3 ways to use your iPad as an external display

Check out these ways to use your iPad as a desktop workstation with an external monitor or a Mac to enhance your productivity.

Using iPad with an external monitor

You can use your iPad as a standalone second display for your Mac or with a standalone monitor to output your favorite apps to a bigger display.

Having tested both ways of using an iPad as a desktop workstation, our resident video editor, Harris Craycraft, has put together a little hands-on video walkthrough. Do give it a quick look right now or save the video for later if you’d like to watch it on your own time.

Use your iPad with an external display

To connect your iPad to an external display, you’ll need a standalone monitor with a USB-C connector. If the external display does not have a USB-C connector, you can use a suitable video adapter/USB-C hub. Once both devices are connected, you can use your iPad with the external display.

Using iPad with a USB-C monitor

Also see: Everything you can do with your iPad USB-C port

AirPlay your iPad screen

You can mirror your iPad screen to your Apple TV, Mac, or other AirPlay-compatible Smart TV. Simply go to your iPad Control Center, tap the Screen Mirroring button, and select your AirPlay display.

Screen Mirroring option on Mac

Use Sidecar

The other way of using your iPad as a computer of sorts entails using the Sidecar feature that lets you use your iPad as a second display for your Mac.

Using Sidecar with Mac and iPad

Go to your Mac’s Control Center and click the Screen Mirroring option. Now, select your iPad to use its display in extended or mirrored mode.

Screen Mirroring from Mac Control Center

Check out next: 15 ways to use your iPad and iPhone together with your Mac