Ensure Handoff is enabled on both devices by turning it on in Settings > General > AirPlay & Handoff on iPhone and System Settings > General on Mac. 2. Both devices must be signed in to the same Apple ID with two-factor authentication, and have Bluetooth and Wi-Fi enabled. 3. Use Handoff in supported apps like Safari, Mail, Notes, Messages, Maps, and select third-party apps to seamlessly continue activities. 4. If Handoff isn’t working, check that devices are within 30 feet, restart Bluetooth, ensure compatibility, and restart devices if needed. 5. Once set up, Handoff works automatically and requires no manual syncing, allowing smooth transitions between devices when conditions are met.
Handoff is a handy feature in Apple’s Continuity suite that lets you start an activity on one device and seamlessly continue it on another. If you’re using a Mac and an iPhone, Handoff makes switching between devices smooth—like starting an email on your iPhone and finishing it on your Mac. Here’s how to use it and make sure everything works properly.

Make Sure Handoff Is Enabled on Both Devices
Before you can use Handoff, you need to confirm it’s turned on for both your iPhone and Mac. Here’s how:
On iPhone:

- Go to Settings > General > AirPlay & Handoff.
- Turn on Handoff.
On Mac:
- Click the Apple menu > System Settings (or System Preferences).
- Go to General.
- Make sure Allow Handoff between this Mac and your iCloud devices is checked.
? Both devices must be signed in to the same Apple ID using two-factor authentication, and Bluetooth and Wi-Fi must be enabled on both.
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Use Handoff to Continue Activities
Once enabled, Handoff works automatically in supported apps. Here’s how to use it:
- Safari: Start browsing a webpage on your iPhone. On your Mac, look for the Safari icon in the Dock with a small iPhone badge. Click it to open the same page.
- Mail, Notes, Messages: Begin writing a message or note on one device. The draft will appear as a suggested action on the other device’s lock screen or in the app switcher.
- Maps: Search for a location on your iPhone, then open Maps on your Mac—the same location will appear with a “Continue on iPhone” option (or vice versa).
- Third-party apps: Some apps (like Pages, Numbers, or Todoist) also support Handoff if they’re designed for it.
You don’t need to manually sync or transfer anything—the activity shows up almost instantly when devices are nearby.
Troubleshooting Common Handoff Issues
Even when set up correctly, Handoff sometimes doesn’t work. Here’s what to check:
- ? Both devices are within about 30 feet (10 meters) of each other.
- ? Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are turned on (AirPort on older Macs).
- ? Same Apple ID is used with two-factor authentication.
- ? Your Mac supports Handoff (Mid-2012 or later models generally do).
- ? Restart Bluetooth: Turn it off and on again on both devices.
- ? Restart both devices if Handoff remains unresponsive.
Sometimes simply locking and unlocking your iPhone can refresh the connection.
Handoff works quietly in the background, so once it’s set up, you don’t need to do anything extra. Just pick up your other device and keep going. It’s one of those small Apple features that, when it works, feels almost magical.
Basically, just enable it, stay logged in, and keep Bluetooth/Wi-Fi on—then let your devices do the rest.
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