Having an iPad is incredibly convenient. You can scroll through websites, watch shows, play games, read books, and even draw – all on a device that is just a bit bigger than your hand!
But sometimes, the iPad’s small size can be a drawback, or an inconvenience.
What happens when you want to watch Netflix on a wide-screen TV, and can only access it through your iPad? Or when you bring your iPad to work for a presentation, but have to connect it to a monitor for everyone else to see?
This is when you will need to use an HDMI cable to connect an iPad to a TV or monitor! But is it even possible to use an HDMI cable on an iPad?
We have found that you can use an HDMI cable on an iPad in several ways: you can use a USB-C to HDMI cable to connect it directly to a monitor; you can use a lightning port adapter that allows for HDMI connections while charging; or you can use a USB-C hub adapter , which is handy for multiple connections.
Quick Navigation
Can I get my iPad to display on my TV using an HDMI cable?
Yes, you can definitely get your iPad to display on your TV, or any monitor, using an HDMI cable!
Your iPad indeed has either a USB-C port or a Lightning port (depending on your model), which means it can’t connect directly using an HDMI cable.
However, technology always finds a way, and there are many special cables and adapters that can help you find a way around this!
If your Ipad has a USB-C port and you’d like an all-in-one solution, we recommend using a USB-C to HDMI cable , which has a USB-C end to plug into your iPad and an HDMI end to plug into a TV or monitor.
Alternatively, you can use a USB-C hub , which allows for multiple connections. If you want to play games that require special controllers, this is especially useful since you’ll be able to connect both an HDMI and a USB cable to your iPad at the same time.
If your Ipad is an older model and has a Lightning port instead of a USB-C port, we recommend using a Lightning to HDMI adapter , which comes with an extra USB-C port so you can charge your iPad while streaming to a monitor.
How do I connect my iPad to my TV using HDMI?
Now that we know we can connect an iPad to a TV using HDMI, let’s get straight to how you can do it!
There are three main ways of connecting your iPad to a TV using HDMI: with a USB-C to HDMI cable, with a USB-C hub, and with a Lightning to HDMI adapter.
How do I connect my iPad to my TV with a USB-C to HDMI cable?
If you have an Ipad with a USB-C port and want to quickly connect it to an HDMI port in a TV or monitor, it will be best to use a USB-C to HDMI cable.
To connect your iPad to a display using a USB-C to HDMI cable, you can follow these simple steps:- Find a USB-C to HDMI cable that is the right length for your usage.
- Take the USB-C end of the cable and connect it to your iPad.
- Take the HDMI end of the cable and connect it to your TV or monitor.
- Turn on your TV or monitor.
- Look for a blue cable indicator in the top right corner of your iPad. This indicates that it has been connected properly to the monitor.
How do I connect my iPad to my TV with a USB-C hub?
If you want to connect several devices to your iPad, we recommend using a USB-C hub which has an HDMI port, as well as whatever other ports you may need. This is also handy if you already have an HDMI cable to use.
To connect your iPad to a display using a USB-C hub, you can follow these steps:
- Find a USB-C hub that is the right length and has the right ports for your usage.
- Take the USB-C cable end of the hub and connect it to your iPad.
- Take one end of your HDMI cable and connect it to your TV or monitor.
- Take the other end of your HDMI cable and connect it to the USB-C hub.
- Turn on your TV or monitor.
- Plug any other devices you want to connect into the USB-C hub.
How do I connect my iPad to my TV with a Lightning to HDMI adapter?
If you have an Ipad with a Lightning port , we recommend using a Lightning to HDMI adapter, especially if you already have an HDMI cable.
To connect your iPad to a display using a Lightning to HDMI adapter, you can follow these steps:
- Find a Lightning to HDMI adapter .
- Take the Lightning cable end of the adapter and connect it to your iPad.
- Take one end of your HDMI cable and connect it to your TV or monitor.
- Take the other end of your HDMI cable and connect it to the Lightning adapter.
- If you need to charge your iPad, simply connect your Lightning charger to the Lightning port in the adapter.
Conclusion
You can definitely connect an iPad to a display using an HDMI cable, but you will need to use adapters, or buy a special USB-C to HDMI cable.
The most convenient way is to buy a USB-C to HDMI cable that can plug directly into your iPad and your TV or monitor.
But if you want to plug multiple devices into your iPad, you can use a USB-C hub adapter.
And if your iPad is an older model, you can use a Lightning to HDMI adapter that allows for an HDMI cable as well as a Lightning cable for charging.
We hope this article helped you learn how to connect your iPad to a display through HDMI!

Vance is a dad, former software engineer, and tech lover. Knowing how a computer works becomes handy when he builds Pointer Clicker. His quest is to make tech more accessible for non-techie users. When not working with his team, you can find him caring for his son and gaming.