If you use a Mac for heavy workloads and an iPad for reading, drawing, or casual browsing, constantly switching between the two devices can interrupt your workflow. Moving your hand from your Mac’s mouse to tap the iPad screen feels disjointed. Apple solved this friction with a feature called Universal Control.
Universal Control allows you to use a single Mac keyboard and mouse (or trackpad) to seamlessly control both your Mac and your iPad. You can drag your cursor off the edge of your Mac’s screen, and it will magically appear on your iPad, allowing you to drag and drop files between the two entirely different operating systems. In this guide, you will learn how to set it up.
Checking Hardware and Software Requirements
Universal Control relies on a complex web of Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connections, so strict requirements apply:
- Mac: Must be a 2016 model or newer, running macOS Monterey 12.4 or later.
- iPad: Must be an iPad Pro, iPad Air (3rd gen+), iPad (6th gen+), or iPad mini (5th gen+), running iPadOS 15.4 or later.
- Connectivity: Both devices must be signed into the exact same Apple ID using two-factor authentication. Both must have Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Handoff enabled. They must be physically within 30 feet of each other.
How to Enable Universal Control on the Mac
First, you must authorise your Mac to bridge the connection.
- Click the Apple menu () and select System Settings.
- Scroll down the left sidebar and click on Displays.
- Click the Advanced… button at the bottom of the window.
- You will see three toggles under the “Link to Mac or iPad” section. Ensure all three are turned On:
- Allow your pointer and keyboard to move between any nearby Mac or iPad.
- Push through the edge of a display to connect.
- Automatically reconnect to any nearby Mac or iPad.
- Click Done.
How to Enable Universal Control on the iPad
Next, ensure your iPad is ready to receive the connection.
- Open the Settings app on your iPad.
- Tap General, then tap AirPlay & Handoff.
- Ensure the toggle for Cursor and Keyboard is turned On. (If you do not see this option, your iPad does not meet the software requirements).
Initiating the Connection
Once both devices are configured, connecting them is incredibly intuitive.
- Wake up both your Mac and your iPad. Place the iPad next to your Mac monitor.
- On your Mac, use your mouse or trackpad to move the cursor to the far edge of the screen, in the direction of your iPad (e.g., if the iPad is on the right, push the cursor against the right edge of the Mac screen).
- Keep pushing the cursor against the edge. You will see a grey bar appear on the edge of the iPad screen.
- Push a little further, and the cursor will “break through” the barrier, transforming from the black Mac arrow into the circular iPad cursor.
You can now use your Mac’s keyboard to type directly into iPad apps, and use your Mac’s trackpad to navigate the iPad interface.
Dragging and Dropping Files
The most powerful feature of Universal Control is file transfer. You can click and hold a photo on your iPad, drag it across the screen border, and drop it directly onto your Mac desktop or into a Final Cut Pro timeline. The file transfers wirelessly in the background via a direct Wi-Fi connection.
Note: You cannot drag a file from your Mac onto the iPad’s home screen. You must drag it directly into a compatible iPad app, such as the Files app, Photos app, or an open Mail draft.
By mastering Universal Control, you effectively turn your iPad into a highly capable extension of your Mac workspace without needing a single cable.