Sidecar is a great feature introduced by Apple that allows you to use your iPad as a second display for your Mac. It’s a handy tool for those who need extra screen space or want to extend their workspace. However, like any technology, it’s not without its glitches. One common issue that users may encounter is the “Device Timed Out” error message when trying to connect their iPad to their Mac using Sidecar. In this article, we will explore some troubleshooting steps to fix this problem and get Sidecar up and running smoothly.
The first thing you need to check is whether Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are enabled on both your Mac and iPad. Sidecar requires both of these connections to work properly. To enable Bluetooth, go to the Bluetooth settings on your iPad and Mac and make sure they are turned on. Similarly, ensure that Wi-Fi is enabled on both devices as well.
Another important setting to check is Handoff. Handoff allows for seamless integration between your Mac and iPad and is necessary for Sidecar to function. On your Mac, go to the Apple menu, then System Preferences, and click on General. Towards the bottom of the window, you will find a checkbox that says “Allow Handoff between this Mac and your iCloud devices.” Make sure this option is selected. On your iPad, go to Settings, then General, and look for the Handoff option. Ensure that it is enabled.
If the above steps do not resolve the issue, try restarting both your Mac and iPad. Sometimes, a simple restart can fix minor software glitches and get Sidecar working again. After restarting, attempt to connect your devices using Sidecar and see if the error message persists.
It’s also crucial to keep your Mac and iPad up to date with the latest software updates. Apple frequently releases updates that address bugs and improve performance. Check for updates on both devices and install any available updates. This can potentially resolve the “Device Timed Out” error.
Another troubleshooting step is to turn on iCloud Keychain on both your Mac and iPad. iCloud Keychain securely stores your passwords, credit card information, and other sensitive data. Enabling it can help in establishing a secure connection between your devices and fix any connectivity issues.
If none of the above solutions work, you can try manually finding the iPad with Bluetooth from your Mac. To do this, go to the Bluetooth settings on your Mac and click on “Show Bluetooth in menu bar.” Then, click on the Bluetooth icon in the menu bar and select your iPad from the list of devices. This can sometimes bypass any connection issues and allow you to use Sidecar without encountering the “Device Timed Out” error.
In some cases, network settings can interfere with Sidecar’s functionality. If you are using Sidecar with a university network, for example, it may not work as most universities set up their networks to prevent devices from communicating with each other. If you suspect this may be the issue, try using Sidecar on a different network, such as a home or public Wi-Fi network, and see if the error message persists.
Lastly, make sure your iPad is unlocked when attempting to use Sidecar. If your iPad is locked, you won’t be able to connect to it. Simply unlock your iPad and try connecting again.
The “Device Timed Out” error message when using Sidecar on your Mac and iPad can be frustrating. However, by following the troubleshooting steps outlined above, you should be able to resolve the issue and enjoy the benefits of using Sidecar as intended. Remember to check Bluetooth and Wi-Fi settings, enable Handoff, restart your devices, update system software, turn on iCloud Keychain, manually find the iPad with Bluetooth, and ensure your iPad is unlocked. With these steps, you can overcome the “Device Timed Out” error and take advantage of Sidecar’s functionality.
How Do You Fix Your Sidecar Device Timed Out?
To fix the “Device Timed Out” error on Sidecar, follow these steps:
1. Ensure Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are enabled: Make sure both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are turned on and functioning properly on both your Mac and iPad. This is essential for the Sidecar connection to work.
2. Enable Handoff on Mac and iPad: Handoff allows seamless integration between devices. To enable it on your Mac, go to System Preferences > General, and check the box next to “Allow Handoff between this Mac and your iCloud devices.” On your iPad, go to Settings > General > Handoff, and make sure it is toggled on.
3. Restart both devices: Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve connectivity issues. Restart both your Mac and iPad and try using Sidecar again.
4. Update system software: Ensure that both your Mac and iPad have the latest software updates installed. Outdated software can sometimes cause compatibility issues. On your Mac, go to System Preferences > Software Update, and on your iPad, go to Settings > General > Software Update to check for any available updates.
5. Turn on iCloud Keychain: iCloud Keychain allows for the secure sharing of data between devices. To enable it on your Mac, go to System Preferences > Apple ID > iCloud, and check the box next to “Keychain.” On your iPad, go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud, and toggle on “Keychain.”
6. Manually find the iPad with Bluetooth: If the above steps don’t work, you can try manually connecting your Mac to the iPad via Bluetooth. On your Mac, go to System Preferences > Bluetooth, and click on “Open Bluetooth Preferences.” On your iPad, go to Settings > Bluetooth, and make sure it is turned on. Then, on your Mac, click on the “+” button and select your iPad from the list. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the pairing process.
By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the “Device Timed Out” error on Sidecar and successfully connect your Mac and iPad.
Why is Sidecar Not Connecting to Your iPad?
There could be several reasons why Sidecar is not connecting to your iPad. Here are some possible causes and troubleshooting steps you can take:
1. Compatibility: Ensure that your iPad and Mac meet the minimum system requirements for Sidecar. Sidecar is available on iPads running iPadOS 13 or later and Macs running macOS Catalina or later. If either device is running an older operating system, you may need to update them.
2. Software updates: Check if there are any available software updates for your iPad and Mac. Updating to the latest version of iPadOS and macOS can often resolve compatibility issues and improve connectivity.
3. Unlock iPad: Make sure your iPad is unlocked and on the Home screen. Sidecar cannot connect if your iPad is locked or running an app.
4. Handoff: Confirm that Handoff is enabled on your Mac. To do this, go to Apple Menu > System Preferences > General, and check the box that says “Allow Handoff between this Mac and your iCloud devices.” This setting allows your Mac to communicate with your iPad for Sidecar.
5. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth: Ensure that both your iPad and Mac are connected to the same Wi-Fi network and that Bluetooth is enabled on both devices. Sidecar requires a stable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connection to function properly.
6. Proximity: Keep your iPad and Mac in close proximity to each other. Sidecar may have difficulty connecting if there is a significant distance between the devices or if there are obstructions between them.
7. Restart devices: Try restarting both your iPad and Mac. This simple step can often resolve minor connectivity issues.
8. Reset network settings: If all else fails, you can try resetting the network settings on your iPad. Go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings. Keep in mind that this will remove saved Wi-Fi networks and passwords, so you’ll need to reconnect to your network afterward.
By following these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to identify and resolve the issue preventing Sidecar from connecting to your iPad.
Why is Sidecar Unable to Connect?
There can be several reasons why Sidecar is unable to connect. Here are some possible causes:
1. Network Restrictions: If you are using Sidecar on a university or corporate network, it may not work due to network restrictions. These networks are often configured to block communication between devices, which can prevent Sidecar from establishing a connection.
2. iCloud Sign-in Issues: Sidecar relies on iCloud to establish a connection between your Mac and iPad. If there are any issues with your iCloud account, such as sign-in problems or syncing errors, it can prevent Sidecar from connecting.
3. Network Settings: Sometimes, network settings on your Mac or iPad can interfere with Sidecar. Resetting the network settings on both devices can help to resolve any configuration issues that may be causing the connection problem.
4. Software Compatibility: Sidecar requires both your Mac and iPad to be running compatible versions of macOS and iPadOS respectively. If either device is running an outdated or incompatible software version, it can cause connection issues.
To troubleshoot and resolve the Sidecar connection problem, you can try the following steps:
1. Sign out of iCloud: On your Mac and iPad, sign out of your iCloud account. This can be done in the iCloud settings on both devices.
2. Reset Network Settings: On your Mac and iPad, go to the settings and find the option to reset network settings. This will reset all network configurations, including Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections.
3. Restart Devices: After resetting the network settings, restart both your Mac and iPad. This can help to clear any temporary glitches and ensure a fresh start.
4. Sign in to iCloud: Once the devices have restarted, sign in to your iCloud account again on both your Mac and iPad. Make sure to use the same iCloud account on both devices.
If these steps do not resolve the issue, it is recommended to check for any software updates for both your Mac and iPad. Installing the latest updates can often fix compatibility issues and improve the performance of Sidecar.
It’s important to note that if you are using Sidecar on a university network, it may not work due to network restrictions. In such cases, you may need to use Sidecar on a different network or consult with your network administrator for further assistance.
How Do You Stop Your iPad from Locking the Sidecar?
To prevent your iPad from automatically locking when using Sidecar, you can adjust the Auto-Lock settings. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
1. On your iPad, go to the Settings app. You can find it on your home screen.
2. Scroll down and tap on “Display & Brightness”. This option should be available in the left-hand menu.
3. Look for the “Auto-Lock” option and tap on it. It is usually located near the top of the screen.
4. In the Auto-Lock menu, you will see several options for the time interval before your iPad automatically locks. By default, it is set to a few minutes (e.g., 2 minutes or 5 minutes).
5. To prevent the iPad from locking while using Sidecar, select the option “Never”. This will keep your screen awake indefinitely until you manually lock it or change the Auto-Lock setting back to a time interval.
6. Once you’ve selected “Never”, exit the Settings app. Your iPad will now remain unlocked as long as it is connected to Sidecar, allowing you to use the feature without interruptions.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your iPad doesn’t lock while using Sidecar, providing a more convenient and uninterrupted experience.
Conclusion
The “Device Timed Out” error on Sidecar for iPad can be frustrating, but there are several steps you can take to resolve it. First, ensure that Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are enabled on both your Mac and iPad. Additionally, make sure that Handoff is enabled on both devices through the System Preferences menu. Restarting both the Mac and iPad can also help resolve any temporary issues.
Updating the system software on both devices is another important step to consider, as outdated software can sometimes cause compatibility issues. Enabling iCloud Keychain on both devices can also help with the connection between them.
If the issue persists, manually finding the iPad with Bluetooth from the Mac can be a helpful workaround. However, it’s crucial to ensure that both your Mac and iPad are up to date with the latest software updates for optimal performance.
If you’re still experiencing the “Device Timed Out” error, try signing out of your iCloud account on both devices, resetting the network settings, and then signing in to iCloud again. This can refresh the connection and resolve any potential conflicts.
It’s worth noting that Sidecar might not work on certain networks, such as university networks, due to network restrictions. In such cases, it’s best to reach out to your network administrator for further assistance.
Adjusting the Auto-Lock settings on your iPad to “Never” can help prevent the screen from dimming or locking while using Sidecar.
By following these steps, you can effectively troubleshoot and resolve the “Device Timed Out” error on Sidecar, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted experience using your iPad as a secondary display for your Mac.
Related posts:
How to Fix Hyperlinks Not Working in Mac Mail?
Unlock the Power of iPad Safari Sidebar
How to Enable Virtualization on Mac
How to Connect Your iPad Pro to Your Mac
How to Stream Your Favorite FM Radio Stations with HomePod
How to Connect Your PC Laptop to iMac
How To Sync Messages From iPhone To Mac 2020
The Best iPad for Artists in 2023
