12 Ways to Fix it When Sidecar Isn't Working on iPad (2024)

> Apple

Sidecar, once the settings are enabled, should work without much effort. This article explains where the settings are and what to do when your Mac and iPad can’t get Sidecar working or stay connected.

Likely Reasons Why Sidecar Isn't Working

Here are the most likely reasons Sidecar isn't working at all with your Mac and your iPad:

• Inconsistent Apple ID: You need to sign in with the same Apple ID on both devices for Sidecar to work.
• Unsupported devices: Sidecar isn't an option on all iPads and Macs. Confirm that your models are supported.
• Out-of-date system software: Sidecar issues could mean that your devices need an operating system update. Check that your iPad and Mac have the most recent iPadOS and macOS versions.

How to Fix It When iPad Isn't Showing Up in Sidecar

Try these fixes below in order to get Sidecar working with your Mac and your iPad. Make sure to go in order as the fixes start with easiest and progressively get more involved.

1. Make sure you are signed in to the same Apple ID account. On your Mac, check from Apple menu > System Settings. Confirm your Apple ID from the Settings app on your iPad.
   

2. Double-check that your device is supported. Our article about Sidecar explains which devices are supported to use this feature.
   

3. Make sure your iPad and Mac are up to date. Check System Settings > General > Software Update on your Mac and Settings > General > Software Update on your iPad.

4. Check to make sure your iPad is unlocked. If your iPad is locked, you can't use Sidecar.

   See Also

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5. Check Handoff is enabled. Handoff is a feature which allows Mac and iOS devices to share data wirelessly. It's enabled by default, but double-check it's still on for both devices from System Settings/Settings > General > Airplay & Handoff.

6. Check your iPad Bluetooth settings. There could be a Bluetooth communication issue between the devices. Try turning Bluetooth off and back on again on your Mac and iPad.

7. Keep your devices close together. While Bluetooth range is quite good (30 feet), you'll need to keep both your devices close to ensure timing out does not occur.

8. Try restarting both devices. Sometimes, a quick restart of your iPad or Mac can flush out communication issues or clear corrupted files from memory and get the systems talking to each other again.

9. Try plugging your iPad into the Mac. Use a USB cable to plug your iPad into your Mac to solve any wireless connection issues.

10. Check your iPad is a trusted device from two-factor authentication settings. If you added your iPad as a trusted device with two-factor authentication on your Mac, you should see it from Apple menu > Settings > Apple ID > the list of trusted devices at the bottom of the screen.

11. Make sure your Mac isn't sharing its Wi-Fi connection. The same goes for your iPad sharing a cellular connection.

12. Clear a black screen. If you see a black screen, on your Mac, click the Apple logo > System Settings > Displays > Arrange and toggle the mirroring option on and off to reset it.