It will establish a connection to your computer, and a blank desktop will appear on your tablet.
(The iPad app appears to be free, while the Android app is $7-though there's a free trial version that works for 10 minutes at a time.)Īfter installing both the desktop and tablet apps, ensure the desktop app is running on your computer, connect your tablet to your computer with a USB cable, then launch the XDisplay app on your tablet.
Splashtop Wired XDisplay has two components: a desktop agent that runs in the background on your PC or Mac, and an app for iPadOS or Android that runs on your tablet. It only works when connected over USB, and isn't the smoothest option I've used, but it'll do the job adequately for not a lot of money. If your Mac or iPad isn't supported by Sidecar-or you're a Windows and Android user- Splashtop Wired XDisplay is a third-party app that can turn your tablet into a second monitor. The Cheap, Cross-Platform Option: Splashtop Wired XDisplay Apple says it should work wirelessly as long as the iPad is within 10 meters (30 feet) of the Mac, and you can even use your Apple Pencil to sign documents and draw in supported apps. You can use Sidecar wired or wirelessly, but if you want to switch between them, you have to disconnect and re-connect using the AirPlay menu. You can mirror your Mac's display or extend it, show or hide the Sidebar and Touch Bar that appear on the iPad, or disconnect your tablet. The icon will change, and clicking the menu again will offer you a number of options. You'll also need to be logged in to the same Apple ID on both devices.Ĭlick the AirPlay button in your Mac's menu bar and select your iPad from the list. To connect your iPad as a display, either connect your iPad to your Mac over USB, or-to do it wirelessly-ensure Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Handoff are turned on. (If your devices are older than that, skip down to the next section.) So if you have a Mac and an iPad from the past five or so years, you'll want to try it first. Sidecar is arguably the best option for turning your iPad into a second display.