Sidecar feature plays an important role for the content creators, who own an iPad and Mac computer. The feature improves productivity and is introduced as an add-on for Apple device owners. There is no doubt that the software-based feature brings innovation to the table, but it’s nearly perfect. Here are the solutions that will help the readers to fix Sidecar not working issue on iPad and macOS.
Apple should work on naming the features because Sidecar sounds more like “a car parked on the side” that is nowhere near defining the feature. Apple introduced in 2019 for the devices line up that takes advantage of the iPad and Mac computer.
You can connect the iPad to a Mac computer and convert it into a secondary display. Another display connected to the MacBook will help the users to multitask and improve productivity.
Reset Trust Settings
iPad is known to be a secure device, and the contribution goes to the trust settings. Users have full control over which computer or device to trust or not. You can reset the trust settings in the iPad and repair the MacBook or iMac as a trusted machine.
- Tap on the Settings > General > Reset.
- Choose the “Reset Location & Privacy” option.
- Confirm the action with a password or Face ID.
- Click on “Reset Settings” to end the process.
- Pair the device and you will have “Trust This Computer” pop-up and tap on “Trust” to continue.
- Enter the passcode or Face ID to confirm the action.
Give the iPad a couple of moments to reset the options and then try Sidecar again.
Enable Connectivity
Sidecar utilizes Wifi and Bluetooth technology to create a wireless connection between Mac and iPad devices.
On iPad:
- Tap on the Settings > Wi-Fi.
- Go back and tap on “Bluetooth” and then tap to enable it.
Both connectivity’s are enabled on the iPad.
On Mac:
- Click on the Apple logo located at the top left to reveal the drop-down menu.
- Choose “System Preferences” to continue.
- Choose “Bluetooth” and click on “Turn Bluetooth on” to enable it.
- Go back and choose the “Network” setting.
- Choose “Wi-Fi” and click on “Turn Wi-Fi on” to enable it.
Now, pair the devices manually and ensure that both devices are connected.
Same Apple ID
The Cupertino-based company introduced Apple ID to create the eco-system that plays a major role in security. Apple account is an all-in and out function that makes a device feature-rich device and useless at the same device.
On iPad:
- Tap on the Settings > Apple ID.
- Check the email address of the Apple ID.
Now, check the Apple ID on the Mac computer.
On Mac:
- Click on the Apple logo located at the top left to reveal the drop-down menu.
- Choose “System Preferences” to continue.
- Tap on the “Apple ID” icon in the System Preferences window.
- Your email address is below the profile picture.
Confirm the Apple account used in Mac and iPad to ensure that there are no security problems.
Enable Today View
Many iPad owners have suggested that enabling “Today View” has solved the problem. The latest iOS 14 has bugs that Apple is trying to fix in the upcoming software updates. However, you cannot wait for the company to fix it, so we have to do what we can to solve the Sidecar problems.
- Click on the Settings > Home Screen and Dock.
- Tap on “Keep Today View on Home Screen” to enable it, and it is under the “Today View” setting.
Go back to Home Screen and swipe the left side to hide it. Now, try to connect the Mac computer using the Sidecar feature.
Allow Incoming Connections in Mac
Mac is considered a secure machine, and a Firewall plays a major role in it. Mac Firewall has the power to allow or disallow a connection to prevent random networks to enter the machine. You have to allow the iPad connection in Mac computer.
- Click on the Apple logo located at the top left to reveal the drop-down menu.
- Choose System Preferences > Security.
- Open the “Firewall” tab and choose “Firewall Options”.
- Click on “Block all incoming connections” to allow the iPad to connect with Mac.
- Tap on “OK” to confirm the changes.
Bottom Line
We will not ask the readers to update the macOS or iOS software to solve Sidecar not working on the iPad. We implore the readers to do some research on the latest iOS & macOS software because Apple is making mistakes lately. We don’t want the users to dive deeper into problems than solutions, so read online reviews and news for confirmation.
