Connect iPad to a display with a cable

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.

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

Connect iPad to Studio Display or Pro Display XDR

Your Apple display automatically turns on when you plug it into power and connect it to your iPad (supported models) using the Thunderbolt cable included with the display. Your iPad charges while connected to the display.

For more information about Studio Display or Pro Display XDR, see the Displays Support website.

Connect your iPad if it has a USB-C or Thunderbolt / USB 4 connector

On a model with a USB-C or a Thunderbolt / USB 4 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:

Plug a USB-C Display AV Adapter or USB-C VGA Multi-port Adapter into the charging port on iPad.
Connect an HDMI or VGA cable to the adapter.
Connect the other end of the HDMI or VGA cable to the display, TV, or projector.
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.

See the Apple Support article Charge and connect with the USB-C port on iPad Pro.

Connect your iPad if it has a Lightning connector

On a model with a Lightning connector, do the following:

Plug a Lightning Digital AV Adapter or Lightning to VGA Adapter into the charging port on iPad.
Connect an HDMI or VGA cable to the adapter.
Connect the other end of the HDMI or VGA cable to the display, TV, or projector.
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.

Organize windows on your iPad and external display with Stage Manager

Stage Manager lets you connect supported iPad Pro and iPad Air models to an external display with up to 6K of resolution, giving you fast access to windows and apps.

To use Stage Manager, place your iPad in landscape orientation, connect it to an external display, open Control Center, then tap .

The window of the app you’re using is positioned prominently in the center, so you can focus on it without going full screen. Your other apps are arranged on the left side in order of recent use.

In Stage Manager, you can do any of the following:

Resize your windows to make them the perfect size for your task.
Move your windows around on the center canvas.
Access your favorite apps from the Dock, along with the ones you used recently.
Use App Library to quickly find the app you want.
Drag and drop windows from the side or open apps from the Dock to create app sets you can tap to get back to.
Move files and windows between your supported iPad and your external display.

For more information, see Move, resize, and organize windows with Stage Manager on iPad.

Helpful?

iPad User Guide

Connect iPad to a display with a cable

Connect iPad to Studio Display or Pro Display XDR

Connect your iPad if it has a USB-C or Thunderbolt / USB 4 connector

Connect your iPad if it has a Lightning connector

Organize windows on your iPad and external display with Stage Manager