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How to connect iPad to a display with a cable

by Chris Smith

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.

Your Apple display, like Studio Display, turns on automatically when you plug it into power and connect it to a supported iPad. On a model with a USB-C connector, you may even be able to connect to a USB or Thunderbolt 3 port on the display.

To extend the workspace of your Mac by connecting it to your iPad, see Use your iPad as a second display for your Mac.

Connect iPad to Studio Display, Studio Display XDR, or Pro Display XDR

Plug your Apple display into power and connect it to your iPad (supported models) with the Thunderbolt cable that came with the display, and it turns on automatically. Your iPad also charges while it’s connected.

Connect your iPad using the USB-C connector

On models with a USB-C 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.

See also

Tag: iPadOS

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