Connect your iPad to a monitor and use Stage Manager

Tags ipad

Questions

  • What iPad and cable or adapter do I need to use Stage Manager with a monitor?
  • How do I switch between extending my workspace and mirroring my iPad screen?
  • How do I turn Stage Manager on or off?
  • Why won’t some videos or apps show on the external display?
  • Can I use a keyboard, mouse, or webcam while connected to a monitor?

Environment

This applies to iPadOS 18 on iPads that support Stage Manager and have a USB‑C or Thunderbolt/USB4 port. Using an external monitor as a separate second screen (extend) requires an iPad with an Apple M‑series chip (for example, iPad Air with M1/M2; iPad Pro with M1/M2/M4). Other compatible iPads can mirror the display. You’ll need a USB‑C to USB‑C video cable or a USB‑C to HDMI adapter and HDMI cable, plus a TV or monitor with an available input.

Resolution

  1. Get your iPad ready
    • Update to iPadOS 18: Open Settings > General > Software Update and install any available updates. See Apple’s guide: Update your iPhone or iPad.
    • Confirm your model: If you’re not sure which iPad you have, check Apple’s list: Identify your iPad model.
  2. Connect the iPad to your external display
    • If the display has USB‑C: Use a video‑capable USB‑C cable from the iPad to the display’s USB‑C port.
    • If the display has HDMI: Use a USB‑C to HDMI adapter plus an HDMI cable.
    • Turn on the TV/monitor and select the correct input. You should see your iPad screen appear.
  3. Choose Extend or Mirror
    • On your iPad, open Settings > Display & Brightness.
    • Tap Arrangement (this appears only when a display is connected).
    • To use the monitor as a second screen, choose Use as Separate Display. To show the same content on both screens, choose Mirror Display.
    • If extending, drag the screens in the Arrangement view so they match how your monitor sits relative to your iPad.
  4. Turn Stage Manager on
    • Open Control Center (swipe down from the top‑right corner) and tap the Stage Manager button to turn it on.
    • You can also adjust Stage Manager options in Settings > Multitasking (for example, showing the recent apps strip and the dock).
  5. Move and resize your apps
    • Drag an app window to the external display to move it there. Resize windows by dragging from the corners.
    • Group apps together in one space by dragging one window on top of another. Switch spaces from the recent apps strip.
    • You can have different app groups on the iPad screen and on the external display at the same time when using Separate Display.
  6. Fine‑tune display and sound
    • Go to Settings > Display & Brightness to adjust text size and display scaling for each screen.
    • Open Control Center to choose where sound plays (iPad speakers, monitor speakers, or headphones).
    • If your monitor or a USB‑C accessory includes a webcam, some apps can use it on iPadOS 18.
    • For additional how‑tos, browse the iPad User Guide.
  7. Notes and common issues
    • Not all adapters and cables carry video. If nothing appears, try a different video‑capable USB‑C cable or a known‑good USB‑C to HDMI adapter.
    • Some streaming apps limit playback on external displays for copyright reasons. If a video won’t show, use the app’s built‑in “play on TV” option (if available) or play it directly on the iPad.
    • Higher resolutions and smoother motion may require newer adapters/cables and a monitor that supports those features.
    • If Arrangement doesn’t appear in Settings, reconnect the cable/adapter and make sure the display is powered on and set to the correct input.

Additional Help

If you need further assistance, you can chat with Bowdoin Bot of contact the Bowdoin College Service Desk by phone at (207) 725-3030 or in person at the Tech Hub in Smith Union.

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