Mirror or extend
Choose the display and mode in the assistant. Allow Screen Recording and Accessibility on Mac, and Local Network access on both devices. If the picture remains blank after granting access, quit and reopen the assistant.
DISPLAY ASSISTANT · START HERE
A second screen, on your iPad
Open Xianhong Display Assistant on your computer, use its built-in tools to install the iPad app, then follow the steps below to connect.
For Apple Silicon Mac · macOS 14 or later
01 / Install on both devices
1
Download and open Xianhong Display Assistant
Choose the Mac ZIP on the download page, fully extract it and open Xianhong Display Assistant.app. The tablet app and guide are included.
Go to downloads →First launch on Mac: developer cannot be verified
The current Mac release is not Developer ID signed or notarized by Apple, so you may see this alert on first launch. Continue only if the file came from www.xhongsoft.com, you trust the source and it has not been tampered with:
- Extract the ZIP and double-click Xianhong Display Assistant.app. Dismiss the alert if it appears.
- Open System Settings → Privacy & Security. Scroll to the blocked Xianhong Display Assistant and click Open Anyway.
- Check the app name again, click Open and authenticate if requested. Subsequent launches normally open directly.
If macOS reports malware, that the app will damage your computer, or that it is damaged, stop and contact website support. Screen Recording and Accessibility permissions are configured separately after launch. Apple instructions
2
Connect by cable, unlock and trust
Use a data-capable USB cable. Keep iPad unlocked, tap Trust when prompted and enter the iPad passcode.
3
Sign and install from the assistant
Open the iPad installation tools in Xianhong Display Assistant. Prepare the tools, select your device and sign in with your Apple Account as prompted. Signing and installation run on your computer. The password is not sent to the XHongSoft website; sign-in credentials are saved in local files. Authentication contacts Apple and may use third-party authentication assistance. Enter a verification code when prompted. Never send passwords or verification codes in feedback.
Click Install to iPad first, Update App for updates, or Renew now before expiry. Use the original signing Apple Account for updates and renewal.
Free Apple Account signing usually lasts 7 days; use the expiry shown by the assistant. Reconnect iPad and renew through the installation tools before expiry. Use the same tools for updates. Apple may require authentication again. Apple account details
02 / Make your first connection
Illustration; refer to the current app for the actual interface
1
Open the iPad app
Keep both apps open. If iPad asks for developer trust or Developer Mode, follow its system instructions and reopen the app.
2
Choose local Wi-Fi or USB
For Wi-Fi, join the same local network and allow local network access. For USB, keep the data cable connected and trust the computer. Guest Wi-Fi may prevent devices from discovering each other.
3
Discover the tablet or enter its IP
Select the discovered tablet. If discovery fails, read its current IPv4 address in iPad Settings → Wi-Fi details and enter it in Connect by IP. Recheck the address after changing networks.
03 / Set up your workspace
Touch, keyboard and audio
Use More on iPad for mode, aspect ratio and keyboard; turn Speaker on in Audio at the top. Touch control requires input permissions on the computer; on Mac, allow Accessibility when prompted. Test a tap and a drag first.
04 / Troubleshooting
iPad app expired or will not open
Connect and unlock iPad via USB. Check expiry in the desktop installation tools, then renew or update the app. Complete Apple authentication again if prompted.
Tablet appears but will not connect
Keep both apps open, check for a changed iPad IP and allow firewall and local network access. Try a regular home Wi-Fi network. Mac also supports USB display streaming; Windows USB is only for installation and trust.
Blank screen, no audio or touch
Check the selected display, then screen recording and input permissions, plus the Speaker switch in Audio at the top of iPad. Reopen the assistant after changing permissions.
Mac disconnects when the lid closes
Closing the lid may put your Mac to sleep. Start with the lid open. For closed-lid use, configure a tool such as Amphetamine and check its lid settings. Continuous closed-lid operation is not guaranteed on every Mac.