No Apple Sidecar Support? 4 Apps to Help You Use Your iPad as a Second Monitor
Apple’s Sidecar feature is a great way to extend your Mac’s screen onto your iPad, turning it into a second monitor with minimal effort. However, Sidecar only works with certain Mac and iPad models—typically newer ones that meet strict compatibility requirements. This leaves users with older Apple hardware or Windows PCs looking for alternative solutions. Fortunately, several third-party apps can bridge that gap and let you repurpose your iPad as an additional display.
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Free Sidecar and SidecarPatcher: Unlocking Sidecar for Older Apple Devices
By design, Apple restricts the use of Sidecar to Macs running macOS Catalina or later and iPads that support the Apple Pencil. That leaves a lot of perfectly usable devices out of the loop. This is where tools like Free Sidecar and SidecarPatcher come in. These utilities modify specific system files, essentially bypassing Apple’s software limitations and unlocking Sidecar functionality on unsupported devices.
The process involves downloading the patching tool, usually available from open-source repositories, and following detailed instructions to apply the necessary changes to your macOS system. It’s not as seamless as using Sidecar on a natively supported device, and there are some reliability concerns—particularly with wireless connections. To give it the best chance of working, make sure Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Handoff are all turned on, and ensure both your Mac and iPad are logged into the same Apple ID. If wireless performance is an issue, using a USB connection between the two devices often yields better results.
Splashtop Wired XDisplay: A Budget-Friendly, Cross-Platform Solution
If your Mac or iPad isn’t compatible with Sidecar—or if you’re working with Windows or Android devices—Splashtop Wired XDisplay is a handy and affordable alternative. This app transforms your tablet into a secondary display by connecting it to your computer via USB. It’s not the most refined solution out there, but for casual use, it can be surprisingly effective.
To get started, you need to install the desktop version of XDisplay on your computer and the mobile app on your tablet. Once both apps are installed, connect your tablet to your computer with a USB cable and launch the app on both ends. The tablet should automatically display an extended desktop. You can then move windows and apps onto the tablet, effectively using it as an extra screen.
Display settings can be adjusted directly from your computer to reposition or reconfigure the tablet’s screen. It’s best to use a stand to keep the tablet propped up, especially if you’re using it for extended periods. While there may be some input lag or occasional connection issues—especially on certain systems—the app is free to try, and the paid version for Android is relatively inexpensive. That said, if you’re looking for consistent, high-performance use, other apps might be worth the extra investment.
Duet Display: A Premium Experience with Excellent Performance
For users who want the most polished and reliable option, Duet Display offers a top-tier solution. Created by former Apple engineers, it’s designed to deliver a professional-grade experience across macOS, Windows, and iOS platforms. Unlike some competitors, Duet Display emphasizes high performance, low latency, and user-friendly configuration.
Setting it up is simple: download and install the desktop application on your Mac or PC, and then install the companion app on your iPad. Once both apps are running, you can connect your tablet via USB to get started. For those who prefer wireless connections or want extra features like remote desktop access, Duet offers various subscription tiers that unlock additional capabilities.
After launching Duet, you may be prompted to configure resolution, frame rate, and performance settings from the desktop app. Adjusting these can improve responsiveness, especially on older hardware. In most cases, the default settings will work fine, but the ability to fine-tune performance is a valuable feature. The wireless option, available through a premium subscription, is especially handy for users on the go.
While Duet Display does require a financial investment, the return is a highly stable and responsive second-screen experience. If you’re someone who frequently uses your iPad as a monitor—whether for multitasking, creative work, or productivity—it’s likely the best option available.
In short, while Apple’s Sidecar feature is convenient, it’s far from the only way to turn your iPad into a second screen. Depending on your hardware and budget, apps like Free Sidecar, Splashtop Wired XDisplay, and Duet Display provide solid alternatives that can breathe new life into your devices.
