How to Connect iPad to Computer

Connect iPad to Computer

Download and install iTunes (if your computer does not have this program installed). You can download iTunes for free from Apple's iTunes website.

Connect iPad via USB port on the computer. You need to plug it into a port directly on the computer, not through a USB hub (used to add some USB ports to the computer so users can use more peripheral devices).

Tap 'Trust' on iPad. This message appears only when you connect your iPad for the first time.

Open iTunes. The program may prompt you to choose to trust iPad just as your iPad requires a trusted connection to your computer.

Check to see if your iPad has appeared on iTunes. You'll see the iPad icon in the top toolbar if you're using iTunes 12, or in the device menu if you're using iTunes 11.

If the iPad icon doesn't appear, you need to check to see if the device is turned on. If you can't open your iPad and iTunes can't recognize the device, you'll need to put your tablet in Recovery mode.

Select iPad in iTunes. This step opens the Summary window for iPad, where you can create a backup or download an iOS update.

Sync Music and Movies to iPad

Add files to iTunes library. To copy, or "sync" content to your iPad, you need to add it to your iTunes library. You can add files available on your computer such as MP3, AAC, MP4, MOV and several other file types. You can also purchase content from the iTunes Store.

Read more detailed instructions on how to add music to iTunes.

Read more detailed instructions on how to add video files to iTunes.

Read more detailed instructions on converting WMA files to MP3.

Select iPad in iTunes. Click the iPad icon in the top toolbar if you're using iTunes 12, or in the device menu, if you're using iTunes 11.

Click the Music tab. In iTunes 12, the tab is in the left pane after selecting iPad. In iTunes 11, the tab sits vertically above the main frame after selecting iPad.

Select the "Sync Music" box to allow iTunes to sync music to iPad. You can sync your entire library or specify which albums, artists, genres, or playlists you want to copy to your iPad.

Click the Movie tab. In iTunes 12, the tab is in the left pane after selecting iPad. In iTunes 11, the tab sits vertically above the main frame after selecting iPad.

Check the 'Sync Movies' box to allow iTunes to sync videos and movies to iPad. You can select movies in the library you want to sync, or automatically copy based on movies you've watched.

If you have TV Shows in your video library, they'll appear in the TV Shows tab.

Click . Sync or Apply to start the copy process. This step will take some time, especially when copying a lot of large music or video files.

Sync Photos to iPad

Arrange images into a single area. iTunes will sync images from the root folder or any subfolders within the root folder. If you have a Mac, you can use iPhoto to organize images into albums.

Click here to find tips for organizing photos on your computer.

Select iPad in iTunes. Click the iPad icon in the top toolbar if you're using iTunes 12, or in the device menu if you're using iTunes 11.

Click the Photos tab. In iTunes 12, the tab is in the left pane after selecting iPad. In iTunes 11, the tab sits vertically above the main frame after selecting iPad.

Select the "Sync photos from" box and select the source from the drop-down menu. After selecting a folder, you can choose to sync all the photos in the folder, or specific subfolders.

Click . Sync or Apply to start the copy process. This step will take time if you sync many photo files.

Synchronize other files. You can also use iTunes to sync other types of files like apps, podcasts, and contacts. Click the corresponding tab and select the content you want to sync.

Set up Wi-Fi Sync

Open the Summary tab for iPad in iTunes. Make sure iPad is connected to your computer via USB and you've pressed "Trust" on the iPad screen (if necessary).

Wi-Fi sync lets you manage content on iPad without having to plug it into your computer.

Select "Sync with this iPad over Wi-Fi". This step allows you to synchronize like when connecting your iPad using USB, except over the wireless network.

Click . Apply .

Connect iPad to a wireless network.

Check turn on your computer and open iTunes.

Plug in your iPad and start syncing. iPad will sync with your computer as long as it's connected to the same network, the computer is turned on, and iTunes is running.

Connect iPad to Computer Monitor

Buy a display adapter. Currently, there are many types of adapters suitable for each model of iPad tablet, as well as the type of connection that your screen supports.

The best way to connect your iPad to a new screen is through an HDMI adapter. VGA connections offer lower quality, but are also quite common.

Connect iPad to the display using the adapter. If needed, you can also use the audio jack on the adapter to attach external speakers.

Use iPad as usual. By default, iPad will display the screen on both the iPad and the display (except for the original iPad, which can only display the currently playing video). The entire operating system and applications will be displayed on both devices.

Play video on screen and control with iPad. A video is playing on the screen, and iPad displays playback controls.

Micah Soto

Update 22 May 2024