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12 Ways to Fix it When Sidecar Isn't Working on iPad

Settings on both the Mac and iPad need to be in sync

By Jennifer Allen Jennifer Allen Writer Swansea University, Staffordshire University Jennifer Allen has been writing about technology since 2010. Her work has appeared in Mashable, TechRadar, and many more publications. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on April 21, 2022 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Apple iPad Macs Sidecar, once the settings are enabled, should work without much effort. This article will explain where the settings are and what to do when your Mac and iPad can’t get Sidecar working or stay connected.

Likely Reasons Why Sidecar Isn' t Working

Here are the most likely reasons Sidecar isn't working at all with your Mac and your iPad: Inconsistent Apple IDUnsupported devicesOut of date system software

How to Fix It When iPad Isn' t Showing Up in Sidecar

Try these fixes below in order to get Sidecar working with your Mac and your iPad. Make sure to go in order as the fixes start with easiest and progressively get more involved. Make sure you are signed into the same Apple ID account. Mac: Apple menu > System Preferences and check the account at the top. iPad: Settings app and check the account at the top.
Is your device supported? Our article about Sidecar explains which devices are supported to use Sidecar.
Make sure your iPad and Mac are up to date. Mac: Apple menu > System Preferences > Software Update iPad: Settings > General > Software Update Check to make sure your iPad is unlocked. If your iPad is locked, you can't use Sidecar. Mac: Apple Menu > System Preferences > General > Check box (towards the bottom) Allow Handoff between this Mac and your iCloud devices. iPad: Settings app > General > Airplay & Handoff Check Handoff is enabled. Handoff is a feature which allows Mac and iOS devices to share certain bits of data seamlessly (in theory). It's enabled by default, but double check it's still enabled in both devices' settings menus. There could be a Bluetooth communication issue. Try turning Bluetooth off and back on again on both devices. Keep your devices close together. While Bluetooth range is quite good, you'll need to keep both your devices close to ensure timing out does not occur. Try restarting both devices. Sometimes, a quick restart can flush out communication issues or clear corrupted files from memory and get the systems talking to each other again. On your iPad, try disabling Keep Today on Home Screen. To do so, go to Settings > Home Screen & Dock and toggle the option off. Try plugging your iPad into the Mac. Use a USB cable to plug your iPad into your Mac to solve any wireless connection issues. Check your iPad is a trusted device. Connect your iPad to your Mac then find the device in Finder. Click Trust when it appears and restart the device. Clear a black screen. If you see a black screen, on your Mac, click the Apple logo > System Preferences > Display, then click Arrangement. Toggle Mirror Display on and off to reset it. FAQ Which iPads can use Sidecar? Not every iPad supports Sidecar. Compatible devices are all models of iPad Pro, iPad 6 and up, iPad Mini 5 and newer, and iPad Air 3 and later. How do I check Mac and iPad requirements for Sidecar? Apple has a list of compatible devices on its support site. Along with the iPad requirements, you also need the right Mac. Generally speaking, if your Mac came out in 2019 or later, you can run Sidecar, but some earlier models can also use the feature. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Fix It When WhatsApp Isn't Working How to Change Your AirDrop Name How to Turn on Bluetooth on a Mac How to Fix It When Apple Pencil Isn't Working How to Fix a Missing AirPlay Icon on iPhone and Mac 12 Ways to Fix It When FaceTime Is Not Working How to Update an iPad How to Change an iPad's Sidecar Position How to Connect iPhone to Mac How to Fix an iPad That Won't Update How to Fix It When Safari Is Not Working on an iPad How to Use Your iPad as a Second Monitor How to Fix It When Your iPhone Microphone Isn't Working How to Fix It When 'Move to iOS' Isn't Working How to Fix It When Sound Isn't Working on Instagram How to Fix It When a Laptop Microphone is Not Working Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies