How to Enable and Use Handoff Between iPhone and Mac to Seamlessly Continue Tasks

Transitioning between mobile devices and desktop computers often interrupts productivity. You might begin reading an in-depth article on Safari during your commute, compose a draft email while walking, or jot down meeting notes on your iPhone, only to find yourself searching for links or emailing drafts to yourself once you sit down at your Mac. With Apple Handoff—part of the Continuity framework—your Apple devices maintain ambient awareness of your active tasks, allowing you to pass live documents, web tabs, and emails from iPhone to Mac with a single click.

Requirements for Apple Handoff

Handoff relies on low-power proximity detection and encrypted local networking. Before using Handoff, ensure your devices meet these criteria:

• Same Apple ID: Both your iPhone and Mac must be signed into the same Apple Account with two-factor authentication enabled.
• Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Enabled: Both devices must have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth turned on (they do not need to be on the same Wi-Fi network, though being on the same local network enhances reliability).
• Proximity: The devices should be within approximately 10 metres (30 feet) of each other.

How to Enable Handoff on iPhone and Mac

Ensure the Handoff feature toggle is switched on across both operating systems:

1. On iPhone: Open Settings > General > AirPlay & Handoff. Toggle the switch next to Handoff to the green On position.
2. On Mac: Open System Settings from the Apple menu. Click General in the left sidebar, select AirDrop & Handoff, and check the box next to Allow Handoff between this Mac and your iCloud devices.

How to Hand Off Apps from iPhone to Mac

Using Handoff in everyday workflows is fluid and instantaneous:

1. Open a supported app on your iPhone (such as Safari, Mail, Notes, Maps, Reminders, Pages, or Keynote) and begin browsing a site or composing a draft.
2. Glance at the Dock on your Mac.
3. On the far left (or far right) of your Mac Dock, a special icon will appear featuring the app logo with a small iPhone badge attached to its upper corner.
4. Click this special Handoff Dock icon.
5. The application will launch on your Mac, instantly opening the exact webpage, email draft, or document at your current cursor position.

Passing Tasks from Mac Back to iPhone

Handoff works symmetrically in both directions:

1. Open a webpage or note on your Mac.
2. Wake your iPhone and swipe upwards from the bottom of the screen to open the App Switcher.
3. Look at the bottom of the App Switcher screen: a banner will appear stating “Safari – From [Mac Name]”.
4. Tap the banner to resume reading on your handheld screen immediately.