The iPad is a touch screen tablet created and manufactured by Apple. The tablet has a number of different features including a music player, access to applications, mail, and much more. Connecting iPad to a computer is super easy, and allows you to move information between the two devices.
Step
Method 1 of 5: Connecting iPad to Computer
Step 1. Download and install iTunes (if you don't have one)
You can download iTunes for free from Apple's iTunes site. Click here for detailed instructions.
Step 2. Plug the iPad into a USB port on your computer
Make sure to plug it directly into the base on your computer, not on the USB hub.
Step 3. Tap "Trust" on your iPad
This only appears if it's the first time you've connected the iPad to a computer.
Step 4. Open iTunes
You may be asked to trust the iPad, just like when the iPad asks you to trust your computer.
Step 5. Make sure you can view your iPad in iTunes
You'll see the iPad icon in the top toolbar if you're using iTunes 12, or in the Devices drop-down menu if you're using iTunes 11.
If your iPad doesn't show up, make sure it's turned on. If iPad won't turn on and isn't detected by iTunes, you may need to turn it on in Recovery mode
Step 6. Select your iPad in iTunes
This will open the Summary screen on iPad, which you can use to make a backup or download an iOS update.
Method 2 of 5: Syncing Music and Movies with iPad
Step 1. Add media files to your iTunes library
To copy, or "sync" content with iPad, you must add it to your iTunes library. You can add any media files already on your computer such as MP3, AAC, MP4, MOV and several other types of media files. You can also purchase media from the iTunes Store.
- Click here for detailed instructions on how to add music to iTunes.
- Click here for detailed instructions on how to add video files to iTunes.
- Click here for detailed instructions on how to convert a WMA file to MP3.
Step 2. Select your iPad in iTunes
Click the iPad icon in the top toolbar if you're using iTunes 12, or in the Devices drop-down menu if you're using iTunes 11.
Step 3. Click the Music tab
In iTunes 12, it's in the left frame after selecting iPad. In iTunes 11, it's along the top of the mainframe after selecting your iPad.
Check the "Sync Music" box to allow iTunes to sync music with your iPad. You can sync entire libraries or specify specific albums, artists, genres, or playlists that you want to copy to the iPad
Step 4. Click the Movies tab
In iTunes 12, it's in the left frame after selecting iPad. In iTunes 11, it's along the top of the mainframe after selecting your iPad.
- Check the "Sync Movies" box to allow iTunes to sync videos and movies to your iPad. You can select any movies in your library that you want to sync, or sync automatically based on the videos you've watched.
- If you have TV Shows in your video library, you'll find them in the TV Shows tab.
Step 5. Click
Sync or Apply to start the copying process.
This may take a little while, especially if you're copying a lot of music or large video files.
Method 3 of 5: Syncing Images with iPad
Step 1. Organize your pictures into one place
iTunes will sync your photos from the base folder or subfolders within the base folder. If you're on a Mac, you can use iPhoto to organize your photos into albums.
Click here for some tips on how to organize pictures on a computer
Step 2. Select your iPad in iTunes
Click the iPad icon in the top toolbar if you're using iTunes 12, or in the Devices drop-down menu if you're using iTunes 11.
Step 3. Click the Photos tab
In iTunes 12, it's in the left frame after selecting iPad. In iTunes 11, it's along the top of the mainframe after selecting your iPad.
Step 4. Check the "Sync photos from" box and select the source from the drop-down menu
After selecting a folder, you can choose to sync all photos in that folder, or in specific subfolders.
Step 5. Click
Sync or Apply to start the copying process.
This can take a while if you have a lot of photos to copy.
Step 6. Sync other files
You can also use iTunes to sync other files such as apps, podcasts (digital media recordings on the internet in episodes available for download) and contacts. Click the appropriate tab and select the content you want to sync.
Method 4 of 5: Setting Up Wi-Fi Sync
Step 1. Open the Summary tab for your iPad in iTunes
Make sure the iPad is connected to the computer via USB and that you've tapped "Trust" on the iPad screen (if prompted).
Wi-Fi sync allows you to manage content on iPad without connecting it to a computer
Step 2. Tick "Sync with this iPad over Wi-Fi"
This allows you to perform the same syncing procedure as you would if your iPad was connected via USB, except over your home wireless network.
Step 3. Click
Apply.
Step 4. Connect iPad to your wireless network
Click here for detailed instructions.
Step 5. Make sure the computer is turned on and iTunes is open
Step 6. Plug your iPad into the charger to start syncing
Your 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.
Method 5 of 5: Connecting iPad to Computer Monitor
Step 1. Purchase a display adapter (the card that the computer uses to display data to the monitor)
There are a variety of adapters available in the market depending on the model of iPad you have, as well as the type of connection supported by your monitor.
The easiest way to connect your iPad to most modern monitors is through an HDMI converter. VGA connections are of lower quality, but are also more universal
Step 2. Connect your iPad to the monitor using the adapter
If necessary, also use the audio jack on the adapter to connect external speakers.
Step 3. Use the iPad as usual
By default, your iPad will display the screen both on the iPad and on the monitor (except iPad Original, which can only display the video that is currently playing). The operating system and any applications will be displayed on both devices.
Step 4. Play video on your monitor and control it from iPad
When you play a video, it plays on the monitor, while the playback controls are displayed on your iPad.
