How to use external displays — and their webcams — in iPadOS 17

Whoo hoo! With iPadOS 17, you can now use the webcams on external displays such as the Studio Display with an iPad. This is handy for FaceTime calls, Zoom meetings, and more.

You can use an external display’s built-in camera with the third-generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro and later, the first-generation 11-inch iPad Pro 11-inch and later, the 10th-generation iPad, the fourth-generation iPad Air and later, and the latest iPad mini. 

With the appropriate cable or adapter, you can connect your iPad to a secondary display, like a computer display, TV, or projector, where you can view the iPad screen.

To connect an iPad to a Studio Display or Pro Display XDR

Your Apple display automatically turns on when you plug it into power and connect it to your iPad using the Thunderbolt cable included with the display. Your iPad charges while connected to the display.

To connect your iPad if it has a USB-C or Thunderbolt / USB 4 connector

On a model with a USB-C or a Thunderbolt / USB 4 connector, you may be able to connect iPad to a USB or Thunderbolt 3 port on the display.

If the charge cable that came with your iPad isn’t compatible with the port on your display, TV, or projector, do the following:

1. Plug a USB-C Display AV Adapter or USB-C VGA Multi-port Adapter into the charging port on iPad.
2. Connect an HDMI or VGA cable to the adapter.
3. Connect the other end of the HDMI or VGA cable to the display, TV, or projector.
4. If necessary, switch to the correct video source on the display, TV, or projector. If you need help, use the display’s manual.
   If the display doesn’t turn on when you connect it to iPad, unplug it from iPad, then plug it back in. If that doesn’t work, unplug the display from its power source, then plug it in again.

Connect your iPad if it has a Lightning connector

On a model with a Lightning connector, do the following:

1. Plug a Lightning Digital AV Adapter or Lightning to VGA Adapter into the charging port on iPad.
2. Connect an HDMI or VGA cable to the adapter.
3. Connect the other end of the HDMI or VGA cable to the display, TV, or projector.
4. If necessary, switch to the correct video source on the display, TV, or projector. If you need help, see the manual that came with your display.

To charge your iPad while it’s connected to the display, TV, or projector, insert one end of your charge cable into the extra port on the adapter, insert the other end of the charge cable into the power adapter, then plug the power adapter to a power outlet.

(This how-to is based on my experiences and info on Apple’s support pages — where the images sometimes come from.)