Unable to connect my iPad Pro as a second display

Question

Level 1

4 points

Unable to connect my iPad Pro as a second display

Hi community,

I'm getting this error when I try connecting to my iPad as a second display.

It was working back in last year, and I wasn't paying too much attention to it when this error popped for the first time. But the problem persists and it's really a big issue for me if I don't have a second display and I work in travel a lot.

Btw I tried switching on and off the 2FA thing, which doesn't work.

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: Unable to connect to iPad Pro

MacBook Pro 14″, macOS 15.5

Posted on Jul 15, 2025 10:51 PM

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Answer 1

Jul 16, 2025 5:24 PM in response to AaronRaito

For reference:

Continuity features and requirements for Apple devices - Apple Support

Use an iPad as a second display for a Mac - Apple Support

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Additional requirements

Both devices must be signed in with the same Apple Account using two-factor authentication.
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.

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Answer 2

markwmsn

Level 6

16,715 points

Jul 16, 2025 2:54 PM in response to AaronRaito

I guess I took "I tried switching [TFA] on and off" too literally.

If you haven't tried it already, I suggest shutting down both the iPad and the Mac completely and restarting them.

If that doesn't help, let us know what model iPad Pro you have and what version of iPadOS it runs.

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Answer 3

markwmsn

Level 6

16,715 points

Jul 16, 2025 3:56 PM in response to AaronRaito

Is that a 5th gen iPad Pro, 5th gen iPad Air, or 5th gen iPad mini? (The 5th gen plain iPad can't run iPadOS 18.5.) They all come from different years and have different limitations.

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