I am able to connect my iPad to my Mac using Sidecar, but when I "Move to iPad", it does just that, but I can no longer use the Mac. The Mac screen is dimmed, and I can't open anything on it. The pointer is only visible on the iPad.
in other words, the iPad has become the Mac screen and not a second screen.
Any advice would be appreciated.
Hey khh4,
Thanks for providing that info. Have you verified that your Mac also meets the requirements to use Sidecar? This may help to address the issue you're facing.
Sidecar system requirements
Sidecar works with these devices and operating systems.
macOS Catalina or later
* MacBook Pro introduced in 2016 or later
* MacBook introduced in 2016 or later
* MacBook Air introduced in 2018 or later
* iMac introduced in 2017 or later, or iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, Late 2015)
* iMac Pro
* Mac mini introduced in 2018 or later
* Mac Pro introduced in 2019 or later
* Mac Studio introduced in 2022 or later
*
iPadOS 13 or later
* iPad Pro (all models)
* iPad (6th generation) or later
* iPad mini (5th generation) or later
* iPad Air (3rd generation) or later
Additional requirements
* Both devices must be signed in with the same Apple ID using two-factor authentication. Sidecar does not support Managed Apple IDs.
* To use Sidecar wirelessly, both devices must be within 10 meters (30 feet) of each other and have Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Handoff turned on. Your iPad must not be sharing its cellular connection and your Mac must not be sharing its internet connection.
* To use Sidecar over USB, your iPad must be set to trust your Mac.
* Make sure your Mac is using the latest version of macOS.
Cheers.
Hey there and welcome to Apple Support Communities khh4,
We can certainly understand your concern and are here to help.
First, what exact version of iPadOS are you currently using? We ask as the menus and options can change slightly between versions of the OS, and we want to make sure we provide the most accurate steps. You can locate this by going to Settings > General > About. Also, do you extend or mirror your Mac desktop across multiple displays? Finally, has the screen extension ever worked when connecting the iPad?
While you gather that information, check out this link to see if your device meets the requirements for this feature: Use an iPad as a second display for a Mac - Apple Support
We thank you for your answers, they will help guide us to the next troubleshooting step.
Kindest regards!
Thanks for replying, khh4, and that additional info, it really helps! At this point, please contact Apple directly for further investigation into your situation:
Have a great day and thanks for using the Apple Support Communities!
I am using iOS 16.5.1 (c)
I am trying trying to extend (if you mean using SideCar to use the iPad as a second screen) rather than mirror.
I have never been successful in using the iPad as a second screen. Every time the Mac screen dims and becomes inoperable.
Thanks.
MacBook Air, 2020, running MacOS Ventura 13.4.1 (c)
iPad Pro 11
Same ID using two factor authentication on both
Sitting within 1 metre of each other
Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Handoff have been turned on
Neither the iPad nor the Mac are sharing its connection
No VPN is being used
Surely the Mac and iPad must be "talking" to one another if the Mac screen is displayed on the iPad?
I have just made some progress. I clicked on Move to iPad Pro 11, which it did. I was able to open Pages, and then a file on the Mac, but it immediately moved that screen to the iPad as well.
In short, the iPad become the screen, and not a second screen.
Mac screen dims and is non-responsive when using sidecar.
