Connecting and disconnecting an iPad to a room's AV system by cable

Summary

Step-by-step guide and video for connecting an iPad to a Bowdoin classroom or meeting space display by cable using a USB-C-to-HDMI or Lightning Digital AV adapter, including selecting the room input, sound and mirroring tips, and disconnecting. For faculty, staff, and students presenting from an iPad in Bowdoin classrooms.

Body

Questions

  • How do I connect my iPad to the projector or display using a cable?
  • What adapter do I need to plug my iPad into a classroom's AV system?
  • How do I mirror my iPad to the room display with a cable?
  • My iPad is not showing on the projector after connecting — what should I check?
  • How do I get sound from my iPad through the room speakers?
  • How do I disconnect my iPad from the room's AV system?
  • Can I connect my iPad by cable instead of using AirPlay?
  • How do I present from my iPad by cable now that the classroom computer is gone?

Environment

This article applies to faculty, staff, and students presenting from an iPad in a Bowdoin classroom or meeting space that has a wired display cable at the instructor station.

  • In scope: Connecting and disconnecting an iPad by cable using a display adapter.
  • Out of scope: Presenting wirelessly with AirPlay to a classroom Apple TV (covered in a separate article).

Resolution

Watch the short video below, or follow the written steps.

Video

Connect your iPad by cable

  1. Identify your iPad's port. Newer iPads use USB-C; older iPads use Lightning.
  2. Connect the appropriate display adapter to your iPad — a USB-C-to-HDMI adapter for USB-C iPads, or a Lightning Digital AV Adapter for Lightning iPads.
  3. Plug the room's HDMI cable into the adapter. (If the room provides a USB-C cable that fits your iPad directly, you can connect it without an adapter.)
  4. Your iPad screen should mirror to the room display automatically. If it does not, use the room's control panel to select the cable, HDMI, or laptop input.
No sound? Audio plays through the room speakers over the HDMI connection. Make sure your iPad is not muted and the volume is turned up.

Disconnect when you are finished

  1. Unplug the HDMI cable and the adapter from your iPad.
  2. The room system returns to its default state.
Remember your adapter. Bring your own display adapter to class — adapters are not always available in the room. Take it with you when you leave.
Prefer to present wirelessly? Most classrooms also have an Apple TV you can present to using AirPlay. See the related wireless presentation article for your device in the Related Articles section.

Additional Help

If you need further assistance, you have several options:

  • Bowdoin Bot: Chat with Bowdoin Bot directly from any KB page for instant answers.
  • Phone: Call the Bowdoin College Service Desk at (207) 725-3030.
  • In person: Visit the Tech Hub in Smith Union during business hours.
  • Submit a ticket: Request assistance through the Service Catalog.

Details

Details

Article ID: 168456
Created
Fri 8/15/25 3:10 PM
Modified
Tue 8/11/26 4:15 PM

Related Articles

Related Articles (4)

Explains Bowdoin's phased removal of instructor computers from classrooms and meeting spaces (Fall 2025 through Fall 2026) and the addition of Apple TVs for wireless presentation, including how to present from your own device, where to get orientations and emergency help, and which rooms are affected. For faculty, staff, and students who teach or present in Bowdoin classrooms and meeting spaces.
Explains how to connect and disconnect an iPad to a classroom Apple TV using the AirPlay screen-mirroring feature built into iPadOS, with a step-by-step instructional video. Covers getting on the Bowdoin wireless network and entering the on-screen code. For faculty, staff, and students presenting wirelessly from an iPad in a Bowdoin classroom.
Step-by-step guide and video for connecting a Mac laptop to a Bowdoin classroom or meeting space display by cable (USB-C or HDMI), including choosing the right adapter, selecting the room input, fixing display and audio issues, and disconnecting. For faculty, staff, and students presenting from macOS in Bowdoin classrooms.
Step-by-step guide and video for connecting a Windows laptop to a Bowdoin classroom or meeting space display by cable (HDMI or USB-C), including adapters, selecting the room input, using Windows+P to duplicate or extend, fixing audio, and disconnecting. For faculty, staff, and students presenting from Windows in Bowdoin classrooms.

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