insider | How-To Geek | Apple Support | PCMag