Warning: iPad as Second Screen Does Not Work on All Macs

por Roni · Publicada noviembre 28, 2019 · Actualizado noviembre 21, 2019

As a big fan of Apple, I confess that I was very excited when the American company announced that, with the new update, it would be possible to use the iPad as a second screen on the Mac. It would be a real hand on the wheel.

However, when I tried to connect the iPad to my Mac, I saw that something was wrong. This is because there is information that had not been released by Apple. Basically, not all Macs and iPads have access to this update.

In fact, few will have access to it. Let's talk about this throughout the article below, so be sure to check it out.

Which Macs and iPad will have access to this feature?

ipad as second screen on mac

According to what I searched the internet, after brainstorming looking for a solution, here is the list of Mac devices that will have access to this new feature:

iMac 27 (2015)
Macbook Pro (2016) or later
Mac Mini (2018)
Mac Pro (2019)
MacBook Air (2018) or later
Macbook (2016) or later
iMac Pro (2017) or later

As for iPads, Apple has decided that only those with Apple Pencil support can be used as a second monitor. If you have an older tablet than this, using iPad as a second screen will be impossible. At least not in the native way proposed by Apple.

How to connect iPad as a second screen?

If you have a Mac that supports this update, it's time to follow the steps below. This way, you'll be able to use your iPad as a second screen.

Step 1 # Catalina

Before you proceed, it is important that you upgrade your Mac software to MacOS Catalina. Only with this version you can have the option of using the iPad as a second screen.

If you have one of the previously mentioned devices, you can upgrade your system at any time. You can check out more about MacOS Catalina on the Apple website via the link.

Step 2 # iPad OS

The next step is to check if your iPad software is already updated for iPad OS. After all, Apple tablets no longer use iOS as before.

Step 3 # Same Wi-Fi

ipad as second screen airplay

Like any device that connects with AirPlay, you must have both devices connected to the same Wi-Fi for them to work. Make sure both are connected to the same network.

Then, if all went well, just click on the AirPlay icon and then your iPad will appear to connect. The process itself is very simple and fast.

What if I still can't connect?

As I searched the internet, some users are having difficulties. Even with your Apple-enabled Macs and iPads to make this connection.

I searched for some more tips that might help if you are still having problems. You can check out more about them below!

Use same iCloud account

Some claim that using the same iCloud account on both Mac and iPad may be helpful in resolving this issue. If you're unable to connect, make sure both devices are under the same iCloud account.

Is the iPad too far away?

Another tip that may help is this: As the connection is via bluetooth, if your iPad or Mac are too far apart, this may cause problems. I know here the goal is to use the iPad as a second monitor, but as there are crazy for everything, it was not too much to warn.

AirPlay Button Does Not Appear

On some Macs, the AirPlay button may have disappeared and it's really not an easy task to get it back in the top bar of the Mac. I'm talking about this icon here:

If you don't have it, you won't be able to connect the iPad. In most cases, you just need to check if some settings or other factors of your iPad and Mac are working properly.

First of all, make sure both devices are properly updated. In general, this is the most common issue that prevents AirPlay from appearing or working.

ipad as second screen

Another important step you can't miss is to make sure both devices have Wi-Fi turned on and working.

In many cases, your device may even be connected to a wireless network, but that does not mean it is working properly. Test it before checking to see if AirPlay reappears.

Finally, if nothing works, restart both devices. If something goes wrong with iPad or Mac, a reboot may be enough to make AirPlay appear again.

Could you use iPad as a second screen?

Could you take our detailed guide to learning how to use iPad as a second screen on your Mac? Be sure to leave your comment telling us what you think and if you have any questions.