Connect iPad to a display with a cable

: June 7, 2024
: Apple

Table of Contents

Connect iPad to a display with a cable

Connect iPad to a display with a cable

With the appropriate cable or adapter, you can connect your iPad to a secondary display, like a computer display, TV, or projector.

To extend the workspace of your Mac by connecting it to your iPad, see Use iPad as a second display for your Mac.

Connect iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th generation) or iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd

generation) to Apple Pro Display XDR

Apple Pro Display XDR automatically turns on when you plug it into power and connect iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th generation) or iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd generation) using the Thunderbolt cable included with the display. Your iPad charges while connected to the display.

If you’re using a Pro Stand, route the display and iPad cables through the stand’s opening.
Plug the display into a power source.
Plug one end of the Thunderbolt 3 Pro Cable into the Thunderbolt 3 port on the display.
Plug the other end of the Thunderbolt 3 Pro Cable into the charging port of your iPad.If the display doesn’t turn on when you connect it to iPad, unplug it from iPad, then plug it back in. If that doesn’t work, unplug the Pro Display XDR from its power source, then plug it in again.

Note: You can connect Apple Pro Display XDR and multiple Thunderbolt devices to each other, then connect the chain of devices to the charging port on your iPad.

For information about using the features of Pro Display XDR, see the Pro Display XDR Support website.

Connect your iPad if it has a USB-C or Thunderbolt / USB 4 connector

On a model with a USB-C or a Thunderbolt / USB 4 connector, you may be able to connect iPad to a USB port on the display.

If the charging cable that came with your iPad isn’t compatible with the port on your display, TV, or projector, do the following:

Plug a USB-C Display AV Adapter or USB-C VGA Multi-port Adapter into the charging port on iPad.
Connect an HDMI or VGA cable to the adapter.
Connect the other end of the HDMI or VGA cable to the display, TV, or projector.
If necessary, switch to the correct video source on the display, TV, or projector. If you need help, see the manual that came with your display.If the display doesn’t turn on when you connect it to iPad, unplug it from iPad, then plug it back in. If that doesn’t work, unplug the display from its power source, then plug it in again.

See the Apple Support article Charge and connect with the USB-C port on iPad Pro.

Connect your iPad if it has a Lightning connector

On a model with a Lightning connector, do the following:

Plug a Lightning Digital AV Adapter or Lightning to VGA Adapter into the charging port on iPad.
Connect an HDMI or VGA cable to the adapter.
Connect the other end of the HDMI or VGA cable to the display, TV, or projector.
If necessary, switch to the correct video source on the display, TV, or projector. If you need help, see the manual that came with your display.

The adapters have an extra port so you can connect the charging cable and charge your iPad while connected to a display, TV, or projector.