How to Use Your iPad as a Second Monitor on Any Computer

Do you know how to use your iPad as a second monitor on any computer? I will tell you in this article how you can use your iPad as a second monitor on any computer. Two monitors are preferable than one, and if you have a Mac running macOS Catalina or later, Sidecar, which enables communication between your computer and tablet and extends the same desktop environment, will let you use your iPad as a second display.

It’s unfortunate if you have an outdated device or a Windows PC because this feature is only available on specific Mac and iPad models(Opens in a new window).
On all the devices that can’t run Sidecar, thankfully, a few third-party apps can cover the gap.

The Ideal Option: Sidecar on macOS

The best option for using your iPad as a second display is probably Sidecar. Therefore, you should try this method first if you have a Mac and an iPad that are no older than five or six years.
(If your gadgets are more recent, move on to the section below.)

Make sure Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Handoff are enabled to connect your iPad wirelessly or connect it through USB to your Mac in order to use it as a display.
Additionally, both devices must be logged in with the same Apple ID.

In the menu bar of your Mac, click the Air Play button, then choose your iPad from the list. The symbol will change, and selecting the menu once more will present you with a variety of choices.

The Cheap, Cross-Platform Option: Splashtop Wired XDisplay

Splashtop Wired XDisplay is a third-party app that can turn your tablet into an additional monitor if Sidecar doesn’t support your Mac or iPad, or if you have a Windows or Android device.
It isn’t the smoothest solution I’ve tested and only works when connected by USB, but it will get the job done for a reasonable price.

A desktop agent that works in the background on your PC or Mac and an app for iPadOS or Android that runs on your tablet make up Splashtop Wired XDisplay.
(The Android software costs $7, although there is a free trial version that works for 10 minutes at a time.) The iPad app looks to be free.

On the devices you want to utilise in tandem, install both the desktop and mobile apps. Launch the XDisplay app on your tablet after connecting it to your computer via a USB cord while the desktop app is running. A blank desktop will display on your tablet after it establishes a connection to your computer.

You can utilise your tablet as a second display to increase productivity and rearrange your monitors from the Display settings on your computer. You can also drag windows to your tablet for this purpose.
It’s a good idea to have a stand to keep your tablet upright; this kind of stand works well if you’re using your tablet with a laptop, while a stand that can be adjusted more easily is best for desktop use.

At least according to my own experience using an iPad and a Windows PC, Splashtop Wired XDisplay performs ok.
Although there is some observable delay and I did see some issues with it getting stuck in Mirrored Mode on one of my PCs, it’s certainly worth a try for nothing.
(The $7 Android app has more conflicting ratings; if you’re going to pay, I believe it’s worthwhile to spend a little bit more and use our recommended paid option, Duet Display, below.)

A Better, Pricier Alternative: Duet Display

Duet Display is the finest app I’ve tried for turning an iPad into a second monitor if you want the smoothest experience possible.
It has a tablet app that connects to a companion app on your computer, just as Splashtop.
You can use the service for free for ten minutes at a time, but if you want to use it for longer (or if you want more features like wireless connectivity), you’ll need to sign up for a tiered pricing plan.

Create an account, then download the desktop and tablet applications. on your PC, while the desktop application is operating in the background. Connect your tablet to a USB port and open the Duet Display app.
Make sure to login in if you subscribe to the $24.99 Duet Air subscription in order to wirelessly connect your devices.
The Duet settings must then be changed to allow screen sharing.
To connect, choose the computer under the Air menu in the app.

Finally, to access a few other settings, like the frame rate and resolution your tablet uses, select the Duet Display icon on your PC. After this procedure you can use your you can use your iPad as a second monitor on any computer.

Although Duet Display may be more expensive than its rivals, in my experience, it has been by far the smoothest. It’s certainly worth the cost if you frequently use your iPad as a second monitor.