Connecting Your iPad to an External Display in 2024
Using an external display with your iPad can significantly enhance your productivity and viewing experience. Here are three ways to connect and use your iPad with an external display, including some specific tips that can be particularly helpful.
1. Using a USB-C Cable and Compatible Display
To connect your iPad to an external display using a USB-C cable, you need to ensure that your iPad and display are compatible. Here are the steps:
- Compatibility: Ensure your iPad model supports external display connections. For example, iPad Air (5th generation or later), iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd generation or later), and iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th generation or later) support up to 6K displays.
- Cable and Adapter: Use a USB-C cable that supports high-bandwidth connections. If your monitor doesn’t support USB-C, you will need a USB-C to HDMI adapter.
- Connection Steps:
- Connect the USB-C cable to your iPad and the other end to the display.
- If using an adapter, connect the HDMI cable to the adapter and then to the display.
- Switch to the correct input source on your monitor (e.g., USB-C or HDMI).
- Enabling Stage Manager: Open the iPad Control Center and ensure Stage Manager is enabled. This allows you to use your iPad apps on the connected display as a second extended screen.
2. Using an HDMI Adapter for Non-USB-C Displays
If your display does not support USB-C, you can use an HDMI adapter to connect your iPad. Here’s how:
- Adapter Selection: Choose an HDMI adapter that supports your iPad’s resolution requirements. For example, the Apple USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter can output video up to 4K resolution at 60Hz for iPad Pro and iPad Air (5th generation).
- Connection Steps:
- Connect the HDMI adapter to your iPad via the USB-C port.
- Connect the HDMI cable to the adapter and then to the display.
- Switch to the correct input source on your monitor (e.g., HDMI).
- Settings Adjustment: If necessary, adjust the display settings on your iPad to ensure the correct resolution and frame rate are selected. Go to Settings > Display & Brightness and select your connected display.
3. Mirroring Your iPad Screen
If you prefer to mirror your iPad screen rather than using it as an extended display, here’s how you can do it:
- Hardware Requirements: You can use a USB-C to HDMI adapter or a Lightning to HDMI adapter depending on your iPad model.
- Connection Steps:
- Connect the adapter to your iPad and the HDMI cable to the display.
- Ensure the display is set to the correct input source (e.g., HDMI).
- Settings Adjustment: To mirror your screen, go to the iPad Control Center, tap the Screen Mirroring button, and select your display. Alternatively, you can use the Screen Mirroring option found adjacent to the Rotation Lock button.
- Audio Considerations: Note that when mirroring, the sound will not come out of the iPad speakers. You may need to use external speakers or Bluetooth devices for better audio quality.
Additional Tips for Enhanced Experience
- Keyboard and Mouse: Connect a mouse or keyboard to your iPad for better control over your apps on the external display. Enable Secondary Click in Settings > General > Trackpad & Mouse for right-click functionality.
- Display Arrangement: If your monitor shows a mirrored display instead of an extended one, go to Settings > Display & Brightness > Arrangement and adjust the settings accordingly.
- App Management: Use the three dots icon on app windows to move apps between your iPad screen and the external display. You can also hide the Stage Manager sidebar and Dock to use the full display real estate.
By following these steps and tips, you can effectively connect and use your iPad with an external display, enhancing your productivity and viewing experience.