Sidecar resolution change

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Level 1

6 points

Sidecar resolution change

I started having problems using the Sidecar with my iMac and my Ipad Pro. The iPad's resolution is wrong and doesn't utilize the whole screen, leaving a black bar above and below. The fonts are very small making Sidecar with my iPad Pro unusable. I tried resetting all settings but it still does not work and apparently there is no way of manually selecting the resolution for the Sidecar. I suspect Monterey has made my setup not viable for Sidecar anymore?

My setup:

iMac 21.5-inch, 2017

macOS Monterey, version 12.3.1

2.3 GHz Dual-Core Intel Core i5 Processor

32 GB 2133 MHz DDR4 Memory

Intel Iris Plus Graphics 640 1536 MB Graphics

iPad Pro 10.5-inch

Software version 15.4.1

iPad Pro 10.5-inch, Wi-Fi, Cellular

Posted on Apr 13, 2022 11:35 AM

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Answer 1

Todd0213

Community Specialist

Apr 14, 2022 2:12 PM in response to almeidafds

Thank you for those additional details, almeidafds.

To confirm, did this issue start after updating to macOS Monterey? If so, let's isolate the issue further by creating a test admin user account. To create a test admin user, click the Apple logo towards the top-left, followed by System Preferences > Users & Groups, if the lock icon is closed, click the lock icon and enter your user account password. Once unlocked, click the plus sign and create a test admin user account. You can also find these steps in the article below.

Set up users, guests, and groups on Mac

After you've created the test account, click the Apple logo towards the top-left, followed by Log Out [your user account], then log in to the test account and use Sidecar. If the issue persists in the alternate user account, then next step would be to contact Apple. You can find their contact details via the link below.

Contact - Official Apple Support

In reference to adjusting the resolution, you can provide feedback to Apple via the Product Feedback website. They do appreciate all feedback regarding their products, services, and features.

Take care!

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Answer 2

AnnieL2

Community Specialist

Apr 14, 2022 10:10 AM in response to almeidafds

Salutations almeidafds,

We’re going to recommend using the following article to check compatibility and settings. Use an iPad as a second display for a Mac

The iMac you have listed, iMac 21.5-inch, 2017 running macOS Catalina or later is compatible with Sidecar.

From Apple menu  > System Preferences > Displays are you able to make any changes such as viewing the Sidebar or Touch Bar?

If connected via Wi-Fi, does the situation change when connected with the USB charge cable or vice versa?

Thanks.

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Answer 3

almeidafds Author

Level 1

6 points

Apr 14, 2022 1:10 PM in response to AnnieL2

Hello, Annie L2. Thanks for your reply.

I have read the "Use an iPad as a second display for a Mac" article and it has not solved my problem yet. Both my Mac and iPad meet the Sidecar system requirements, and I still do not know how to change the resolution on the iPad as Extended display.

Looking at  > System Preferences > Displays > Display Settings, when I open options for the iPad, the only changes I can make are "Use as:" (Main display, Extended display, Mirror for iMac), "Show Sidebar", "Show Touch Bar", and "Enable double tap on Apple Pencil".

Using wireless connection or a USB charge cable result on the same outcome: wrong resolution setting on the iPad that I cannot change.

Hope hearing from you soon.

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Answer 4

almeidafds Author

Level 1

6 points

Apr 28, 2022 12:54 PM in response to Todd0213

Hello, Todd0213. Sorry for the late response.

I cannot say for sure, but it does seem like the issue start after updating to macOS Monterey.

Following your instructions, I created a test admin user account to see if the problem continued. However, I was not able to utilize de Sidecar option with a different profile, even as an Administrator. Looking at the Display section in System Settings, no "Add Display" option shows up at the bottom left corner of the window. That is where I find the Add Display option using my regular Administrator account.

The problem continues: I currently have my iPad Pro 10.5-inch (still running iPadOS 15.4.1) connected via USB to my iMac 21.5-inch, 2017 (macOS Monterey, version 12.3.1) and the wrong resolution in the separate display. This same setting used to work in the past, but it does not anymore.

Should I just downgrade and return to Big Sur?

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Answer 5

Apr 28, 2022 1:10 PM in response to almeidafds

From this point forward, we'd recommend contacting our support teams directly. You can reach them here:

Apple Support

You can also find our phone number for your region at this link:

Contact Apple for support and service - Apple Support

Best regards.

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Sidecar resolution change

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