Wi-Fi connectivity issues can be incredibly frustrating, especially when using Apple’s Sidecar feature to extend your Mac’s display to an iPad. Let me walk you through what might be happening and how to fix it.
Why Your Sidecar Isn’t Working
Think of Sidecar as a digital bridge between your Mac and iPad. Like any bridge, it needs solid foundations – in this case, a stable connection. The most common reason for Sidecar failures is actually simpler than you might think: your devices aren’t properly communicating with each other.
Basic Requirements Check
Before we dive into complex solutions, let’s make sure you’ve got the basics covered:
– Your Mac needs to be from 2016 or later
– Your iPad must support Apple Pencil (1st or 2nd generation)
– Both devices need to be signed into the same Apple ID
– Bluetooth and Wi-Fi must be enabled on both devices
– Handoff needs to be turned on
Common Connection Issues
I’ve seen many cases where Sidecar stops working after a system update. Often, it’s because the update has changed some connectivity settings without you realizing it. Here’s what you can try:
1. Toggle your Wi-Fi and Bluetooth off and on
2. Restart both devices (yes, the old “turn it off and on again” really does work!)
3. Check your Handoff settings in System Preferences
The Hidden Culprit: Network Interference
Sometimes the problem isn’t with Sidecar itself, but with your network environment. I recently helped a friend who couldn’t get Sidecar working in their office, but it worked fine at home. Turns out, their office had too many competing wireless signals creating interference.
Quick Fixes That Actually Work
Here are some solutions I’ve found most effective:
1. Place your iPad closer to your Mac (within 10 feet is ideal)
2. Use a wired connection with your USB cable
3. Reset your Mac’s SMC and NVRAM if wireless connection issues persist
4. Check for any VPN or firewall settings that might be blocking the connection
When All Else Fails
If you’ve tried everything above and Sidecar still isn’t working, try this nuclear option that’s worked for many of my clients:
1. Sign out of iCloud on both devices
2. Restart both devices
3. Sign back into iCloud
4. Set up Sidecar again from scratch
Remember, Sidecar is designed to work seamlessly, but like any technology, it can be sensitive to various factors. Don’t get discouraged if it takes a few tries to get it working – the extended display functionality is worth the effort!
