Ensure your Mac and iPad are compatible models running macOS Monterey 12.3 and iPadOS 15.4 , with Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Handoff enabled. 2. On your Mac, go to System Settings > Displays > Advanced, then enable "Use Universal Control" and "Connect with a nearby Mac or iPad". 3. On your iPad, go to Settings > General > AirPlay & Handoff and turn on "Connect to Mac". 4. Position devices side by side, signed in with the same Apple ID, and move the cursor from one screen to the other seamlessly. 5. Use the keyboard and mouse of one device to control the other, including drag-and-drop functionality. 6. If connection fails, ensure both devices are unlocked, restart them, toggle Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, or re-enable Universal Control settings, avoiding USB hubs for best performance. Universal Control works automatically once set up correctly.
Using Universal Control between a Mac and iPad is a seamless way to work across Apple devices with a single keyboard and mouse or trackpad. It lets you move your cursor from one device to another—just like using multiple monitors on a single computer. Here’s how to set it up and use it properly.

Make Sure Your Devices Are Compatible
Universal Control works with specific Mac and iPad models running macOS Monterey 12.3 or later and iPadOS 15.4 or later. Check compatibility:
- Mac: MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, iMac, Mac Studio, or Mac mini from 2016 or later (some 2015 models may work too).
- iPad: iPad Pro, iPad Air (3rd gen or later), iPad (6th gen or later), or iPad mini (5th gen or later).
Both devices must support Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Handoff (Continuity).

Turn On Universal Control
You don’t need to install anything—it’s built into the OS. Here’s how to enable it:
-
On your Mac:
- Go to System Settings (or System Preferences on older macOS).
- Click Displays.
- Scroll down and click Advanced.
- Check "Use Universal Control".
- Make sure "Connect with a nearby Mac or iPad" is enabled.
-
On your iPad:
- Go to Settings > General > AirPlay & Handoff.
- Turn on "Connect to Mac".
That’s it—no pairing needed.
Use Universal Control
Once enabled, Universal Control activates automatically when your devices are near each other and signed in with the same Apple ID. Here’s how it works:
- Position your Mac and iPad side by side. The cursor should move from one screen to the other when you move your mouse or trackpad toward the edge.
- Drag and drop content (like images or text) between devices.
- Use your Mac’s keyboard to type on the iPad, and vice versa.
- The transition feels smooth—no clicking or extra steps required.
Tip: If the connection doesn’t happen automatically, make sure both devices are unlocked and awake. Also, ensure Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are on.
Troubleshooting Tips
Sometimes Universal Control doesn’t connect right away. Try these:
- Restart both devices.
- Toggle Bluetooth and Wi-Fi off and on.
- Sign out of iCloud and back in (rarely needed).
- Disable and re-enable Universal Control settings.
Also, avoid using USB hubs or extenders—direct connection works best.
Basically, just set it once and let it work in the background. It’s not magic, but it’s close.
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