iPads are becoming more and more like laptops, but there are still a few key differences. For one, it's not quite not always as easy to plug your iPad into an external display or TV. If you're looking to use your iPad with a TV, monitor, or even a projector, here's what you need to know.
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How to connect a Lightning port iPad to a TV or monitor
If you have an iPad with a Lightning port, you'll need a dongle to connect it to a TV or monitor. Apple has an official Lightning Digital AV Adapter that has a HDMI port and a second Lightning connector so you can keep your iPad charging, even when connected to a screen. Apple's first-party option will set you back $75. You'll also need a HDMI cable to connect the dongle to your display.
Lightning port iPads can only mirror to an external display. You can't use a TV or monitor to expand your iPad's work area as you can on a Mac or a PC.
Third-party Lightning to HDMI cables and adapters are available, often at cheapest price. However, be aware that cheaper options are often missing HDCP certification. This means that you won't be able to mirror apps like Netflix to your external display.
Currently, the only iPad with a Lightning port in Apple's range is the ninth generation iPad.
If you got your iPad before October 2012, it may not have a Lightning port. It may have a 30-pin connector instead.
If you have an iPad with a 30-pin connector, a 30-pin to HDMI dongle will do the same as a Lightning to HDMI dongle. Official first-party adapters are no longer available from Apple, however.
How to connect a USB-C iPad to a TV or monitor
If you have an iPad with a USB-C port, such as a recent iPad Pro, the new iPad Air, or the new iPad mini, connecting it to an external display is a simple affair. If your monitor has a USB-C port, you can directly connect your iPad, likely with a cable that came in the box.
If your monitor doesn't have a USB-C port, you'll need to use a USB-C to HDMI to USB C to DisplayPort depending on the ports your monitor has.
In the case of a TV, you'll need a USB-C to HDMI dongle. Apple has a first party option available for $99 that has a full-size USB port and an extra USB-C port for charging. You'll also need a HDMI cable.
How to wirelessly connect an iPad to a TV or monitor
If you have an Apple TV, you can wirelessly mirror your iPad to the display it is connected to. Both your iPad and Apple TV need to be on the same WiFi for this to work.
To wirelessly mirror your iPad to an Apple TV, follow these steps:
- Open Control Centre by swiping down from the upper-right corner of your iPad screen
- Tap Screen Mirroring
- Select your Apple TV
If it's your first time using the iPad with an Apple TV, you may be asked to enter a code to pair the devices.
If you want to stop using an external display, follow the above steps, but after you tap Screen Mirroring, choose Stop Mirroring instead.
Can you use more than one display with an iPad?
At this stage, an iPad can only connect to one external display at a time. For the most part, this display will simply mirror your iPad. Some apps can do more with the second screen, however. iMovie, for example, hides the editing timeline on your external display. Developers have to build this functionality into their apps.
How to use your iPad as a monitor for a Mac
If you have a Mac, you can use your iPad as an external display for it via a feature called Sidecar. For this to work, your Mac must be running macOS Catalina or better, and your iPad needs to be running iPadOS 13 or better.
They must both be signed into the same Apple ID and have two-factor authentication on. They need to be on the same WiFi, and have Bluetooth and Handoff turned on. Handoff should be on by default. Note that you can't use the iPad as a hotspot at the same time.
To start using your iPad as an external display, follow these steps if you're on macOS Big Sur:
- Click the Display Menu in Control Centre or the menu bar
- Choose your iPad under Connect to
Follow these steps if you're on macOS Catalina:
- Click the AirPlay icon in the menu bar
- Choose your iPad in the menu
After you're connected, these menus will have a disconnect option for when you're done.
How to use your iPad as a monitor for a PC
If you've got a Windows PC, you're not out of luck when it comes to using an iPad as an external monitor. You'll just need to buy an extra app called Duet. The base app - Duet Display - should be enough for most, and will set you back $14.99 on the App Store. You'll also need to install Duet on your Windows PC. You'll then need to connect your iPad to your PC with a cable and open up the app on both devices.
Duet Air supports wireless connections, but you'll pay a yearly subscription fee instead.
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