Universal Control lets one keyboard, mouse, or trackpad control a nearby Mac and iPad while each device keeps running its own apps. Move the pointer off one screen edge and it appears on the other.
This guide applies to compatible Mac and iPad models signed in to the same Apple Account.
Does This Affect You?
Use Universal Control if you want to control an iPad from your Mac keyboard and pointer, or drag text, photos, and files between devices without using Sidecar.
Turn On and Use Universal Control
- On Mac, open System Settings > Displays.
- Open Advanced or the Universal Control options.
- Enable options to allow the cursor and keyboard to move between nearby Mac or iPad devices, push through a display edge to connect, and reconnect automatically.
- Keep the iPad nearby, awake, and unlocked.
- Move the Mac pointer toward the screen edge closest to the iPad and keep pushing.
- When the pointer appears on iPad, click or type normally.
- Move the pointer back through the matching edge to return to the Mac.
Drag and Drop Between Devices
- Connect with Universal Control.
- Open the file, photo, text, or item you want to move.
- Click and hold, then drag it across the screen edge.
- Drop it into a compatible app on the other device.
- Repeat in either direction, Mac to iPad or iPad to Mac.
Universal Control Requirements and Fixes
Required Settings
Both devices need the same Apple Account with two-factor authentication, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Handoff, and nearby placement. Personal Hotspot can interfere, so turn it off during setup.
Display Arrangement
If the cursor exits the wrong side, open Displays arrangement settings and move the iPad position to match the real desk layout.
Multiple Devices
Universal Control can work with up to two additional nearby Macs or iPads, arranged in Displays settings.
Connection Drops
Move devices closer, keep them on the same Wi-Fi network, toggle Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and charge the iPad if Low Power Mode is limiting background connections.
Sources
- Apple Support: Use Universal Control with your Mac and iPad
- Apple Support: Universal Control system requirements
- Apple Support: Set up Handoff on your Mac