TypeScreen

Use Your iPad as a Big Screen for Steam Deck

TypeScreen turns your iPad into a big screen for a SteamOS handheld, such as Steam Deck, ROG Ally, or Legion Go. Connect the devices with one USB-C cable and play as usual: controls and audio stay on your handheld.

Coming soon to the App StoreHow to Connect
A handheld connected to an iPad: its game glows on the big screen

Connect in Three Steps

  1. Get TypeScreen for iPad

    Download the app from the App Store.

  2. Install TypeScreen on Your Handheld from iPad

    Turn on Developer Mode and select “Pair new host” on your handheld. The iPad app finds your handheld over Wi-Fi and installs TypeScreen. You don’t need Desktop Mode, a terminal, or passwords.

    Installation Guide

  3. Connect the Cable

    Connect your iPad to the handheld with a USB-C cable and tap Trust on iPad. With your handheld in Game Mode, video appears on iPad automatically.

What You Need

iPad
With iPadOS 17 or later.
Handheld
A SteamOS handheld in Game Mode, such as Steam Deck, ROG Ally, or Legion Go.
Cable
USB-C to USB-C — the cable that came with your iPad works. For an iPad with a Lightning port, use a USB-C to Lightning cable.
Wi-Fi
Just once, to install TypeScreen on your handheld. Video travels only over the cable.

How It Works

Cable Only

Video travels only over the cable. There’s no network to set up.

Hardware-Accelerated Video

Your handheld encodes video in hardware, and iPad decodes it in hardware.

Matched to Your Devices

Your handheld detects the iPad display and chooses the resolution, frame rate, and codec.

No Accounts or Data Collection

The app doesn’t collect data or automatically send it to us or third parties.

Questions and Answers

Can I use my iPad as a monitor for my Steam Deck?

Yes. Install TypeScreen on your iPad and on your Steam Deck, then connect them with a USB-C cable. Your iPad becomes a big screen for Game Mode, and you keep playing with the Steam Deck controls.

Do I need a capture card or an HDMI adapter?

No. TypeScreen sends video over a regular USB-C cable, like the one you charge your iPad with. There’s no capture card, dock, or HDMI cable involved.

Does it work over Wi-Fi?

No. Video travels only over the cable, so there’s no network to set up. Wi-Fi is needed just once, to install TypeScreen on your handheld.

Which handhelds work with TypeScreen?

Steam Deck, ROG Ally, Legion Go, and other handhelds running SteamOS in Game Mode. Handhelds running Windows aren’t supported.

Which iPad do I need?

Any iPad with iPadOS 17 or later. For an iPad with a USB-C port, use a USB-C to USB-C cable. For an iPad with a Lightning port, use a USB-C to Lightning cable.

Does audio play on iPad? Can I use touch controls?

No. Audio and controls stay on your handheld; iPad works as its screen.

How much delay does it add?

In our tests with ROG Xbox Ally X and iPad Air (5th generation), the delay from video capture to the iPad screen was about 40–50 ms.

Does TypeScreen collect any data?

No. There are no accounts, ads, or analytics. The app doesn’t collect data or automatically send anything to us or third parties.

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