This Underrated iPad Feature Revolutionized My Workflow — Here’s How to Try It

Using multiple monitors is one of the best ways to be more productive. Having twice the screen space allows you to be more productive.

It is not always possible for laptop users to carry a second screen. However, carrying an iPad is easy and comfortable; most people always carry their iPad, arguably one of the best tablets, in their bag.

As a long-time user of multiple monitors on my desktop, I started using Sidecar recently, and I can’t imagine how I would have gotten anything done without it.

How to use Sidecar

Like most Apple products, Sidecar is quick and easy to use as long as you have the supported hardware. You need a MacBook running macOS Catalina or later and an iPad with iPadOS 13 or later. Apple has a full list of supported models on its support page , but basically, if you have a 6th-generation iPad or later connected to a 2015 or newer Mac, you’ll be able to use it. It works with both Mac laptops and desktops.

Here’s everything you need to do to enable Sidecar and get it working on your device:

1. On your Mac, click the Apple menu button at the top left of the screen.
2. Click on System Settings in the menu that opens.
3. Click on Displays in the sidebar (you have to scroll down a bit).
4. Click the + symbol to open a drop-down list showing the available views.
5. Click on your iPad’s name to connect to it (it must be on the same Wi-Fi network or connected via USB).
6. Once it’s up and running, the Screen Mirroring menu will appear in the menu bar. You can click on it to switch between mirroring and extended display. You’ll need to use extended display to make it a true second screen.

Once you have it set up and working, you can use the display settings we used to reposition the screen to the left or right of your main display. To do this, click Arrange and move it to match the screen’s location. I like to have it to the right of my main desktop, but that’s my preference.

How Sidecar Saves Time

I use Sidecar every day. The first thing I do when I start working is connect my iPad to my MacBook (I use USB for this function because it drains the battery pretty quickly).

Your devices will remember your settings, so if you extend the display, it will revert to this when you reconnect it.

Let’s say you’re like me and have multiple tabs open all the time. Having a second screen with the main tabs that you’ll refer to while you work is a real game changer. Of course, it wasn’t new to me, as I’ve been using multiple screens with a desktop computer for years. But being able to do it without lugging around a portable monitor is a real game changer.

Sidecar launched over five years ago and I’m only just discovering its glory now. If you own an iPad and a Mac, I hope this bit of information has been enlightening and that you can now have a multi-monitor setup when you’re on the go.