You can rearrange your monitors from your computer's Display settings, drag windows to your tablet, and otherwise use it as a second monitor for a productivity boost. It will establish a connection to your computer, and a blank desktop will appear on your tablet. With the desktop app running, connect your tablet to your computer with a USB cable, then launch the XDisplay app on your tablet. Install the desktop app and mobile app on the devices you wish to use together. (The iPad app appears to be free, while the Android app is $7 - though there's a free trial version (Opens in a new tab) that works for 10 minutes at a time.)

Splashtop Wired XDisplay has two components: A desktop agent that runs in the background on your PC or Mac, and an app for iPadOS (Opens in a new tab) or Android (Opens in a new tab)that runs on your tablet. It only works when connected over USB, and isn't the smoothest option I've used, but it will 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 (Opens in a new tab)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 (Opens in a new tab) to sign documents and draw in supported apps. If you want to switch between a wired and wireless connection, you will have to disconnect and re-connect using the AirPlay menu. You can extend or mirror your Mac's display, 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 ensure Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Handoff (Opens in a new tab) are turned on to do it wirelessly.

(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 six years, you'll want to try (Opens in a new tab) this method first. Sidecar is arguably the best option for turning your iPad into a second display.

Mac mini use ipad as monitor