If you’re looking to boost your productivity using your Mac and iPad,Universal Control is a featurethat takes multitasking to the next level.
Universal Control lets you use your cursor and keyboard simultaneously between supported Macs or a Mac and iPad. Additionally, you’re able to do things like drag an image from your iPad over to Mac or drag a file from Mac to your iPad.
Let’s take a look at what you need to enabled and use Universal Control inMacOS.
Difficulty
What You Need
Supported Mac with MacOS Monterey 12.4 or later
Supported iPad with iPadOS 15.4 or later
Universal Control requirements
Before you try to use Universal Control, it’s important to note the requirements and devices you need.
For specific Macs and iPads that support Universal Control, visit theApple Support sitefor the feature.
Enable Universal Control on Mac
Once you meet the above requirements, you’ll need to turn on Universal Control on your devices. Starting with MacOS, follow these steps.
Step 1:Open yourSystem preferencesusing theAppleicon in the menu bar or theSystem preferencesicon in your Dock.
Step 2:SelectDisplays.
Step 3:PickUniversal controlto display its settings.
Step 4:Check the first box to allow your pointer and keyboard to move between your devices, along with the second box to push through the edge of the display to connect.
Optionally, select the final checkbox to automatically reconnect the same devices in the future.
Step 5:SelectDone.
Enable Universal Control on iPad
Turning on Universal Control on your iPad takes only a few taps.
Step 1:OpenSettingsand selectGeneral.
Step 2:ChooseAirPlay and handoff.
Step 3:Turn on the toggle forCursor and keyboard.
Connect your Mac and iPad
Whether you’re planning to use Universal Control between two Macs or one Mac and an iPad, you’ll need to link them to each other.
Step 1:Make sure both devices are awake, unlocked, and near each other.
Step 2:Use your mouse or trackpad to move your cursor from your Mac to the second device by sliding it to the furthest right of your screen.
Step 3:You should see the cursor on the second device on the left side of its screen. Continue moving the cursor to the right until it fully displays on the second device.
Use your cursor or keyboard on iPad
After you link your devices, you’ll see the cursor display on iPad as a small dot.
Step 1:Press your mouse button or trackpad on an item or app to open it the same as if you were to tap it. you’re able to also press and hold the same way you would normally tap and hold on iPad to select and move items.
Step 2:In addition, here are several common tasks using your Mac’s mouse or keyboard on your iPad.
Step 3:To use your Mac’s keyboard to type in an app like Messages, Notes, or Reminders, simply begin typing.
Step 4:To return to your iPad’s keyboard, select theKeyboardicon in the bottom-left corner and pickShow keyboard.
Drag and drop items between devices
You can drag and drop between two Macs or a Mac and iPad with Universal Control, making it a multitasker’s dream. You can use this action with the mouse or trackpad just like dragging and dropping items on the device itself.
Here are a few examples for using this feature:
If you attempt to drag and drop an item but see a circle with a line through it, that means you cannot drop the item in that location. In this case, you might use copy and paste withthe Universal Clipboardinstead.
Disconnect your Mac or iPad
If you want to stop using Universal Control on one device, you’re able to simply put that device to sleep. Alternatively, you can disconnect all devices using theControl+Option+Command+Deletekeyboard shortcut.
To disconnect your iPad from your Mac specifically, follow these steps.
Step 1:Open your Mac’sControl Center.
Step 2:SelectDisplay.
Step 3:Choose your iPad to deselect it.
If you enjoy Universal Control, you might also take advantage ofusing AirPlayto stream your screen orusing AirDropto easily share files with nearby Mac users.
