Setting up Sidecar for the first time can be done by following these steps:
1. Ensure that both your Mac and iPad are unlocked and placed side by side. This is important as they need to be in close proximity for the setup process.
2. Make sure that Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are enabled on both devices. You can check this by going to the Settings app on your iPad and the System Preferences on your Mac.
3. On your Mac, launch the System Preferences app. You can do this by clicking on the Apple logo in the top-left corner of your screen and selecting “System Preferences.”
4. In the System Preferences window, locate and click on the “Displays” icon. This will open the display settings for your Mac.
5. Within the Displays settings, you will see a tab labeled “Arrangement” at the top. Click on this tab to access the arrangement options for your displays.
6. In the arrangement options, you should see your iPad listed as an available display. It may appear with a small white bar at the top, representing the menu bar. Click on your iPad in the list to select it.
7. Once you have selected your iPad, you will see a checkbox labeled “Show mirroring options in the menu bar when available.” Checking this box will allow you to easily access mirroring options from the menu bar on your Mac.
8. Next, click on the “Use as” dropdown menu and choose whether you want to use your iPad as an extended display or a mirrored display.
– Extended Display: This option allows you to use your iPad as a second screen, giving you more screen real estate for multitasking. You can move windows and apps between your Mac and iPad, making it a seamless extension of your workspace.
– Mirrored Display: This option mirrors your Mac’s screen onto your iPad, essentially duplicating what is shown on your Mac’s display. This can be useful for presentations or if you want to view your Mac’s screen on a larger display.
9. Once you have selected your desired display option, your iPad will start acting as an extended or mirrored display for your Mac. You can now use your Apple Pencil or touch gestures on the iPad to interact with apps and windows on the extended display.
It’s worth noting that Sidecar requires macOS Catalina or later on your Mac and iPadOS 13 or later on your iPad. Additionally, not all Mac models or iPads support Sidecar, so make sure to check Apple’s official compatibility list if you encounter any issues.
Setting up Sidecar for the first time is a straightforward process that can greatly enhance your productivity and workflow by utilizing the power of your iPad as a secondary display for your Mac.