iMac + iPad Air Sidecar no longer works after update (usb)

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Level 1

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iMac + iPad Air Sidecar no longer works after update (usb)

I have a 2017 5k iMac and was successfully using a new iPad Air as a second monitor (sidecar) via wired USB cable (aftermarket). After updating my iMac (running Big Sur), whenever I try to establish a sidecar connection, i get the "Unable to connect ... To use sidecar, turn on Wi-Fi or connect over USB" error message. I am able to browse the iPad via Finder so I knowt he connection/cable are working.

I'd love to get this working again, any tips? I've followed a few other suggestions by signing out/in of iCloud on the iPad and restarted both devices to no avail.

Thank you community!

iMac Line (2012 and Later)

Posted on Feb 9, 2021 7:40 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

nbotros

Community Specialist

Feb 19, 2021 11:38 AM in response to Kevopolis

Hello Kevopolis,

Thanks for following up with us. Let's continue working on this issue with the Sidecar feature together.

Next, let's test the issue after each step:

Make sure your Mac is updated to the latest version 11.2.1. If not, please back up your Mac and update:

Back up your Mac

How to update the software on your Mac

Make sure your iPad is up-to date on software. If not, back up your iPad, and install any available updates:

How to back up your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch

Update your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch

Rest the SMC on your Mac:

How to reset the SMC of your Mac

Reset network settings on your iPad:

Tap Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings. This also resets Wi-Fi networks and passwords, cellular settings, and VPN and APN settings that you’ve used before.

Use an Apple branded USB to lightening cable to connect your iPad, and Mac, and have Wi-Fi turned on both devices.

Let us know the results. We'll be waiting for your response. Cheers!

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Answer 2

Leanne_68

Community Specialist

Feb 11, 2021 4:39 PM in response to Kevopolis

Hello Kevopolis,

Welcome to Apple Support Communities. We understand the importance of getting the Sidecar feature to work as expected, and we'd be happy to look into this with you.

What is the exact OS version running on your iPad? Settings > General > About.

Also, what is the exact Big Sur version installed on your Mac? Apple > About This Mac.

To get started, let's try to reset the SMC on your Mac, and test again. Here's how:

How to reset the SMC of your Mac

Message us back with your result. Kind regards.

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Answer 3

nbotros

Community Specialist

Feb 18, 2021 12:39 PM in response to Kevopolis

Hello Kevopolis,

Thanks for getting back to us with those additional details. We want the Sidecar feature to work as expected, so let's continue working on this together.

Just to clarify, do you have Wi-Fi turned on your iMac? Also, have you tried another cable to connect your iMac, and iPad? If not, please give it a try, and let us know the results.

We'll be waiting for your response. Cheers!

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Answer 4

sterling r

Community Specialist

Mar 5, 2021 6:01 PM in response to Kevopolis

Hi Kevopolis,

Thank you for patience as we were troubleshooting the SideCar issue. We can certainly understand your concern, and we'd be happy to get you pointed in the right direction to get some help.

At this point, we'd recommend getting in touch with Apple Support to investigate this issue further. You can reach out to them here:

Get Support

Thank you for using Apple Support Communities. Have a nice day.

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Answer 5

Kevopolis Author

Level 1

8 points

Feb 13, 2021 8:10 PM in response to Leanne_68

Leanne, Thanks so much for your response. I reset the SMC of my iMac and the result is the same ("Unable to Connect to "[ipad air name]" To use Sidecar, turn on Wi-Fi or connect over USB." FYI, I have the iPad connected via USB, using an aftermarket USB cable. I do however see the iPad in my finder so it works for that.

iPad - iPad Air 4th Gen. OS: 14.4 (18D52)

iMac - 5K, 27", 2017. OS: Big Sur 11.2

Let me know if you have any other things I might want to try.

Much appreciated!

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Answer 6

Kevopolis Author

Level 1

8 points

Feb 18, 2021 1:20 PM in response to nbotros

Hello!

I did not have Wi-Fi turned on because I thought connecting via USB would give me better performance (vs. WiFi) and I'd like the iMac to priotize it's ethernet connection to the internet. As a test, I turned WiFi on both devices and got an error message saying that the iPad Air timed out. The iPad is unlocked and no notifications appeared on screen.

I tried a second USB->USB-C cable and like the first, I see the iPad AIr in finder, but I still get the same "Unable to connect ... To use Sidecar, turn on Wi-Fi or connect over USB" error message. For what it's worth, I was able to get sidecar to work with the original cable that no longer works post-OS-update.

What do you think I might try next?

Thanks for helping me figure this out!

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Answer 7

Kevopolis Author

Level 1

8 points

Feb 19, 2021 2:54 PM in response to nbotros

Thanks for the additional steps. I have followed all of the steps and attempted to reconnect to the iPad Air after each step. The only variation is that I'm using an Apple branded USB-C to USB-C cable (since the iPad takes USB-C vs. lightening).

Unfortunately, I still cannot get sidecar / airplay display to work. The error message I get is "Unable to connect to ... iPad Air. The device timed out.". I guess this is some kind of progress? If you have anything else I migh try, I'm all ears.

Thank you,

-Kevin

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iMac + iPad Air Sidecar no longer works after update (usb)

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