iPad locking when used as extended MacBook display

Using:

  • Macbook Air M2
  • iPad Air 4


Problem:

  • As above.
  • Anything that was being used on the extended display (iPad) is forced back over to the MBA.
  • Sometimes it auto-locks within a few seconds, a few minutes, or a few hours.
  • Cannot determine the cause.


Can confirm that:

  • Both MBA and iPad are using the same AppleID and WiFi network.
  • Have the same problem when connecting the devices together via USB.
  • Are both on the latest OS at time of writing (MacOS Monterey 12.4 and iPad OS.
  • Have been restarted.
  • Batteries are fully charged.
  • iPad auto-lock (both: after x minutes, and when case is closed) are both disabled.
  • No automations running.
  • No error messages appearing on either device.
  • Each device is being used every couple of minutes, as I migrate my tasks from one screen to the next.
  • No other devices/users are sharing the AppleID, WiFi network, or USB connection.


Unsure if related:

  • Sometimes, when unlocking the iPad: the padlock will animate to show device is unlocked, but the screen remains on the lock screen.


Help would be appreciated! Thanks

iPad Air 4 Wi-Fi

Posted on Nov 1, 2022 9:21 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Nov 3, 2022 8:01 AM

Hello NPalin,


You've done some excellent troubleshooting already. Thanks for taking those steps. Since the issue persists after all that, continue by testing to see when this behavior occurs. First, put your Mac into safe mode and test. Booting into safe mode will disable any startup and login items from automatically opening, which can help us to isolate the source of the issue further. When you do this, you’ll see some unusual behavior from the display; this is to be expected. Please follow the steps in this article: How to use safe mode on your Mac. 


Next, let's see if this behavior persists in a second user account on your Mac. Please follow these steps to make a test account that can be deleted later: Set up users, guests, and groups on Mac.


It would also be helpful to test with another iPad and/or a different Mac, if you have the ability to do so.


Let us know how this goes, please. Thanks and have a fabulous day!

Similar questions

1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Nov 3, 2022 8:01 AM in response to NPalin

Hello NPalin,


You've done some excellent troubleshooting already. Thanks for taking those steps. Since the issue persists after all that, continue by testing to see when this behavior occurs. First, put your Mac into safe mode and test. Booting into safe mode will disable any startup and login items from automatically opening, which can help us to isolate the source of the issue further. When you do this, you’ll see some unusual behavior from the display; this is to be expected. Please follow the steps in this article: How to use safe mode on your Mac. 


Next, let's see if this behavior persists in a second user account on your Mac. Please follow these steps to make a test account that can be deleted later: Set up users, guests, and groups on Mac.


It would also be helpful to test with another iPad and/or a different Mac, if you have the ability to do so.


Let us know how this goes, please. Thanks and have a fabulous day!

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

iPad locking when used as extended MacBook display

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.