iPad/MacBook Air connectivity.

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Level 1

8 points

iPad/MacBook Air connectivity.

I have a iPad 6th Gen running iOS 13.3, and a Late 2018 13" MacBook Air running OS Catalina 10.15.2. I have tried to use the iPad as a 2nd screen by connecting it using the lightening cable but, although the iPad starts charging, it won't act as a 2nd screen. I have followed the instructions for setting it up without any luck. I read you are supposed to be able to connect in this way, but unless I turn on the wireless on on the Air, there is no connection. I have the Air connected to my router via ethernet cable, just to be clear.

MacBook, macOS 10.13

Posted on Jan 15, 2020 1:45 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

themoorester Author

Level 1

8 points

Jan 22, 2020 10:25 AM in response to Lyssa

Hah! Worked! Finder did see the iPad and, despite connecting OK wirelessly, I had to allow the Mac to trust the iPad again. All good now, Lyssa. Something I'll try to remember should this happen again. Thanks very much.

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Answer 2

Jan 15, 2020 3:01 PM in response to themoorester

Have a look at https://www.apple.com/macos/catalina/docs/Sidecar_Tech_Brief_Oct_2019.pdf. You can connect wired or wirelessly.

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Answer 3

Lyssa

Level 8

41,405 points

Jan 21, 2020 8:41 PM in response to themoorester

The one thing I don't see here (and I apologize if I missed it) is this:

Does the Mac have its power cord plugged in also?

Does Finder see this iPad?

Perhaps resetting the "trusted computers" list will help... https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT202778 Might have to scroll down to "Get Help"

~Lyssa

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Answer 4

Phil0124

Level 10

216,890 points

Jan 20, 2020 8:48 AM in response to themoorester

Are you sure its a 6th generation iPad?

What does it say under Settings->General->About->Model?

Identify your iPad model - Apple Support

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Answer 5

Phil0124

Level 10

216,890 points

Jan 17, 2020 1:19 PM in response to themoorester

When connected via the lightning cable, make sure you turn on side car in System Preferences.

See here: Use your iPad as a second display for your Mac with Sidecar - Apple Support

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Answer 6

themoorester Author

Level 1

8 points

Jan 19, 2020 12:02 PM in response to Phil0124

Nope, Sidecar and Touch Bar are both turned on in the settings for Sidecar. When I select my iPad from the 'Connect to:' drop-down menu, it tells me to connect via wifi or USB to use Sidecar, even though the Lightening lead is connected. This is the same message when selecting it from the icon on the screen menu bar. I notice that the iPad icon on the menu bar isn't light blue, should it be, or is it only this colour when connected? When I turn the wifi on on the Mac, it connects straight away, with the USB lead still connected. Once connected, turning off the wifi drops the connection out, increasing my frustration!

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Answer 7

themoorester Author

Level 1

8 points

Jan 17, 2020 1:13 PM in response to ApplePITP

I've tried this, but it hasn't worked. I have also used a different USB lead, and both ports on my MacBook with the same result. I don't understand that the iPad shows its charging, but will not connect. Have I missed something in the settings for either machine?

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Answer 8

themoorester Author

Level 1

8 points

Jan 21, 2020 10:39 AM in response to Phil0124

Turned it off, connected to the Mac, it started but I get the same message. The iPad is running iOS 13.3 (17C54) and the Mac is telling me I am running the most up-to-dat Catalina (10.15.2). I have used other peripherals connected to both USB ports (Apple Superdrive and an Oki laser printer, both through a USB converter)and my phone is recognised/connects without issue, so that leads me to think the ports are working correctly. I feel I have missed something really basic, but just can't see it.

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Answer 9

themoorester Author

Level 1

8 points

Jan 20, 2020 10:22 AM in response to Phil0124

Yep, I upgraded from a 5th Gen so I could have a second screen. The model number I have is MR7G2B/A. When I first upgraded to Catalina, it worked ok once, but not since...

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