another "iPad external display disconnects frequently" question "sidecar" extended display issues

Question

another "iPad external display disconnects frequently" question "sidecar" extended display issues

I am using an M1 iPad Pro 12.9 inch (though this does not seem relevant, my other two iPads from years ago behave in the same way). I am using the iPad as an extended display for my MacBook M2 Max that is connected to a Apple Studio Display (though this also does not seem relevant as the iPad behaves the same way with or without the external display).

The problematic behavior: disconnection from extended display setup once a day (at least). Once I restart the iPad it starts working again and stops working within 1 day. If I do not restart it, and just try to connect again, it will disconnect every 3-5 minutes.

What I have tried:

0) to start off, both systems are updated to the latest OS as of today (7/4/23) and have always been updated, I am not on the Beta channel. My wifi signal is solid at over 500mbs, I have tried both static and dynamic wifi modes and even wired connection as you can see below. There is no reason to believe there is any wifi interference in excess of normal as all my other devices are working fine. Both devices are signed in with the same Apple ID, both devices have been wiped cleaned and factory reset with no success. All the points in this Apple help article are already abided by (Use an iPad as a second display for a Mac - Apple Support)

1) connecting via wifi and turning off auto lock and most other security features. Made no difference at all.

2) connecting via original Apple USBC cable directly to MacBook. Made no difference at all.

3) connecting via original Apple USBC cable directly to MacBook, with iPad placed on airplane mode to stop possible wifi connection. Made no difference at all.

4) connecting via a different (anker) USBC cable directly to MacBook in both of the above setups. Made no difference at all.

5) connecting via USBC or wifi with all the above configurations plus changing the resolution output of my Mac. Made no difference at all.

6) connecting via USBC or wifi with all the above configurations plus opening or closing the MacBook lid. Made no difference at all.

If anyone has any other suggestions, please let me know. This has been an issue for years it seems and is quite annoying. Here are some other posts complaining of the same thing, though this is by no means all of the posts, just a few. There's more on Reddit and similar forums spanning back many years, on different models and operating systems (as far back it seem as this feature was first introduced).

iPad as second display keeps failing (mou… - Apple Community

Sidecar constantly disconnecting or unsta… - Apple Community

Sidecar constantly loses connection - Apple Community

iPad secondary display freezes on both WI… - Apple Community

Posted on Jul 4, 2023 09:46 AM

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Answer 1

Jeff_W.

Community Specialist

Jul 5, 2023 01:23 PM in response to paradoxicalemboli

Hi there paradoxicalemboli,

If Sidecar is disconnecting unexpectedly, you'll want to start by making sure you've checked the items listed below:

- Make sure both your Mac and iPad meet the system requirements for Sidecar here: Use an iPad as a second display for a Mac - Apple Support

- Ensure both devices are updated to iPadOS 16.5.1 and macOS Ventura 13.4.1

- Ensure the Mac and iPad are signed into iCloud with the same Apple ID.

- Ensure the Mac and iPad are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

- Confirm you haven't accidentally blocked your Apple ID on either device (FaceTime > Preferences > Blocked).

If you've checked the items above and the issue persists, work through each of these steps to see if they resolve the issue for you:

- Restart both the Mac and iPad:

Shut down or restart your Mac - Apple Support

Restart your iPad - Apple Support

- Toggle Handoff off and back on for both devices: Use Handoff to continue tasks on your other devices - Apple Support

- Toggle Bluetooth off and back on for both devices.

- Restart the Wi-Fi router(s) and modem.

- Forget the Wi-Fi network on the Mac and reconnect.

- Forget the network on the iPad and reconnect.

- Test with a wired connection and a wireless connection.

- Test in a new admin user: New user or group setup on Mac - Apple Support

If you're still seeing your iPad disconnect while using Sidecar after working through all our suggestions, reaching out to Apple Support directly is the next best step. They're best-equipped to take a closer look at the issue and provide some additional guidance. This link will help you get started: Get Support

Take care.

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Answer 2

Jul 5, 2023 02:23 PM in response to Jeff_W.

Hi Jeff,

I've done most of what you suggested above already with the exception of restarting the router and new admin user. I will try these two things, but everything else has been tried including wired connection, using a different laptop (M1 Pro vs the M2 Max) and a different iPad (11 vs 12.9 inch M1 and M2 respectively).

My devices are all on the latest update. I have even called Apple support but they were not able to help beyond instructing me to restart and even reset the device (which I did). This seems to a more widespread issue than just my device as apparent by its continued existence on all my devices as well as the larger community.

I will try the router suggestion and get back t you.

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Answer 3

Frozo

Level 2

289 points

Nov 1, 2023 08:20 PM in response to paradoxicalemboli

Router? What kind of witchcraft is this? There is a major bug with Sidecar since it was released. Was not fixed with Sonoma. Check online, there are tons of people with the same problem, most of which have given up using Sidecar, me included. I came here for possible updates on fixes but I just find the usual boilerplate responses by "Community Specialists" that have littered the Discussions these past years. Bottom line, Sidecar is broken and needs to be fixed. I upgraded my iPad to a supported model specifically to use as a second monitor. It has not been fixed for OVER 3 YEARS.

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Answer 4

cliff180

Level 1

12 points

Dec 9, 2023 03:40 PM in response to paradoxicalemboli

I feel your pain. It takes me longer to get the iPad to connect correctly than to do my work. I'd rather have no second display than constantly troubleshooting this ad nauseam. I feel it was a nice idea that does not function, ever, like it should, and amazingly Apple keeps believing that it does.

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