Sidecar iPad Not Detected — iPad as Second Display Connection Error

Fix Sidecar not detecting the iPad for use as a secondary display including wireless and wired connection failures between Mac and iPad. This guide covers everything you need to know about this topic, including common causes, step-by-step solutions, and answers to frequently asked questions.

Here are the key things to understand: Sidecar turns an iPad into a secondary display for your Mac, either wirelessly or via USB cable. Both devices must be signed into the same Apple ID with two-factor authentication enabled. Sidecar supports Apple Pencil for drawing and writing on the Mac's extended display. Wireless Sidecar requires Bluetooth, WiFi, and both devices within 10 meters. Not all Mac and iPad models support Sidecar — it requires specific hardware generations. Understanding these fundamentals will help you diagnose and resolve this issue more effectively.

The most common reasons this occurs include: iPad or Mac model not supported (requires iPad with Apple Pencil support, Mac from 2016+). Devices not signed into the same Apple ID or two-factor authentication not enabled. Bluetooth or WiFi disabled on one of the devices for wireless Sidecar. USB cable faulty or not an Apple-certified cable (for wired Sidecar). Identifying the root cause is the first step toward finding the right solution.

To resolve this, follow these recommended steps: Verify device compatibility: check Apple's Sidecar system requirements page. Ensure both devices are on the same Apple ID with two-factor authentication. For wireless: enable Bluetooth and WiFi on both devices, ensure they are within 10 meters. For wired: use an Apple-certified USB or USB-C cable and trust the connection on iPad. Connect via Control Center (Mac) > Screen Mirroring > select your iPad. If these steps do not resolve the issue, consider consulting additional resources or a qualified professional.

This article is part of our Mac Error Codes collection on Error Codes Wiki. We provide comprehensive, up-to-date information to help you find solutions quickly.