use ipad as primary display for mac mini

How to Use an iPad as a Primary Display for Your Mac Mini

Are you looking for ways to extend your workspace or add more screen real estate? Did you know that you can use your iPad as a primary display for your Mac mini? In this article, we'll explore the requirements and steps to make this happen.

Requirements for 2009-2010 Models

To connect your iMac (or other Mac computer) to your iPad using Target Display Mode, you'll need:

* A Thunderbolt or Thunderbolt 2 cable

* The connecting Mac must have been introduced in 2019 or earlier and be running macOS Catalina or earlier

* The secondary Mac used as a display must also be running macOS High Sierra or earlier

Requirements for 2011-Mid 2014 iMacs

If you're using an older iMac, you may need to run it in Target Display Mode with macOS High Sierra or earlier. You'll also need the same version of macOS installed on your secondary Mac.

Alternative Solution: Pair Your iPad with an External Monitor

Another option is to pair your iMac with an external monitor and choose which one you want to be the primary display. This might seem like a no-brainer, but it's definitely worth considering.

AirPlay Content to Your Mac Using macOS Monterey

If you're running macOS Monterey or later, you can AirPlay content from your iPad directly to your Mac. However, this feature doesn't work if you want to extend your iMac or iPad desktop space.

Sidecar: A Free Solution for Turning Your iPad into a Second Display

Sidecar is a built-in feature that allows you to turn your iPad into a second display for your Mac. Once connected, you can choose whether the Mac or iPad is the primary display under System Preferences/Settings.

Duet Display and Luna Display: Paid Solutions for Mac-to-Mac Support

If you want to use a newer iMac as a monitor with an iPad, Sidecar might not be enough. Duet Display and Luna Display are two paid solutions that offer Mac-to-Mac support, among other features.

In conclusion, using your iPad as a primary display for your Mac mini is definitely possible. Whether you're looking for a free solution like Sidecar or a paid option like Duet Display or Luna Display, there's an option out there for you. So why not give it a try and see how it can enhance your productivity?

Use ipad as primary display for mac mini