Using the Sidecar feature, Apple provides a native way to use the iPad as a secondary display for macOS. Fortunately, you can use an iPad as a second monitor on a Windows PC for free. Splashtop Wired XDisplay is one of the best free apps to use iPad as a second monitor for a Windows PC or Mac.
As the name suggests, you need to connect PC and iPad using a lightning cable.
Fortunately, the app works on all iPad models, even the older ones, and Windows 7 users can also use it. If iPad doesn’t start working as a second monitor within a minute, unplug the lightning cable and insert it back. Do check the tips to use the iPad as a second monitor at the end of the post. Tip: Open the Splashtop PC app to adjust the framerate, quality, and resolution of the screen.
Spacedesk is another free app to convert your iPad into a second monitor. Install Spacedesk software on your iPad and Windows PC. To install it on your PC, open the Spacedesk official website. Once both the apps are installed, connect your Windows PC and iPad to the same Wi-Fi network.
Tap on OK to allow Spacedesk to find and connect to devices on the local network. However, if you get an error, try to uninstall any other screen mirroring apps like Splashtop, Duet Display, etc., from your computer. Whether you are using an iPad wirelessly or with a wire, you should know the following tips for best results.
Use this tip if your PC’s display is mirroring on your iPad instead of extending it.
You can also use the shortcut Windows key + P to quickly choose from different project modes. You can easily choose the position of the iPad in a multi-monitor setup as per your preference. If you want to mirror the entire screen of your PC to iPad, you should use the Chrome Remote Desktop extension. Grant screen mirroring permission on the web and connect to the computer on the iPad app.
How to Use Your iPad as a Second Monitor on Any Computer
Two monitors are better than one, and with a Mac running macOS Catalina or later, you can turn your iPad into a second display with Sidecar, which allows your computer to talk with your tablet and extend the same desktop environment. Thankfully, a few third-party apps can help fill the void on all the devices that can’t run Sidecar.
You can mirror your Mac’s display or extend it, show or hide the Sidebar and Touch Bar that appear on the iPad, or disconnect your tablet.
There is some noticeable latency, and I did have some trouble with it getting stuck in Mirrored Mode on one of my computers, but for the price of free, it’s worth a shot.
(The $7 Android app has more mixed reviews, and if you’re going to pay money, I think it’s worth shelling out a few more and using our paid recommendation, Duet Display, below.) If you want the smoothest experience possible, Duet Display(Opens in a new window) is the best app I’ve tested for turning an iPad into a second monitor.
Finally, click the Duet Display icon on your PC to gain access to a few other settings, like the frame rate and resolution your tablet uses. For me, the default settings worked great, but if you find it’s being a bit sluggish on an older laptop, lowering the resolution, frame rate, or power usage from this window may help.
How to Use a Tablet or iPad as a Second Monitor
Tablets and iPads can serve as an affordable alternative to full-scale monitor setups, especially when meant for occasional use. This remote-access tool allows you to use your Windows PC from the iPad or tablet with a subscription or for free. Splashtop, an app you install on your tablet or iPad, and Splash Display, a Windows PC agent. Follow the steps below for detailed instructions on how to connect your iPad or tablet to a Windows PC:
Use a charging cable to connect your iPad or tablet to the computer once the software gets installed. Just launch the XDisplay app on your Windows desktop and tweak the frame rate, screen quality, and resolution.
Much like Splashtop, Duet Display works by connecting your iPad and Windows with a charging cable. The standard version supports iPad keyboards and will add touch controls to your computer apps on the screen.
You can use the Duet Air feature that comes with a paid subscription to add wireless connectivity, remote desktop, and enhanced graphics.
If you plan on using the tablet for drawing features, you may want to pay the extra fee for a Duet Pro subscription. To tweak the screen settings, select the Duet Display icon on the PC. If you want to connect an Android tablet to a Mac, skip to the Alternative methods section.
The Sidecar is a great native tool that lets you use your iPad in landscape orientation as a second monitor for your Mac. To set up Sidecar, first, make sure you’re logged in with the same Apple ID on your iPad and Mac. If you haven’t connected your Mac to the iPad, navigate to the Control Centre, then click Display. Maybe you have an older Mac version that doesn’t support Sidecar, or you’re using an Android tablet.
XDisplay offers a pretty decent screen mirroring experience, and it’s a great alternative if your Mac doesn’t have the Sidecar function. You can pay extra to get a wireless connectivity version and other features like remote desktop or enhanced graphics.
Thankfully, there are enough excellent apps that help connect the devices, and Mac even has a built-in feature that allows you to do so.
How to use your iPad as a second monitor for your Windows computer
To use an iPad as a second screen on a Windows 10 computer, you’ll need to use a third-party app like SplashTop. There are also several premium apps that let you use your iPad as a second Windows screen, such as Duet Display and iDisplay. Installing a second monitor is a popular way to expand your screen real estate. If you only need a second display occasionally — like if you work from home once in a while — but don’t want to buy an entire second monitor, you can use your iPad as an inexpensive alternative.
There’s no built-in way to connect your iPad to Windows as a second screen, but there are several apps you can install which do it instead. SplashTop is primarily a remote-access tool — it lets you use your Windows desktop from your iPad remotely for a subscription.
Remote Desktop, Second Display, Drawing Tablet, and More
Full gesture support, customizable shortcuts, Touch Bar, tons of resolution options, and very little battery power. If you are hesitant about this app, because you think that you’re getting along fine without it, it will make a huge difference. Then I use my iPad as second monitor for Outlook, Lync and other chat while I use the laptop big screen for remote desktop to my workstation at the main office.
How To Use An iPad As A Second Screen On Windows
Third-party software and applications have finally enabled users to connect an iPad to a Windows computer, so that the tablet can act as a convenient extra monitor. To use an iPad as a second screen for a Windows computer, you’ll need to use a third-party software such as SplashTop, Duet Display, iDisplay, or Spacedesk. Although it may seem counter-intuitive, connecting your Apple iPad to your Windows PC computer is incredibly simple and convenient. To use your Apple device as a secondary screen on a Windows 10 computer, you’ll need to use third-party software.
There are multiple options with varying features, so this will mainly come down to personal preferences and budget. SplashTop has two main components: a desktop application that runs in the background and an app for your tablet or iPad.
This means it lets you access your Windows desktop from your Apple device remotely for a subscription fee. Before you begin the setup process, ensure that iTunes is downloaded onto your Windows PC and Apple iPad.
Duet Display is similar to SplashTop as it requires a wired connection and software for both devices. With Duet Air, you’ll receive wireless connectivity, remote desktop capabilities, and improved graphics. This frees up your physical desk space and will enable you to charge your iPad simultaneously. Select OK and enable Spacedesk to find and pair the devices on your WiFi network.
If you get any error messages or prompts, uninstall any other screen monitoring tools like SplashTop, Duet Display, iDisplay, etc. If you’re still experiencing issues, you can always contact the Spacedesk customer support team for assistance.
You can use your iPad as a second monitor with just a few clicks — here’s how
Knowing how to use your iPad as a second monitor could transform how you work, whether that’s from home, school, or the office. Even if you’re not rocking the latest gear, Apple says on its support page (opens in new tab) that Sidecar works just fine as long as you’re running macOS Catalina or later on your Mac and iPadOS 13 or later on your tablet, along with one of the following:
Using your iPad as a second monitor is really easy if you’re using a Mac, though the process is slightly different depending on which version of macOS you’re running.
Whichever version you have, the first step is to make sure you’re signed in to the same iCloud account on both devices.
Open the Control Center on your Mac by clicking the icon that looks like two toggles in the top-right of the display. However, the app hasn’t been updated since 2018 and is reported to be laggy, though it should be more than sufficient if you’re in a pinch and need a second display for working on a spreadsheet or document. If you’re prepared to go the paid route, Duet Display (opens in new tab) is a more seamless experience — it was built by ex-Apple engineers, according to its blurb. Though the iPad app isn’t cheap at $10/£8.99, it’s certainly more cost effective than forking out for an actual monitor.
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