Wednesday, October 14, 2026
Daily Tips

How to connect an iPad to macOS Tahoe via Sidecar

Apple has added direct touch input to Sidecar with macOS 27 Golden Gate and iPadOS 27, allowing users to tap and interact with macOS interface elements using a finger on their iPad for the first time.

macOS Tahoe’s Sidecar feature allows you to extend your Mac desktop by using their iPad as a second display or as an input device across creative Mac apps. Here’s how:

° Wireless: Open Control Center on your Mac, click Screen Mirroring, and select your iPad.

° Wired (Recommended for power): Connect the devices directly using a USB-C or Lightning cable.

° Configure Display: In System Settings > Displays, click your iPad to choose if it should “Mirror” or “Extend” your desktop.

° Settings/Troubleshooting: Ensure Handoff is enabled on both devices. If issues occur, restart both devices and check that they are on the same Wi-Fi network. 

You can use the iPad sidebar for controls (Command, Shift, etc.) and use the Apple Pencil for input

Dennis Sellers
the authorDennis Sellers
Dennis Sellers is the editor/publisher of Apple World Today. He’s been an “Apple journalist” since 1995 (starting with the first big Apple news site, MacCentral). He loves to read, run, play sports, and watch movies.