This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Travis Boylls. Travis has been a tech writer at wikiHow for more than 10 years. He has also worked in technical support for Dish Network and AT&T Wireless. He studied graphic design and web design at Pikes Peak Community College. He specializes in Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and video game consoles. Travis has had a fascination with computers and technology that goes all the way back to childhood. He is proficient in all manner of software and computer operating systems.
There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources.
This article has been viewed 240,732 times.
Learn more...
If you want to connect your iPad to a computer, there are a variety of ways you can do so. You can use a charging cable, iCloud, AirDrop, or Phone Link to transfer files between your iPad and computer and access certain features from your iPad. On Mac, you can also use your iPad as a second screen. This wikiHow article teaches you how to connect an iPad to a Windows or Mac computer.
Connecting an iPad to a Computer
You can connect an iPad to a PC or Mac using a USB cable and transfer files using Finder on Mac or the Apple Devices app on Windows to transfer files. You can also use Phone Link on Windows or AirDrop on Mac. On Mac, you can select your iPad as an extended display in the Display Settings menu.
Steps
-
1Download the Apple Devices app (Windows Only). If you are using a Windows computer, you can use the Apple Devices app to update, back up, and transfer files between your iPad and your Windows computer. Mac computers have this functionality built in. Use the following steps to download and install the Apple Devices app.
- Open the Microsoft Store.
- Enter “Apple Devices” in the menu bar at the top.
- Click Get next to “Apple Devices.”
-
2Open Finder on Mac or Apple Devices on Windows. If you are using a Mac, click the icon that resembles a blue and white smiley face. If you are using a Windows computer, open the Apple Devices app in the Windows Start menu.
- You can also use File Explorer to transfer files between your computer and your iPad on Windows.
Advertisement -
3Connect your iPad to your computer. You can use the same USB cable that came with your iPad to connect it from the charging port on your iPad to a free USB port on your computer.
- Most newer iPad models use a USB-C cable. However, some older models use a Lightning cable instead.
-
4Tap Trust or Allow on your iPad screen. You will be asked if you want to trust the computer you are connected to, or if you want to allow the computer to access your files on your iPad. Tap Trust or Allow to continue.
-
5Click your iPad. You should see your iPad listed in the menu bar to the left. This displays options for your iPad.
-
6Update, Back up, or restore your iPad. When you connect your iPad, you should see a variety of options in Finder or Apple Devices.
- Click Update to download the latest updates for your iPad and follow the prompts.
- To back up your iPad, click Back Up Now and follow the prompts.
- To restore your iPad from a backup, click Restore iPad and follow the prompts.
-
7Sync files. To sync your files, click one of the categories to the left (i.e, Music, TV & Movies, Photos, Files), then click the files you want to sync. Click Sync in the lower-right corner.
-
1Ensure iCloud sync is enabled on your iPad. When iCloud sync is enabled, all files on your iPad will be synced to iCloud where they can be accessed from your computer. You can even sync your files on Windows using the iCloud app. Use the following steps to ensure iCloud sync is enabled:[1]
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap your name at the top of the Settings menu.
- Tap iCloud.
- Tap Drive.
- Tap the toggle switch next to Sync this iPad.
-
2Download the iCloud app (Windows only). If you have a Windows PC, you’ll need to download and install the iCloud app on your computer. Mac computers can sync iCloud in Finder automatically. Use the following steps to download and install the iCloud app.
- Open the Microsoft Store.
- Enter “iCloud” in the menu bar at the top.
- Click Get next to “iCloud.”
-
3Open the iCloud app and sign in (Windows only). After you are done downloading and installing the iCloud app, you can click Open in the Microsoft Store, or click the iCloud app icon in the Windows Start menu. After you open the iCloud app, use the following steps to sign in
- Click Get Started.
- Enter your email address or phone number associated with your Apple Account.
- Enter the password associated with your Apple Account.
- Click Sign In.
- Tap Allow on your iPad.
- Enter the one-time passcode displayed on your iPad on your PC.
- Follow the prompts to install the web browser extensions if you want.
- Click Sync Now in the lower-right corner.
-
4
-
5Click iCloud Drive to access your files. It’s in the menu to the left. When iCloud Sync is enabled, you can access your files from various apps in the iCloud Drive. You can drag and drop to transfer files from iCloud to your computer or from your computer to iCloud.
-
6Click iCloud Photos to access your photos and videos. It’s in the menu bar to the left. Any photos or videos you have taken, or have downloaded to your iPad can be accessed in iCloud Photos in Finder on Mac or File Explorer on Windows. You can drag and drop to transfer your photos and videos from your iPad to your computer or from your computer to your iPad.
- Alternatively, you can use the Photos app on your Mac.
-
1Connect your iPad to your computer. Use a USB cable to connect your iPad to your PC or Mac. You need to connect your iPad to your computer via a USB cable before you can enable Wi-Fi Sync.
-
2Open Finder or Apple Devices. You can use Finder on Mac or Apple Devices on Windows to manage your iPad.[2]
-
Click the iPad icon. This iPad-shaped icon appears in the upper-left side of the Finder or Apple Devices window a few seconds after connecting your iPad. Clicking it will open your iPad's page.
- If this is your first time connecting the iPad to this computer, you may be prompted to set up the iPad's preferences on this page before continuing.
-
4Click General. It’s at the top of the menu to the left.
-
5Check the "Show this iPad when on Wi-Fi" box. It’s towards the bottom of the menu.
-
6Click Apply. It’s in the lower-right corner.
-
1Ensure Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are turned on on both devices. Both your iPad and your Mac need to have Wi-Fi enabled and both need to have Bluetooth turned on.[3]
- To turn on Bluetooth on your iPad, swipe down from the upper-right corner. Then tap the Bluetooth icon, which resembles a jagged “B” with a tail. If the Bluetooth icon is blue, Bluetooth is on.
- To turn on Bluetooth on your Mac, click the Bluetooth icon in the menu bar at the top. It has an icon that resembles a jagged “B” with a tail. Click the toggle switch to turn on Bluetooth.
- While Wi-Fi needs to be enabled on both devices, you don’t need to be connected to the same network (or even connected to a network at all). AirDrop creates its own point-to-point Wi-Fi network when transferring data between devices.
-
2Turn on AirDrop on your iPad. If AirDrop is not turned on on your iPad, use the following steps to turn it on:
- Swipe down from the upper-right corner to open the Control Center.
- Tap the AirDrop icon, which resembles concentric circles with an upside-down “V” cut out of the bottom.
- Tap the drop-down menu below the AirDrop icon.
- Select Contacts Only or Everyone for 10 minutes.
-
3Turn on AirDrop on your Mac. Use the following steps to turn on AirDrop on your Mac:
- Click the icon that resembles two toggle switches in the menu bar at the top.
- Click the AirDrop icon, which resembles concentric circles with an upside-down “V” cut out of the bottom.
- Click and hold the AirDrop icon.
- Click Contacts Only or Everyone for 10 minutes.
-
4Ensure both devices are within 30 feet of each other. In order to transfer files over AirDrop, both devices need to be near each other.
-
5Transfer a file from your iPad to your Mac. Use the following steps to transfer files to your Mac using AirDrop:
- Tap and hold a file, photo, or video that you want to transfer
- Tap the Share icon, which resembles a box with an arrow pointing up.
- Tap the AirDrop icon.
- Tap your Mac or the user your Mac belongs to.
- Click Accept on your Mac.
-
6Transfer a file from your Mac to your iPad. Use the following steps to transfer files to your iPad using AirDrop:
- Open the file you want to transfer on your Mac.
- Click the Share icon in the toolbar, which resembles a box with an arrow pointing up.
- Click AirDrop.
- Click your iPad or the user your iPad belongs to.
- Tap Accept on your iPad.
-
1Download the Link to Windows app on your iPad. Phone Link is a feature of Windows that allows you to link to your phone. In order to use it on iPad, you need to download the Link to Windows app from the App Store. Use the following steps to do so:[4]
- Open the App Store.
- Tap the magnifying glass icon at the top.
- Enter Link to Windows in the search bar.
- Tap GET next to Link to Windows.
-
2Open Phone Link on Windows. Phone Link comes pre-installed on Windows 11 computers. If you have deleted it, or you are using a Windows 10 computer, you can download and install it from the Microsoft Store.
-
3Add your iPad to Phone Link. If you do not have any mobile devices connected to your computer, you will be prompted to scan a QR code on screen to connect your device. If you already have a mobile device connected to your computer, use the following steps to add another device:
- Click the Settings/Gear icon in the upper-right corner.
- Click Devices.
- Click Add Device.
- Click iPhone.
-
4Open the Link to Windows app. Tap the Link to Windows app on your iPad to open the app.
-
5Scan the QR code on your computer screen. Tap the option in Link to Windows to connect to your computer using the QR code. Then use your iPad camera to scan the QR code on the screen.
-
6Allow your iPad to connect to your computer. You will be prompted to allow your iPad to connect to your computer via Bluetooth. Tap Allow to continue.
-
7Sign in to your Microsoft account. Once you sign in to your Microsoft account, you can use Phone Link on your computer to receive messages, calls, and notifications from your iPad on your computer. You can also play music on your iPad or transfer files between your iPad and computer.
-
8Switch between devices in Phone Link. If you have multiple devices added to Phone Link, use the following steps to switch between them:
- Click the Settings/Gear icon in the upper-right corner.
- Click Devices.
- Tap the device you want to connect to.
-
9Transfer files from iPad. Use the following steps to transfer files, photos, and videos from your iPad to your computer.
- Tap and hold a file in the Files app, Photos app, or Camera Roll.
- Tap the Share icon, which resembles a box with an arrow pointing up.
- Tap Link to Windows (you may need to scroll to the right and tap More).
- Tap your Windows computer.
-
10Transfer files from your computer to your iPad. Use the following steps to transfer files from your computer to your iPad:
- Ensure your iPad is connected in Phone Link.
- Right-click a file you want to send to your iPad.
- Click Send to My Phone.
-
1Ensure Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are turned on on both devices. Both your iPad and your Mac need to be connected to the same Wi-Fi network, and both need to have Bluetooth turned on.
- To turn on Bluetooth on your iPad, swipe down from the upper-right corner. Then tap the Bluetooth icon, which resembles a jagged “B” with a tail. If the Bluetooth icon is blue, Bluetooth is on.
- To turn on Bluetooth on your Mac, click the Bluetooth icon in the menu bar at the top. It has an icon that resembles a jagged “B” with a tail. Click the toggle switch to turn on Bluetooth.
- Screen-sharing is not available on Windows computers for iPads.
-
2Ensure Handoff is turned on on both the iPad and Mac. Use the following steps to ensure Handoff is turned on on both your iPad and Mac:[5]
- iPad: Open the Settings app, and tap General > AirPlay & Continuity. Ensure the toggle switch next to “Handoff” is turned on.
- Mac: Click the Apple icon and click System Settings > General > AirPlay & Handoff. Ensure the toggle switch next to “Allow Handoff between this Mac and iCloud devices” is turned on.
-
3Open the Display Settings on your Mac. The Display Settings menu has more options for how you can use your iPad as a second screen. Use the following steps to open the Display Settings menu:
- Click the Apple icon in the upper-right corner.
- Click System Settings.
- Click Display.
-
4Select your iPad as a second display. To do so, click the plus (+) icon below your Mac monitor in the diagram at the top. Then click your iPad under Mirror or extend to.
- Alternatively, you can use the Sidecar features on your Mac to display images from your Mac on your iPad.
-
5Select how you want to use your iPad screen. Use the drop-down menu next to ”Use as” to select how you want to use your iPad. The options are as follows:
- Main Display: This option allows you to use your iPad screen as the main screen for your Mac.
- Extended display: This allows you to use your iPad screen as a second screen, which allows you to move items from your Mac screen to your iPad screen.
- Mirror for Built-in Display: This displays the same image on your iPad that is displayed on your Mac.
- Note that you can also access these options by clicking the screen mirroring icon in the menu bar at the top of your Mac’s screen. It looks like an icon of two overlapping rectangles.
- This icon is purple while screen mirroring is active.
-
6Arrange your display. If you are using your iPad as an extended display, you can arrange where your iPad is placed so you can move items from one screen to another. Use the following steps to arrange your displays.
- Select one of your displays and click Arrange. It’s at the bottom of the Display Settings window.
- Click and drag your iPad to the location it is relative to your Mac monitor.
- Click Done.
-
7Stop sharing your screen. To stop sharing your screen, click the icon with two toggle switches in the upper-right corner to open the Control Center on your Mac. Click Screen Mirroring. Deselect your iPad.
- You can also do this by clicking the Screen Mirroring icon in the menu bar at the top of the screen (it looks like two overlapping rectangles) and clicking your iPad.
-
1Ensure Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are turned on on both devices. Sidecar is another way of extending your display from your Mac to your iPad. You can use it to quickly and easily move windows from your Mac to your iPad without having to open your Mac’s display settings. Both your iPad and your Mac need to have Wi-Fi enabled, and both need to have Bluetooth turned on. They must also both be logged into the same Apple Account.[6]
- To turn on Bluetooth on your iPad, swipe down from the upper-right corner. Then tap the Bluetooth icon, which resembles a jagged “B” with a tail. If the Bluetooth icon is blue, Bluetooth is on.
- To turn on Bluetooth on your Mac, click the Bluetooth icon in the menu bar at the top. It has an icon that resembles a jagged “B” with a tail. Click the toggle switch to turn on Bluetooth.
- Sidecar is not available on Windows computers for iPads.
-
2Ensure Handoff is turned on on both the iPad and Mac. Use the following steps to ensure Handoff is turned on on both your iPad and Mac:[7]
- iPad: Open the Settings app, and tap General > AirPlay & Continuity. Ensure the toggle switch next to “Handoff” is turned on.
- Mac: Click the Apple icon and click System Settings > General > AirDrop & Handoff. Ensure the toggle switch next to “Allow Handoff between this Mac and iCloud devices” is turned on.
-
3Hover over the green Maximize button on any Mac window. You’ll see this circular green button at the top left corner of most app and Finder windows on Mac. When you hover over it with your cursor, a menu will open.
-
4Select Move to iPad. You’ll see this option at the bottom of the pop-up menu. When you click it, a screen mirroring session will immediately start, and the window you were using will move from your Mac’s screen to your iPad’s.
- If you want to move the window back over, hover over the green dot on the iPad’s screen and select Move Window Back to Mac.
-
5Use your Apple Pencil to control Mac apps. While using the Sidecar feature on your iPad, you can use your Apple Pencil with various Mac apps on your iPad’s screen. This makes drawing easier.
-
6Use the sidebar options on your iPad. On your iPad, you’ll notice a sidebar with a few common controls for your Mac. The sidebar controls are as follows:[8]
- Menu Bar: The icon that resembles a bar on top with an arrow pointing down displays your Mac’s menu bar on your iPad.
- Dock: The icon that resembles a bar on bottom with an arrow pointing up displays your Mac’s dock at the bottom of your iPad screen.
- Command: The icon that resembles the Command key on your Mac engages the Command function on your iPad. Tap and hold it to set the Command key. Double-tap it to lock the Command key.
- Option: The icon that resembles the Option key on your Mac engages the Option function on your iPad. Tap and hold it to set the Option key. Double-tap it to lock the Option key.
- Control: The icon that resembles a bracket pointing up engages the Control key function on your iPad. Tap and hold it to set the Control key. Double-tap it to lock the Control key.
- Shift: The icon that resembles an arrow pointing up engages the Shift key function on your iPad. Tap and hold it to set the Shift key. Double-tap it to lock the Shift key.
- Undo: The icon that resembles a curved arrow pointing left is the Undo button. Tap this to undo your last action.
- Keyboard: Tap the icon that resembles a keyboard to display the on-screen keyboard on your iPad.
- Disconnect: Tap the icon that resembles a rectangle with a line through it to disconnect your iPad from your Mac.
-
7Use Gestures on your iPad to control Mac apps. While using the sidecar function on your iPad, you can use gestures on your iPad to do basic functions.The gestures you can use are as follows:
- Scroll: Swipe with two fingers to scroll.
- Copy: Pinch the section you want to copy with three fingers on your iPad screen.
- Cut: Pinch the section you want to cut with three fingers twice on your iPad screen to cut.
- Paste: Tap where you want to paste with three fingers on your iPad and spread them apart (reverse-pinch).
- Undo: Swipe left with three fingers or tap with three fingers to undo.
- Redo: Swipe left with three fingers to redo.
-
8End your Sidecar session with the Screen Mirroring icon. When you’re done sharing windows with your iPad, click the Screen Mirroring icon in the menu bar at the top of your Mac’s screen. It looks like a pair of overlapping rectangles. Click your iPad in the menu to end the session.
-
1Enable Universal Control on your iPad and Mac. Universal Control allows you to move your mouse or trackpad cursor from your Mac’s screen to your iPad’s without sharing or extending your Mac’s screen. It also allows you to type on your iPad from your Mac’s keyboard. This is different from using Sidecar, which also extends your display onto your iPad’s screen. The first time you use it, you’ll need to enable a few settings:[9]
- Make sure both devices have Bluetooth and Wi-Fi enabled, and that they’re both signed in to the same Apple Account.
- On your Mac, go to Apple menu > System Settings > Displays and click the Advanced button. Toggle on “Allow your pointer and keyboard to move between any nearby Mac or iPad” and “Push through the edge of a display to connect to a nearby Mac or iPad.”
- On your iPad, go to Settings > General > AirPlay & Continuity and toggle on “Cursor and Keyboard”. If you don’t see this option, your iPad model might not support Universal Control.
-
2Place your devices near each other. Make sure your Mac and iPad are close to each other and that both are awake and unlocked. They will connect automatically.[10]
-
3Move your mouse between devices. To move your mouse cursor between devices, move your mouse cursor to the left or right edge of your Mac’s screen. Your iPad will start to show the pointer pushing through to its screen. Continue to move the cursor past the screen to push through to your iPad’s screen.
- You can arrange the position of your iPad relative to your Mac’s screen in the Display Settings on your Mac. This will determine which side of the screen you need to push your cursor through on each device.
-
4Use your mouse or trackpad to control your iPad. While your mouse is on your iPad’s screen, you can use it to interact with your iPad similarly to how you’d use your finger or your Apple Pencil. Click items to tap them, or click and hold to perform special actions (like opening a context menu). You can also:[11]
- Open the iPad’s dock by moving your cursor to the bottom of the screen.
- Go to the Home screen while an app is open by moving your cursor below the bottom of the screen.
- Open the App Switcher by moving your cursor below the bottom of the Home Screen.
- Open Control Center by clicking the group of status icons at the top right corner of the screen.
- Open the Notification Center by clicking the date and time at the top left corner of the screen.
- Open Search by scrolling down while on the Home screen.
-
5Drag and drop files between your devices. This won’t work with all files, but you can move some file types between your iPad and your Mac while Universal Control is enabled. For example, if you want to share a photo in Messages on your iPad, click it on your Mac and drag it into the conversation on your iPad.[12]
-
6Use your keyboard to type on your iPad. While your mouse is on your iPad’s screen, click a text entry field in any app. Then, type with your Mac’s keyboard to enter text directly into the text field on your iPad.
-
7Drag your cursor back through your Mac’s screen to stop controlling your iPad. To move your mouse back to your Mac’s screen, just drag it over to the edge of the iPad’s screen and back onto the Mac’s.
- To completely end a Universal Control session, put your iPad to sleep. You can also click the Display icon in the menu bar at the top of your screen (it looks like a divided rectangle with two dots and a mouse cursor inside) and click your iPad under Link keyboard and mouse to.[13]
Community Q&A
-
QuestionWhat do I do if my PC doesn't recognize my iPad?
Community AnswerDo you have iTunes installed, and is it updated with the most recent version? There may also be a compatibility issue with your operating system. Ask an Apple associate if you're unsure, they can offer advice based on the specifics of your situation. -
QuestionCan I print something from my iPad?
Community AnswerYes, you can. You just need to connect it to a printer, and then you will be able to print from your iPad. -
QuestionHow do I get pictures from the iPad to my computer screen?
Community AnswerAn easy way is to e-mail the photos to yourself off of your iPad. Then, check the e-mail on your computer and screenshot or save the images. This is what I've always done and I find it works quite well.
Video
Tips
References
- ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/icloud/set-up-icloud-drive-mm203b05aec8/icloud
- ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-by/guide/mac-help/mchlada1d602/mac
- ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-by/guide/mac-help/mh35868/mac
- ↑ https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/sync-across-your-devices
- ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/ipad/aside/ipadf6afedc9/26/ipados/26
- ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/102597
- ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/ipad/aside/ipadf6afedc9/26/ipados/26
- ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/102597
- ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/102459





