Quick Links

• Handoff Makes Switching Tasks Between Devices Effortless

• Sidecar Converts My iPad Into a Second Display for Mac

• Universal Control Enables One Mouse and Keyboard for All Devices

• Universal Clipboard Lets Me Transfer Content Between Devices

• Continuity Camera Turns My iPhone Into a Document Scanner

• Continuity Camera Allows Me to Use My iPhone as a Webcam for Mac

• Markup Features Work Across Devices

• iPhone Mirroring Lets Me Access My iPhone on a Mac

• Auto Unlock Enables Instant Mac Access via Apple Watch

I'm deeply integrated into the Apple ecosystem, using a Mac, iPad, iPhone, and Apple Watch daily. While each device functions well independently, their combined power truly enhances my workflow.

From unlocking my Mac with an Apple Watch to using my iPad as an external display, these Continuity features elevate my experience and increase my productivity.

1 Handoff Makes Switching Tasks Between Devices Effortless

Handoff enables you to begin a task on one Apple device and continue it seamlessly on another. For example, you can start drafting an email on your iPhone and continue editing it on your Mac, where the larger screen and physical keyboard offer more convenience.

I rely on Handoff regularly. One of my most common uses is transferring browser tabs between my iPhone, iPad, and Mac. I also frequently use it for moving work between my iPhone and iPad in the Numbers app.

Related ##### How to Move Safari Tabs Between iPhone, iPad, and Mac

Switched to your Mac and want to open a webpage you were browsing on your iPad? Here's how to quickly move Safari tabs between all your Apple devices!

PostsWhile primarily designed for Apple's native apps, many third-party applications also support Handoff. Popular ones include Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Firefox.

To use Handoff, ensure all devices are signed into iCloud with the same Apple ID and have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled. Next, activate Handoff. On iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > General > Airplay & Continuity and toggle on "Handoff." On a Mac, navigate to System Settings > General > AirDrop & Handoff and enable "Allow Handoff Between This Mac and Your iCloud Devices."

Once set up, when you open a compatible app on one device, it will appear on the other in the App Switcher (on iPhone or iPad) or the Dock (on Mac). Tap or click it to continue the task on that device.

2 Sidecar Converts My iPad Into a Secondary Display for Mac

When I'm at my desk, I usually connect my MacBook to an external monitor. However, since I work remotely, I'm often in cafes. Apple's Sidecar feature helps me in such situations by turning my iPad into a portable second screen for my Mac.

With Sidecar, I can either extend my Mac's desktop or mirror it onto my iPad. I mostly use it as an extended display to organize my apps and windows across both screens, helping me focus better on key tasks.

Related ##### How to Use Your iPad as an External Mac Display With Sidecar

Your iPad can easily serve as an external monitor for your Mac.

PostsYou can connect your iPad to your Mac either via cable or wirelessly. For a wired connection, use a compatible USB cable. If you prefer wireless, make sure both devices have Bluetooth and Wi-Fi enabled and are on the same network.

Once connected, click the green full-screen button on the window you want to move to your iPad, then select "Move to [Your Name] iPad." Similarly, you can move windows back to your Mac by clicking the full-screen button and choosing "Move Windows Back to Mac."

Apple iPad Air (M3)

The 2025 iPad Air upgrade includes an M3 chip, a new keyboard folio case, and support for Apple Intelligence. It looks nearly identical to the previous model.

$599 at Amazon$599 at Apple Expand Collapse 3 Universal Control Enables One Mouse and Keyboard for All Devices

Although Sidecar is useful, it temporarily replaces iPadOS with macOS, which isn't always ideal. For example, when working on my MacBook, I prefer keeping communication apps like Slack and reading apps on my iPad so I can dedicate my MacBook screen entirely to productivity apps.

For such scenarios, Apple provides Universal Control. It allows me to use my Mac's keyboard, trackpad, or mouse to control my iPad. This keeps things separate and eliminates the need to reach for the iPad constantly.

Universal Control is simple to set up. First, ensure all devices are signed in with the same Apple ID. Also, enable Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Handoff. Once done, place the devices side by side.

Related ##### How to Use Universal Control With a Mac and iPad

Using this feature with your Mac and iPad is so intuitive you'll be dragging and dropping between devices in no time.

PostsNow, use your Mac's trackpad or mouse to drag the cursor to the edge of the screen—toward the iPad—and you'll see it appear on the iPad. Interact with the iPad as usual. When you need to type, click on a text field and start typing using your Mac's keyboard.

4 Universal Clipboard Lets Me Transfer Content Between Devices

Universal Clipboard simplifies copying and pasting items across Apple devices. You can copy a URL, text snippet, image, or video on your iPhone and paste it into an app on your Mac or iPad without manually transferring files.

I use this feature often, especially when adding images from my iPhone to apps on my Mac. It makes it easy to send images via WhatsApp on Mac, insert them into emails, or attach them to documents or notes. Another useful scenario is copying one-time passcodes from my iPhone to authenticate on a Mac app.

Ensure Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are enabled on both devices and they're connected to the same network. Once set up, you can copy items on one device and paste them on the other.

5 Continuity Camera Turns My iPhone Into a Document Scanner

When I need to digitize a document for my Mac, Apple's Continuity Camera feature is invaluable. It allows me to use my iPhone's camera to scan a document, which instantly appears on my Mac, ready to use.

Continuity Camera works in several Apple apps like Finder, Notes, Messages, Pages, and more. To use it, open a supported app on your Mac, right-click the area where you want to insert the document, and choose "Scan Document." Alternatively, click "File" (or "Insert" in some apps) and select Insert from iPhone or iPad > Scan Documents.

This opens the Camera app on your iPhone or iPad. Frame the document in the viewfinder. The app will automatically capture it and show a thumbnail in the bottom-left corner if it was captured automatically.

MacBook Air (M4)

The MacBook Air with M4 chip is Apple's most powerful yet, offering exceptional battery life and smooth performance in a slim design.

$999 at Amazon Expand Collapse If the document wasn't captured automatically, tap the Shutter button manually. Tap the thumbnail to review or edit it. Once satisfied, hit "Save," and the document will be inserted into the app on your Mac.

You can also use Continuity Camera to take photos on your iPhone and insert them directly into Mac apps. For this, choose the "Take Photo" option instead of "Scan Documents"

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