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How to Use Tab Display

Before you connect
1

Download and install Tab Display on your iPad or Android tablet.

2

Download and install Tab Display on your Mac or Windows PC.

3

Run Tab Display on both devices.

Screen recording permission on Mac
1

Tab Display needs Screen Recording permission on Mac to send the screen. If permission has not been granted, the following message may appear.

Screen recording permission request on Mac
Screen recording permission request on Mac
2

If you click Open, System Settings will open. Go to Privacy & Security → Screen & System Audio Recording, find Tab Display, and enable it.

Screen recording permissions in macOS
Screen recording permissions in macOS

How to Connect

Connect over a network

Use Wi-Fi or a supported USB tethering network. Mac + Android USB Direct Connection has its own steps below.

USB Direct Connection

On Mac + Android, connect a data-capable USB cable to use Tab Display without Wi-Fi pairing or a connection code.

See how to use USB Direct Connection

View supported devices and features
Connect over a network
1

Connect both devices to the same local network. If using supported USB tethering, enable it on the tablet first.

2

On the sending computer, open Settings → Connection and select Network. Choose the interface on the same network as the tablet, or the tethered interface when using USB tethering.

Network connection settings on Mac
Network connection settings on Mac
Network and port settings on Mac
Network and port settings on Mac
3

Close Settings and click Connect on the computer. A connection code will appear.

Starting a network connection on Mac
Starting a network connection on Mac
Connection code and QR code on Mac
Connection code and QR code on Mac
4

Connect with a QR code on Mac

On the Mac sender, click Connect, then the QR button next to the connection code. In the tablet app, tap the QR scan button and scan the code. Allow camera access when prompted. Both devices must be on the same accessible local network.

On Windows, enter the connection code manually. Manual entry is also available on Mac.

Connection QR code displayed on Mac
Connection QR code displayed on Mac

To connect without QR, choose the display or video player mode on your tablet, enter the connection code, and select Connect.

If the code does not work, enter the full IP address shown for the selected network in the desktop app, such as 192.168.1.10. Use your own computer's address, and make sure the port matches on both devices.

Tab Display connection screen on a tablet
Tab Display connection screen on a tablet
5

On the computer, check that the connecting device is yours, then select OK. Choose “Remember this device” to skip approval for this device in future connections.

Approving a device connection on Mac
Approving a device connection on Mac

Enjoy using your new external display and remote player.

Additional Options
Network connection settings on Mac
Network connection settings on Mac
General settings on Mac
General settings on Mac

Tab Display Settings Menu

Connection Settings

  • App Mode: Choose Sender or Receiver.
  • Connection Method: Network, or USB Direct Connection for Mac + Android.
  • Auto Connect: starts a network connection when the app launches, or a USB connection when the cable connects while the app is running.

Capture & Quality

  • Capture Source: Display or Window. Window mirroring is available on Mac.
  • Max FPS (USB only): choose 30, 60, or Auto. Auto requests the refresh rate reported by the connected device. The actual frame rate may be lower, depending on resolution, HiDPI, and device performance.
  • HiDPI (macOS): Renders at double resolution to match the tablet's pixels, so text and images look sharp. Turning it off sends fewer pixels.
  • Display Size: Default (100% resolution) / Large (75% resolution) / Very Large (50% resolution). Sets the virtual screen's width and height as a percentage of the connected device's resolution. Lower percentages make text and icons larger, so less fits on the screen. The actual transmission resolution also depends on HiDPI.
  • Aspect Ratio
Display Size options and resolution percentages on Mac
Display Size options and resolution percentages on Mac

Transport

  • Network: Select the interface used for the connection.
  • Port: Use the same port on the connecting device.
  • Video Codec
  • Clear Saved Devices
  • Change Remote Media Player Playback Path

App

  • Auto Launch
  • Change Language

Diagnostics

  • WebRTC Test: Check if devices can connect via WebRTC (for firewall issues, etc.).
  • Virtual Display Test: Temporarily create a virtual display for testing.
  • View Logs

Unsupported Display Setting: the selected resolution or Max FPS may exceed the transmission limit of your setup. Lower the resolution or Max FPS in Settings and try again. The app does not lower your settings automatically.

Why do I see “Unsupported Display Setting”?