GUIDE How to Enable SideCar on macOS [Clover/OpenCore]

[EliteMacx86]

How to Enable SideCar on macOS [Clover/OpenCore]​

What is Sidecar?
Sidecar is a feature introduced by Apple Inc., since macOS Catalina and later. With the Sidecar feature, you can use your iPad as an additional display with the option to extend or mirror your Mac Desktop.

Is WiFi and BT required?
Do I need WiFi and BT?

Yes, to use the Sidecar wirelessly, you need a compatible WiFi and BT. However, to keep your iPad charged during the use, you can connect it directly to your System with the USB charging cable that came with your iPad.

Can I use Sidecar via USB?
If you don't have compatible WiFi/BT hardware, you can still use Sidecar

Is GPU Spoofing supported?

Requirements​

Following are the requirements for enabling SideCar on non-Apple computers running macOS. Please ensure you meet the requirements before proceeding with this guide.

CPU	Intel Skylake and newer AMD Ryzen 3 or newer
GPU	macOS Compatible IGPU or dGPU. Headless/Connectorless mode supported for IGPU. See IGPU Compatibility for more information. H.265 is preferred for the best streaming quality. AMD APUs and NVIDIA GPUs are not supported at the moment.
macOS	macOS Catalina (10.15.x) or later
iPad	iPad running iPadOS 13 or later: iPad Pro (all models) iPad (6th generation) or later iPad mini (5th generation) or later iPad Air (3rd generation) or later
WiFi/BT	macOS Compatible AirPort WiFi/BT Card, supporting WiFi N and Bluetooth 4.0 along with Continuity and Handoff. Intel WiFi and External WiFi Adapters are not supported. External Bluetooth Adapter (supporting handoff) is compatible. See WiFi/BT Compatibility for more information
USB	A USB Cable (wired) connection as an alternative to WiFi/BT
SMBIOS	MacBookAir, MacBookPro, iMac, iMacPro, Mac mini, MacPro iMac19,x or later SMBIOS for AMD dGPU with forced AMD DRM decoder.

Additional Requirements:

• Both devices must be signed in with the same Apple ID using two-factor authentication.
• To use Sidecar wirelessly, both devices must be within 10 meters (30 feet) of each other and have Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Handoff turned on.
• To use Sidecar over USB, the USB Ports must be mapped to ensure proper power and data flow.

If you have made several attempts to enable Sidecar on your system, and if this guide isn't working for you, it is highly recommended to perform a clean install and then follow this guide again. As always, please ensure you have sufficient backups before you proceed with a clean install.

Preparation​

Before you jump to enable Sidecar, that's simply not going to work. As a non-Apple computer user, you'll need to prepare the system before you start using Sidecar as there are some prerequisites. Follow the steps below to prepare the system for enabling Sidecar on your target system.

STEP 1: Enable WiFi and Bluetooth​

To use Sidecar over the Network, you'll need to enable the WiFi and Bluetooth. Although WiFi and Bluetooth are optional for Sidecar, as you can use the wired method to use Sidecar, this step is required for users who have compatible WiFi and Bluetooth and want to use Sidecar over the Network. The Sidecar requires a macOS Compatible AirPort WiFi/BT. Currently, only Broadcom WiFi/BT chipsets are supported. To enable the WiFi/BT, follow the steps below:

GUIDE - How to Enable Broadcom WiFi and Bluetooth on macOS [Clover/OpenCore]

How to Enable Broadcom WiFi and Bluetooth on macOS [Clover/OpenCore] This guide describes how to enable Broadcom WiFi and Bluetooth on macOS using Clover and OpenCore. By following this guide, you'll be able to enable Broadcom WiFi and Bluetooth on your non-Apple computer running macOS using...

elitemacx86.com

GUIDE - How to Fix Broadcom WiFi on macOS Sonoma and Later

How to Fix Broadcom WiFi on macOS Sonoma and Later This guide covers fixing Broadcom WiFi on macOS Sonoma and Later using Clover and OpenCore. By following this guide, you'll be able to enable Broadcom based WiFi on macOS Sonoma and Later using Clover or OpenCore Bootloader. This guide is...

elitemacx86.com

STEP 2: Enable Graphics Acceleration​

To use Sidecar, the macOS must have working Graphics with full acceleration and QE/CI. The Sidecar requires a macOS Compatible IGPU/dGPU (AMD only). Depending on the Graphics your system has, follow the steps below to enable Graphics

Intel IGPU​

The second step is to enable IGPU in BIOS. This step is only required for Intel users having an IGPU capable CPU (such as Intel Core i9-10900K). If your CPU does not have an IGPU or incompatible IGPU (such as 10900F/KF or 13900KF), see step #3. Please note that as usual, the IGPU compatibility still applies here.

GUIDE - How to Enable Intel HD and UHD Graphics on macOS - Intel Framebuffer Patching Guide

i tried the typeC port it was successful, but the HDMI port seems to be receiving something but no screen is output If the particular Type-C port is Thunderbolt, you must patch the Thunderbolt with a proper HotPlug.

elitemacx86.com

AMD GPU​

If your BIOS has the option to disable the IGPU, it's always preferred to disable it via the BIOS side, provided that you don't have IGPU usage on any other OS on the same machine.

GUIDE - How to Enable AMD Graphics in macOS [Clover/OpenCore]

How to Enable AMD Graphics in macOS An EliteMacx86 Exclusive Guide - This guide covers the implementation of supported AMD GPU on macOS. By following this guide, you'll be able to enable AMD Graphics on macOS using Clover or OpenCore Bootloader. Overview Apple has been using a wide range of...

elitemacx86.com

GUIDE - How to Enable AMD RX 6800, RX 6800XT and RX 6900XT on macOS Big Sur and Later

How to Enable AMD RX 6600, RX 6600XT, RX 6800, RX 6800XT and RX 6900XT Graphics on macOS Big Sur and Later An EliteMacx86 Exclusive Guide - This guide covers the implementation of AMD Navi RDNA2 GPU on macOS Big Sur and later. By following this guide, you'll be able to achieve full QE/CI on your...

elitemacx86.com

GUIDE - How to Enable AMD Radeon RX 6700, RX 6700 XT, RX 6750, RX 6500 XT and RX 6400

How to Enable AMD RX 6700, RX 6700 XT, RX 6750, RX 6400 and RX 6500XT This guide describes how to enable AMD RX 6700, RX 6700 XT, RX 6750, RX 6400, and RX 6500 XT on macOS and is applicable to both, i.e. Clover and OpenCore. By following this guide, you'll be able to achieve full QE/CI on your...

elitemacx86.com

STEP 3: Unlocking Sidecar​

By default, Sidecar is only supported on the following SMBIOS and iPad models:

macOS Catalina or later​

• MacBook Pro introduced in 2016 or later
• MacBook introduced in 2016 or later
• MacBook Air introduced in 2018 or later
• iMac introduced in 2017 or later, or iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, Late 2015)
• iMac Pro
• Mac mini introduced in 2018 or later
• Mac Pro introduced in 2019
• Mac Studio

iPadOS 13 or later​

• iPad Pro (all models)
• iPad (6th generation) or later
• iPad mini (5th generation) or later
• iPad Air (3rd generation) or later

However, Sidecar isn't supported on the following SMBIOS and iPad:

Unsupported SMBIOS​

Following are the list of unsupported SMBIOS which are blacklisted in the Sidecar framework:

• MacBook8,1,
• MacBookAir5,x - MacBookAir7,x
• MacBookPro9,x - MacBookPro12,x
• Macmini6,x
• Macmini7,1
• MacPro5,1
• MacPro6,1
• iMac13,x - iMac16,x

Unsupported iPad(s)​

Following are the list of unsupported iPad(s) which are blacklisted in the Sidecar framework:

• iPad4,x
• iPad5,x
• iPad6,11
• iPad6,12

To enable the Sidecar on unsupported SMBIOS and iPad(s), you'll need to add FeatureUnlock.kext. FeatureUnlock patches SidecarCore.framework to enable Sidecar on unsupported SMBIOS (Legacy hardware). This not only allows you to use unsupported SMBIOS but also allows you to connect unsupported iPads (iPad4,x, iPad5,x, iPad6,11, and iPad6,12), which are not supported officially. FeatureUnlock.kext does not work alone. Lilu is needed to work in conjunction with FeatureUnlock.kext to enable the Sidecar on unsupported SMBIOS and iPads.

1. Download FeatureUnlock.kext.
2. Mount your ESP.
3. Copy FeatureUnlock.kext to the EFI/OC/Kexts directory.
4. Open your config.plist and add FeatureUnlock.kext entry in the Kernel>Add section of your config.plist.
5. Save your config.plist.

STEP 4: Setup SMBIOS​

Just having WiFi/BT and Graphics enabled, isn't sufficient. You'll also need to use a compatible SMBIOS which supports the Sidecar function. See Setting Up SMBIOS below for more information.

GUIDE - How to Setup Correct SMBIOS [Clover/OpenCore]

How to Setup Correct SMBIOS [Clover/OpenCore] This guide covers setting up a Correct SMBIOS for Intel and AMD CPUs on macOS using Clover and OpenCore. By following this guide, you'll be able to set up the correct SMBIOS on your system using Clover or OpenCore Bootloader. I. What is SMBIOS...

elitemacx86.com

1. Depending on your Graphics type, set the appropriate SMBIOS accordingly.

IGPU only/IGPU+dGPU:​

- For the IGPU capable Systems, it's preferred to use iMac SMBIOS for Desktops and;
- MacBook Pro, MacBook Air for Notebooks and Laptops and;
- Mac mini for NUC and certain Mobile CPU based Desktops.

dGPU only:​

- For dGPU capable Systems, it's preferred to use iMac SMBIOS for Desktops and;
- MacBook Pro, MacBook Air for Notebooks and Laptops and;
- Mac mini for NUC and certain Mobile CPU based Desktops.

NOTES:

• If you're already using a suggested SMBIOS, there's no need to change the SMBIOS. Just make sure to verify you have a valid MLB and ROM.
• NVIDIA GPUs and AMD APUs are not supported yet
• For Rocket Lake and Later, you can use iMac20,1 or iMac20,2 for Desktop Systems.
• If you're already logged into iCloud, skip this step and follow the iCloud step first.

2. Restart your System for the changes to take effect. It is recommended to reset NVRAM twice at least.

STEP 5: Setup iCloud​

To use Sidecar, you'll also need an Apple ID to set up the iCloud on the system and the iPad as well. Although, several users know how to sign in, a few users might be new to the Apple ecosystem. Follow the steps below to log into your iCloud Account.

Spoiler: Clean old Attempts

If you have made previous attempts to log into iCloud, you'll have to follow the steps below:

1. On your web browser, visit iCloud.com. When prompted, enter the Verification Code (If 2FA is enabled).
2. If prompted, click on Don't Trust, Trust, or Not Now as per your preference.
3. Once logged in, navigate to Apps from the top and select Find My Phone. You can also select Find My Phone from the Dashboard. When prompted, enter your password to continue to view your Devices
4. Select the Devices from the list and remove all the devices from failed attempts. In addition, remove the devices which you do not recognize or are no longer being used.
5. On your System, navigate to System Preferences>iCloud and sign out.
6. Navigate to Library/Preferences/SystemConfiguration and remove the following:
7. In addition, remove the following from the Keychain Access
8. Restart your System for the changes to take effect. It is recommended to reset NVRAM twice at least.

1. Make sure your System and iPad are connected to the internet.

For Mac:​

1. On your Mac, go to System Preferences.
2. Click on Sign In. When prompted, enter your Apple ID and click on Next. Enter your password. If you do not have an Apple ID yet, you can sign up for one.
3.


If you're unable to login into your iCloud Account or having trouble logging into your iCloud Account, see Fixing iServices for more information.

For iPad:​

1. On your iPad, tap on Settings.
2. On top, tap on Sign in to your iPad. When prompted, choose either Use Another Apple Device or Sign in Manually and continue with the instructions.
3. If your account has 2FA turned on, enter the verification code sent to one of your Apple device(s) and continue with the sign-in. When prompted, enter your iPad passcode. You also might get a prompt to enter one of your device's passwords.
4. Once signed in successfully, you'll see your Name and a Profile picture (if set). Tap on your Name and ensure that the iPad is listed.

NOTES:

• Both devices must be signed in with the same Apple ID using two-factor authentication.
• Sidecar does not support Managed Apple IDs.
• The Ethernet and/or WiFi must be set to built-in on the system side.

STEP 6: Force Settings​

If you're using AMD dGPU (such as RX580), you'll also need to force the settings for using Sidecar. Please note that this step is required by systems with dGPU only. Users with Intel IGPU or Intel IGPU+dGPU do not need this step and can skip it.

1. Open the Terminal and execute the following command:

defaults write com.apple.AppleGVA gvaForceAMDKE -boolean yes

2. Exit Terminal
3. Restart your System for the changes to take effect. It is recommended to reset NVRAM twice at least.

STEP 7: Enable Sidecar​

Now that everything is ready, it's time to enable the Sidecar on your system. Depending on the method you want to use (either via USB or over Network), follow the steps below:

Sidecar via USB​

If you don't have compatible WiFi/BT hardware, you can use Sidecar via USB method. The only requirement for this method is the USB ports must be mapped for proper power and data flow. To use Sidecar via USB, follow the steps below:

1. Connect one end of the USB Charging cable that came with your iPad to your system and the other end to your iPad. Ensure the USB Ports are mapped. When prompted, tap on Trust and enter the password to continue connecting to the Mac.
2. Navigate to System Preferences>Display
3. Click on the + button and then select the available iPad from the list. Shortly, the iPad should have a display (extended) on your Mac. You can either use it as an extended display or can mirror the display.

Sidecar over Network​

If you have compatible WiFi/BT hardware, you can use Sidecar wirelessly. This is the standard method and is preferred over the USB method. To use Sidecar over WiFi Network, follow the steps below:

1. Turn on WiFi and Bluetooth on your System and iPad
2. Connect to your desired WiFi Network on the System and iPad using the steps below:

For Mac:​

1. On your Mac, go to Menubar.
2. Click on the WiFi icon and select your preferred network. When prompted, enter the credentials to connect to the network.

For iPad:​

1. On your iPad, scroll down the Control Center area.
2. Press and hold on the WiFi button and you'll see a popup. Tap on the WiFi button to search for the available WiFi networks. Then Long press and hold the WiFi button and you'll see another pop-up with the list of available networks.
3. Select your preferred network and enter the credentials to connect to the network.

NOTES:

• Both devices must be signed in with the same Apple ID using two-factor authentication.
• Your iPad must not be sharing its cellular connection and your Mac must not be sharing its internet connection.
• To use Sidecar wirelessly, both devices must be within 10 meters (30 feet) of each other and have Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Handoff turned on.

3. Navigate to System Preferences>Display
4. Click on the + button and then select the available iPad from the list. Shortly, the iPad should have a display (extended) on your Mac. You can either use it as an extended display or can mirror the display.

Connection Drops​

If you're having connection drops, execute the following command in Terminal:

defaults write com.apple.sidecar.display LowLatency -bool True
defaults write com.apple.sidecar.display MinBitrate -int 250000000
defaults write com.apple.sidecar.display MaxBitrate -int 250000000

You might need to tweak the bitrate values as per your preferences.

Sidecar Function Usage​

If you're new to Sidecar, interacting with Sidecar can be difficult. To make it easy for you, we have explained a few functions which are supported by the Sidecar. We hope it will help you to get hands-on with Sidecar more effectively.

Using the sidebar on your iPad​

The sidebar puts commonly used Mac controls on the side of your iPad screen. It includes Command, Shift, and other modifier keys, so you can choose essential commands with your finger or Apple Pencil instead of a keyboard.

Tap to show or hide the menu bar when viewing a window in full screen on iPad.

Show or hide your computer's Dock on your iPad.

Command. Touch and hold to set the Command key. Double-tap to lock the key.

Option. Touch and hold to set the Option key. Double-tap to lock the key.

Control. Touch and hold to set the Control key. Double-tap to lock the key.

Shift. Touch and hold to set the Shift key. Double-tap to lock the key.

Undo the last action. Some apps support multiple undos.

Show or hide the onscreen keyboard.

Disconnect your iPad from your Mac.

Using Gestures for scrolling and other actions​

Gesture modes are also supported when using your iPad as a display. The following multi-touch gestures are supported:

• Scroll: swipe with 2 fingers.
• Copy: pinch in with 3 fingers.
• Cut: pinch in with 3 fingers twice.
• Paste: pinch out with 3 fingers.
• Undo: swipe left with 3 fingers or double-tap with 3 fingers.
• Redo: swipe right with 3 fingers.

Using Apple Pencil​

To point, click, select and perform tasks such as drawing, editing photos and manipulating objects on your iPad while it's extending or mirroring your Mac display, you can use your Apple Pencil instead of the mouse or trackpad connected to your Mac. You can also use it to write, sketch and mark up documents while seeing the updates live on your Mac.

Sidecar also supports double-tap, which you can turn on in settings. Double-tap enables apps that support this feature to perform custom actions when you double-tap the side of your Apple Pencil (2nd generation).

Using Touch Bar​

Using a Keyboard, Mouse, or Trackpad​

During your session, you can type using the keyboard connected to your Mac, or you can use a keyboard connected to your iPad, such as the Smart Keyboard or Magic Keyboard for iPad. To point, click, or select with a mouse or trackpad, use the mouse or trackpad connected to your Mac, or use an Apple Pencil on your iPad.

Using iPad Apps​

While you use your iPad as a display, you can switch to an iPad app, and can interact with that app on your iPad as you normally would. This will suspend your session until you switch back to the Sidecar app, which appears on your iPad Home Screen while using Sidecar.

Changing Settings​

To find Sidecar settings:

• macOS Ventura or later: Choose Apple menu  > System Settings, click Displays in the sidebar, then click your iPad at the top of the window.
• macOS Monterey: Choose Apple menu  > System Preferences, then click Displays. Click Display Settings, then click your iPad in the sidebar.
• Earlier versions of macOS: Choose Apple menu  > System Preferences, then click Sidecar.

These settings are only available on computers that support Sidecar:

• Show Sidebar: show the sidebar on the left- or right-hand side of your iPad screen, or turn it off.
• Show Touch Bar: show the Touch Bar on the bottom or top of your iPad screen, or turn it off.
• Enable double tap on Apple Pencil: Allow apps that support this feature to perform custom actions when you double-tap on the side of your Apple Pencil (2nd generation).

Disconnecting Sidecar​

While Sidecar is a nice feature, there might be certain times, when you need to disconnect it. To disconnect from Sidecar, follow the steps below:

From Mac​

1. Navigate to System Preferences>Displays
2. Select the iPad and click on Disconnect. The Sidecar will be disconnected and the iPad will stop displaying your Mac screen.

From iPad​

1. Click on this button at the sidebar of your iPad to disconnect your iPad from your Mac.

2. When prompted, select Yes and the iPad will be disconnected from your Mac.