As an iPad and Mac user, Sidecar is a handy feature that allows you to extend or mirror your Mac display to your iPad. This feature enables you to use your iPad as a second screen, providing more screen space and enhancing your productivity. However, like any other technology, Sidecar can present some challenges, and you may find that it’s not working as expected. In this article, we’ll explore the top ways to fix sidecar not working on ipad and mac.
Introduction
Before we dive into the solutions, let’s explore a little bit about Sidecar and its importance to iPad and Mac users. Sidecar is a feature that allows you to use your iPad as a second screen with your Mac. This feature is available on macOS Catalina and later and requires an iPad running iPadOS 13 or later. Sidecar supports both wired and wireless connections, and you can use your Apple Pencil to draw and sketch on your iPad.
Sidecar is essential for iPad and Mac users who require more screen space to work efficiently. For instance, if you’re a graphic designer, you can use your iPad as a drawing tablet to create artwork while using your Mac to run editing software. However, Sidecar can present some issues, including connection problems, display issues, and software conflicts that can hinder its functionality.
Check System Requirements
Before using Sidecar, ensure that your devices meet the necessary requirements. Sidecar requires a Mac running macOS Catalina or later and an iPad running iPadOS 13 or later. Also, ensure that your Mac and iPad are compatible with Sidecar. You can check compatibility by opening System Information on your Mac and selecting the Sidecar option. You can also check for updates to ensure that you’re running the latest versions of the operating systems.
Hardware requirements are also essential when using Sidecar. You can use Sidecar with a wired or wireless connection. For a wired connection, you’ll need a USB-C to Lightning or USB-C to USB-C cable, depending on your iPad model. For a wireless connection, ensure that your devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network and Bluetooth is enabled.
Check Connection
If your Sidecar is not working, the first thing you should check is your connection. A poor connection can cause your Sidecar to be unresponsive or laggy. There are three types of connections when using Sidecar: wired, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth.
For a wired connection, ensure that you have a compatible cable and that both devices are connected using the cable. If you’re using a USB-C to USB-C cable, ensure that both devices have USB-C ports. If you’re using a USB-C to Lightning cable, ensure that your iPad has a Lightning port.
For a wireless connection, ensure that both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. If you’re experiencing connection issues, try restarting your Wi-Fi router or moving closer to your router. Also, ensure that Bluetooth is enabled on both devices.
Restart iPad and Mac
If you’ve checked your system requirements and connection but your Sidecar is still not working, try restarting your iPad and Mac. Restarting your devices can help fix software conflicts that may be causing Sidecar issues.
There are two types of restarts you can perform: a soft restart and a hard restart. A soft restart involves turning off your device using the software and turning it back on. To perform a soft restart on your iPad, press and hold the power button until the “slide to power off” message appears. Slide the bar to turn off your iPad, wait a few seconds, and then press and hold the power button to turn it back on.
To perform a soft restart on your Mac, click on the Apple menu and select “Restart.” Wait for your Mac to turn off and turn it back on again.
If a soft restart doesn’t fix your Sidecar issue, try a hard restart. A hard restart involves turning off your device using the hardware and turning it back on. To perform a hard restart on your iPad, press and hold both the power button and the home button until the Apple logo appears. Release the buttons and wait for your iPad to turn back on.
To perform a hard restart on your Mac, press and hold the power button until your Mac turns off. Wait a few seconds, then press the power button to turn it back on.
Update Software
Outdated software can cause problems with Sidecar, so it’s essential to check for updates on your iPad and Mac. To check for updates on your iPad, go to Settings > General > Software Update. If an update is available, tap Download and Install to update your iPad.
To check for updates on your Mac, go to System Preferences > Software Update. If an update is available, click Update Now to download and install the update. It’s crucial to ensure that your Mac and iPad are running the latest versions of the operating systems to avoid conflicts with Sidecar.
Reset Network Settings
If you’re experiencing connection problems with Sidecar, resetting your network settings can help fix the issue. Resetting your network settings will remove all saved Wi-Fi networks and passwords, VPN settings, and cellular settings.
To reset your network settings on your iPad, go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings. Enter your passcode if prompted, and tap Reset Network Settings to confirm.
On your Mac, go to System Preferences > Network > Advanced > TCP/IP. Click the “Renew DHCP Lease” button, then click OK to confirm the action.
Resetting your network settings can help fix issues with Sidecar’s connectivity, but it’s essential to note that you’ll need to reconnect to Wi-Fi networks and other network settings after resetting the network settings.
