Apple introduced support for Universal Control when iPadOS 15.4 and macOS Monterey 12.3 were both in beta. Apple Universal Control allows users to have a single keyboard and mouse setup to move between macOS and iPadOS devices for a more seamless workflow. In short, it allows Macs and iPads to be controlled with a mouse and keyboard of each device.
With Universal Control, you can use one cursor or keyboard on any nearby Mac or iPad device signed into the same iCloud account. It works between multiple Macs or Macs and iPads, which are positioned within 10 meters (30 feet) of each other.
Pay attention that in the situations below, you can't use Universal Control:
Apple Universal Control only works with the following devices and operating systems, requiring one Mac and up to two other Mac or iPad devices. Before learning to use Universal Control, you must ensure your devices are compatible. The devices requirements for Mac are macOS Monterey 12.4 or later, including:
And Universal Control on iPads must be compatible with the following devices, which system is iPadOS 15.4 or later, including:
When using Universal Control, you can work seamlessly between your Mac and up to two other nearby Mac or iPad devices by controlling your Mac's keyboard, mouse, or trackpad. And each device shows its screen and apps using one mouse, keyboard, or trackpad to move the pointer, type, and copy content between different devices.
Note: Use Sidecar instead if you want to mirror the desktop of your Mac or extend your iPad.
And you can follow the steps below to enable Apple Universal Control:
Before continuing, ensure each device meets the Universal Control system requirements while signed in with the same Apple ID, and then follow these steps to turn on Universal Control:
Turn on Universal Control on Mac:
Step 1. Go to the Apple menu, and find System Settings/Preferences.
Step 2. Click Displays.
Step 3. If using macOS Ventura or later, click "Advanced" at the bottom of Settings.
Step 4. Choose the "Allow your pointer and keyboard to move between any nearby Mac or iPad" option and turn it on.
Turn on Universal Control on iPad:
Step 1. Open the Settings app.
Step 2. Tap General, then tap AirPlay & Handoff.
Step 3. Turn on "Cursor and Keyboard", available only on iPad models, to support Universal Control.
After turning on Universal Control, follow the steps to connect devices nearby:
Step 1. Put your devices near each other when they're unlocked.
Step 2. Use your mouse/trackpad to move the pointer past your screen's left or right edge.
Step 3. Make the pointer through all screens.
If a prohibitory icon appears when you're dragging, you can't drop the item at the current location. You can use the keyboard to press "Command + C" to copy the object on one device, then paste "Command + V" on the other device instead of removing it. You can use any connected device's keyboard, mouse/trackpad to work while devices are connected with Universal Control.
You can take these actions to disconnect a specific device from your Mac:
Or you can press Control>Option>Command>Delete on your keyboard to disconnect all devices.
Connect to nearby Mac/iPad devices by pushing the trackpad/mouse cursor to the edge of the display toward the other device. After the first connection succeeds, you can automatically reconnect to any nearby Mac or iPad.
To enable automatic reconnections on Mac, go to System Preferences, choose Display Settings, and click Advanced. Then, check the box next to reconnect to any nearby Mac or iPad Automatically, then click Done.
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Getting Universal Control to work can sometimes present problems, especially when trying to connect your devices for the first time. Thus, to get it to work, check the following to ensure you have everything set up correctly:
Here are problems that may happen when you use Universal Control and solutions:
Sidecar is a feature developed by Apple and introduced as part of macOS Catalina and iPadOS 13. Sidecar allows users to use an iPad as an external display for a Mac. You can either use Sidecar to mirror your Mac's display to your iPad or use it in the "extended mode" for an extra screen.
The main difference between Sidecar and Universal Control is that Sidecar turns your iPad into an external display for Mac. In contrast, Universal Control allows you to use your Mac's trackpad/mouse/keyboard to control your iPad. It doesn't mirror the display of the Mac. Instead, it enables you to use iPadOS as is but with the resources of your Mac. Here's a simple table that explains the main differences between Universal Control and Sidecar:
Universal Control | Sidecar | |
Purpose | Use Mac's mouse/trackpad and keyboard to control nearby Macs and iPads | Makes iPad a secondary display for Mac |
Mac-to-Mac Compatibility | Can work between two Macs | Can't work between two Macs |
Number of Devices | Can connect up to three devices at one time; at least one of them is Mac | Limited to one connected iPad only |
File Sharing | Can drag and drop files between Mac and iPad | Cannot share files between Mac and iPad |
Apple Pencil Support | Doesn't support Apple Pencil | Supports Apple Pencil as input |
Wire Support | Wireless only | No limitation |
Gesture Support | Doesn't support macOS gestures on iPad | Can use all macOS trackpad gestures |
Connect Settings | Connects automatically once setup | Requires manual setup every time |
If you use Apple Pencil often, using Sidecar is suggested. Sidecar lets you use powerful Mac apps like Photoshop on your iPad with Apple Pencil. If you want to extend your Mac desktop space to your iPad's screen, and your workflow doesn't involve iPadOS, then the straightforward answer is to use Sidecar.
However, suppose your workflow involves using multiple Macs, or you want to start utilizing the true power of your iPad and Apple's creativity apps for iPadOS, such as Garageband and iMovie. In that case, you should choose to use Universal Control. This feature lets you use just one keyboard/mouse for all your devices, so you don't have to switch manually.
Apple Universal Control can let you use Mac's mouse/trackpad and keyboard to control nearby Macs and iPads, and its operation is easy. Just turn on Universal Control on your Mac and iPad, ensure all settings are correct, connect them, and you can use all devices with one mouse/trackpad and keyboard.