If you own both a Mac and an iPad, you likely use them as entirely separate devices. You might type a document on your MacBook while referencing a webpage on your iPad, occasionally emailing links back and forth to yourself. With the introduction of macOS Universal Control, Apple demolished the wall between these devices, allowing you to control both of them using a single keyboard and mouse.
Universal Control is not a screen mirroring tool; it is a seamless bridge. When you push your Mac’s cursor to the edge of the screen, it magically pushes through the glass and appears on your iPad. You can then use your Mac’s trackpad to scroll on the iPad, and use your Mac’s keyboard to type in iPad apps. In this guide, you will learn how to enable this futuristic feature.
Step 1: The Hardware Requirements
Because Universal Control relies on complex Bluetooth and Wi-Fi handshakes, it requires relatively modern hardware and very specific settings to function.
- Devices: You need a Mac (2016 or newer) running macOS Monterey 12.4 or later, and an iPad (iPad Pro, iPad Air 3rd Gen+, iPad 6th Gen+, or iPad mini 5th Gen+) running iPadOS 15.4 or later.
- Accounts: Both devices must be signed into the exact same Apple ID using Two-Factor Authentication.
- Connectivity: Both devices must have Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Handoff turned on. They must also be physically close to each other (within 30 feet, though sitting side-by-side is best).
Step 2: Enabling the Feature
If your devices meet the requirements, the setup is incredibly simple.
On your Mac:
- Click the Apple Logo and select System Settings.
- Click on Displays in the left sidebar.
- Click the Advanced… button at the bottom.
- Check the box that says: “Allow your pointer and keyboard to move between any nearby Mac or iPad.” Also, check “Push through the edge of a display to connect a nearby Mac or iPad.”
On your iPad:
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap General, then tap AirPlay & Handoff.
- Ensure Cursor and Keyboard (Beta) is toggled ON.
Step 3: Pushing Through the Glass
Now for the magic trick. Place your iPad directly to the right of your Mac monitor. Wake up both screens.
Using your Mac’s trackpad or mouse, move the cursor to the far right edge of your Mac screen, and keep pushing. You will see a small grey animation appear on the edge of the iPad screen, as if the cursor is trying to break through. Push a little harder, and the cursor will pop out onto the iPad.
Step 4: Real-World Productivity
Once connected, you can do far more than just click buttons.
- Seamless Typing: Click inside a text box on the iPad (like the Notes app), and begin typing on your Mac’s keyboard.
- Drag and Drop: You can click and hold a photo in your Mac’s Finder, drag it across the invisible boundary, and drop it directly into an email you are composing on the iPad.
By enabling macOS Universal Control, you transform two isolated pieces of hardware into a unified, dual-screen workstation, instantly multiplying your productivity without buying a single cable.