If you have an iPad or other Android tablet, you can use it as a monitor for your computer. This can be useful for a number of reasons, such as enhancing your productivity, keeping in touch with family and friends or watching movies.
There are a few ways to connect your tablet as a monitor, including using an adapter and connecting it through the video port on the tablet. But there are also other options, such as mirroring and a wireless connection.
Getting Started
Before you can use a tablet as a second monitor, you need to install some software. Several apps, including SpaceDesk and Duet Display, are available for both Mac and Windows computers.
Apple recently added an application called Sidecar to its Mac OS Catalina and iPadOS platforms that lets users connect their tablet as a secondary monitor. This app works best if you log in with the same Apple ID on both the tablet and the computer.
Another option is to use an adapter with a USB-C port on one end and HDMI, VGA, or DVL on the other. This method will work with most tablets, but it may not be as convenient as a wired connection.
Mirroring Your Monitor
The most common way to connect a tablet as a monitor is to use an app that allows you to mirror your tablet’s screen to your computer. Luckily, most of these apps are free to download and will do the job well.
Alternatively, you can try an app that connects your tablet to your monitor over Wi-Fi. However, this method is less convenient and requires a bit more work. You’ll need to have a good wifi signal in your area and a device that can handle the app’s heavy load.
Other alternatives include Splashtop Wired XDisplay, which uses a USB cable to designate a tablet as a second monitor. This app is compatible with Windows, macOS, iOS, Kindle, and Android devices and is free to download.
A third option is to use a mirroring app on your tablet, such as Castto. This method can be particularly helpful if you have poor connection or network performance, as you can pair your tablet and your monitor wirelessly.
This is a great option for those who need to use a second monitor but don’t want to have to worry about buying a separate monitor. It’s also an excellent option if you have a cheap and reliable tablet with a high-resolution screen.
To start, download and install the app on your tablet. You can find it in the Google Play store. Once it’s installed, you’ll be able to select the monitor you want to use.
You can also choose to mirror the entire tablet’s screen, or just a specific part of it. You can even customize the display settings on your tablet and adjust the resolution, which makes it a lot easier to control how your virtual monitor looks.
You can even change the background of your virtual monitor, and you can reposition it as needed. But the main benefit of using a tablet as a monitor is that it’s easy to move around and see what you’re doing.