Sidecar Not Working

To fix the sidecar not working, check that both devices have the same Apple ID signed in, with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth turned on. You may need to restart both devices, ensure they are close to each other, and check system requirements. If the problem persists, try signing out and back into your Apple ID on both devices, checking your firewall settings, or connecting with a USB cable.

What is Sidecar?

"Sidecar" is a native Apple feature that allows you to use your iPad as a second display for your Mac, extending or mirroring your desktop workspace. Essentially, this "extended workspace" lets you run multiple apps on each screen or use the Apple Pencil on your iPad to control Mac apps.

Why Sidecar might stop working?

Sidecar may stop working due to network connectivity issues like unstable Wi-Fi, Bluetooth being off, or devices being on different networks. We have seen that incorrect settings, such as not being signed into the same Apple ID or having Handoff disabled, are also common culprits, though VPN interference often triggers unexpected timeouts.

How to fix Sidecar not working?

In order to fix Sidecar not working, make sure both devices are near each other, signed into the same Apple ID, and have Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Handoff enabled. Restarting your devices or toggling these settings often resolves unexpected connection timeouts.

A note from our experts: 

 

When contacts stop syncing, troubleshooting can turn into a long cycle of toggling iCloud, checking IDs, and restarting devices. MacKeeper is a macOS utility software developed by Clario Tech, and our Premium Services team uses professional diagnostic tools to identify contact-sync failures much faster than manual trial-and-error.

 

Here's how to use Premium Services to troubleshoot the issue quickly:

1. Download MacKeeper and install the app on your Mac.
2. Open MacKeeper and choose Premium Services from the left sidebar.
3. Click Chat Now to connect with a certified expert trained in macOS and iCloud troubleshooting.

1. Restarting Mac and iPad

Rebooting often resolves the handshake failure, causing your devices to disconnect without reason. We’ve found that a quick restart clears minor software glitches and refreshes background services responsible for Sidecar. It’s a reliable first step to try before digging into complex system settings or reconfiguring your entire iCloud account for your setup.

Follow our steps to restart your Apple device:

1. Click the Apple menu and select Restart.
2. Hold the top and volume button until the slider appears.
3. Slide to power off, then turn the device back on.

2. Updating macOS and iPadOS

Sidecar is sensitive to version mismatches between your hardware. We have noticed that this works best if you keep seeing a persistent, annoying device timed out error.

To update your devices:

1. On Mac, click System Settings > General > Software Update.
2. On iPad, navigate to Settings > General > Software Update.
3. Install all available updates.
4. Restart your devices.

3. Signing out and in of Apple ID

Credential errors can silently block your devices from recognizing each other. If the system fails to verify your identity, you may need to reset Bluetooth and re-authenticate your account. This forces a fresh security handshake.

Below are the steps to refresh your account:

1. Click Sign Out in the Apple ID menu on Mac.
2. Tap your name in iPad Settings and choose Sign Out.
3. Sign back into both devices and reset Bluetooth.

4. Resetting NVRAM / SMC

When hardware settings become corrupted, your Mac might struggle with display outputs or wireless radios. Resetting the NVRAM or SMC fixes deep-seated issues that standard reboots cannot reach.

Here’s your guide for resetting hardware:

1. Shut down and hold Option + Command + P + R.
2. For SMC, hold Shift + Control + Option + Power.
3. Release the keys after ten seconds and restart normally.

5. Let connections in your firewall

A strict firewall can block communication between your iPad and your Mac. If you find your Bluetooth not working in tandem with Sidecar, your security settings might be the culprit. We recommend adjusting these rules to allow the specific signals your devices need to maintain a stable and permanent link.

To authorize the link:

1. Navigate to System Settings > Network > Firewall > Options.
2. Uncheck the Block all incoming connections box.
3. Click OK to save and restart the connection.

6. Clearing cache and preferences

Over time, old configuration files build up and conflict with your current setup. Purging system caches removes obsolete data, causing the device to time out. We have seen that a clean preference folder often resolves stubborn, unexplained connection failures.

Follow our steps to purge cached data:

1. Go to ~/Library/Preferences in the Finder menu.
2. Delete all files starting with com.apple.sidecar beginning.
3. Restart your Mac to generate clean preference files.

Conclusion

Resolving Sidecar not working issues usually requires aligning your Apple ID, Wi-Fi, and Handoff settings across devices. Once you verify hardware compatibility and refresh your wireless connections, your iPad should function flawlessly as a secondary Mac display.

MacKeeper’s Premium Services will help you keep your system stable. If you’re still struggling, our certified experts can help you overcome connectivity fears and fix things manually in real time.