Top 5 Methods to Use Your MacBook as a Second Monitor: Step-by-Step Guide

Table of Contents

• Using Sidecar with a MacBook and iPad
• Setup Using Luna Display
• Duet Display Usage
• Using Target Display Mode
• Using Universal Control

Top 5 Methods to Use Your MacBook as a Second Monitor: Step-by-Step Guide

1. Using Sidecar with a MacBook and iPad

What is Sidecar?

Sidecar is an Apple feature that lets you use your iPad as a secondary display for your MacBook. It's seamless and doesn't require third-party applications.

Requirements:

• Compatible Devices: Your MacBook needs to run macOS Catalina or later, and your iPad must have iPadOS 13 or higher.
• Wi-Fi Connection: Both devices must be signed in using the same Apple ID and connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
• Bluetooth On: Ensure Bluetooth is enabled on both devices.

Using Sidecar:

1. Pair Devices: On your MacBook, select the AirPlay icon from the menu bar and select your iPad from the list.
2. Enable Sidecar: Your iPad will automatically become a secondary display. Drag windows from your MacBook to the iPad and work with it as an extended screen.
3. Display Setup: To change display settings, go to System Preferences > Displays and configure the layout.

Benefits:

• Wireless: No cables needed, making the solution quite agile.
• Apple Pencil Support: You can use an Apple Pencil on the iPad, which is great for design work.

Read More about Sidecar Setup

2. Setup Using Luna Display

What is Luna Display?

Luna Display is a hardware device that turns your MacBook into a second monitor. It works with Mac and Windows computers alike, making it more versatile.

Requirements:

• Luna Display Dongle: Purchase a compatible Luna Display dongle for your MacBook.
• Luna Display App: Install the Luna Display application on both machines.

Steps to Use Luna Display:

1. Install Dongle: Attach the Luna Display dongle to your primary computer.
2. Launch App: Open the Luna Display app on both your MacBook and primary computer.
3. Connect Devices: The app will pair the two devices, enabling you to use your MacBook as a second display.
4. Tweak settings: Set display orientation, resolution, and more using the app's settings.

Features:

• Cross-Platform: Mac and Windows compatibility.
• High Performance: Low latency and excellent display output quality.

Read More About Luna Display

3. Duet Display Usage

What is Duet Display?

Duet Display is a popular app for using your MacBook or iPad as a second monitor for your Mac or PC. The connection can be wired or wireless.

Requirements:

• Duet Display App: Purchase and download the Duet Display app on both your primary computer and MacBook.

Steps to Use Duet Display:

1. Install the App: Download the Duet Display app on both devices.
2. Connect Devices:
• Wired Connection: Connect your MacBook to the main computer via a USB cable.
• Wireless Connection: Ensure both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
3. Activate Duet Display: Launch the app on both devices. Your MacBook will instantly become the second desktop.
4. Display Arrangement: Set the resolution and flip the display orientation by opening the Duet app.

Benefits:

• Cross-Platform Support: Works with Mac, Windows, iOS, and Android.
• Smooth Performance: Known for its responsive performance, even with a wireless connection.

Discover Features of Duet Display

4. Using Target Display Mode

What is Target Display Mode?

Target Display Mode allows you to use an older iMac as an extended screen for your MacBook. This functionality is supported only on certain iMac models.

Requirements:

• iMac Compatibility: Your iMac should be from the 2009-2014 series, running macOS High Sierra or an earlier version.
• Thunderbolt Cable: You'll need a Thunderbolt or Mini DisplayPort cable to connect the devices.

How to Operate Target Display Mode:

1. Cable Connection: Connect one end of the Thunderbolt cable to your MacBook and the other to the iMac.
2. Activate Target Display Mode: Use Cmd + F2 on the iMac keyboard to enable the mode.
3. Configure Display Setup: Go to System Preferences > Displays on your MacBook to arrange the display layout.

Benefits:

• Great Display: iMacs offer high-resolution displays, providing excellent screen quality.
• Repurpose Older Machines: A perfect way to give new life to an old iMac.

Target Display Mode Information

5. Using Universal Control

What is Universal Control?

Universal Control allows you to use one mouse and keyboard across multiple devices. While it doesn’t turn your MacBook into a monitor, it lets you interact with multiple screens seamlessly.

Requirements:

• Compatible Devices: macOS Monterey or later and iPadOS 15 or later.
• Wi-Fi Connection: Devices must be on the same network and signed in with the same Apple ID.

How to Use Universal Control:

1. Enable Universal Control: On your MacBook, open System Preferences > Displays and click on Universal Control to turn it on.
2. Connect Devices: Place the devices physically next to each other, and the cursor will instantly transition between them.
3. Customize Settings: Modify the display arrangement in System Preferences to match your actual setup.

Benefits:

• Seamless Workflow: You can control multiple devices using a single set of input devices.
• No Additional Apps to Install: Since it’s natively integrated into macOS, no extra software is needed.

Setup Universal Control