If you multitask with multiple Apple devices, you probably already take advantage of it.
If your Apple unit is not on this list, you won’t be able to enjoy Universal Control.
On your Mac, head to theApple menuand click onAbout This Macto check the macOS version.
On a Mac, launchSystem Settingsand go toGeneral>Software Updatetoupdate your Mac’s software.
Double-Check Universal Control Requirements
Universal Control works just fine with up to three compatible devices at once.
However, there are some fundamental requirements.
First, there must be a Mac in the mix.
This means you might enable Universal Control between two iPads only if you use a Mac with them.
Apple’s iPads can’t work with Universal Control on their own.
Third, ensure you aren’t sharing your Mac’s internet connection with another rig.
And disable your iPad’s Personal Hotspot feature.
Sharing your iPad’s cellular connection with your Mac may hinder Universal Control from working as it should.
Confirm that Universal Control is active on your Mac.
On the dialog box that appears next, activate the first two toggles.
And don’t forget to clickDoneafter.
You should find your iPad underneath theLink keyboard and mouse tooption.
If your equipment is listed but not highlighted, select it manually to activate Universal Control.
Enable Handoff on Your iPad
We’ve confirmed that Universal Control is active on your Mac.
All you oughta do is open theSettingsapp and go toGeneral>AirPlay & Handoff.
In this menu, turn on the toggles forHandoffandCursor and Keyboard.
If you already have these options enabled, disable and re-enable them.
Disabling and re-enablingHandoffmight just be what your iPad needs to reconnect with your Mac.
If it still doesn’t work, you may also need to manuallyenable Handoff on your Mac.
Then, confirm that both devices are logged into the same Apple ID.
Head over to the Control Center on both your Mac and iPad.
Ensure the Bluetooth and Wi-Fi toggles are active on either gadget.
If not, turn them on.
And if you catch any difficulty, check out our guide ontroubleshooting Bluetooth connection problems on your Mac.
Also, confirm that both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi data pipe.
And our best guess would be that you’ve enabled a VPN on your gadget.
However, a VPN might scramble its ability to run Universal Control.
On your iPad, you’ve got the option to do the same fromSettings>VPN.
you’ve got the option to also disable it from the VPN app itself.
Disable Sidecar on Your Mac
Sidecar and Universal Control seem very similar but perform different functions.
The former transforms your iPad into a duplicate or extended display for your Mac.
The latter simply allows you to control a nearby Mac or iPad with your primary Mac’s peripherals.
Both features cannot function together at once.
To disable Sidecar on your Mac, head toSystem controls>Display.
choose theplus (+)icon with a dropdown option right beneath the image of your Mac.
So, if you have theMirror or extend tooption selected, deselect it.
That should turn off the Sidecar feature.
Select theLink to keyboard and mouseoption to activate Universal Control instead.
Turn off both your iPad and Mac for a short while.
Then, turn them back on and follow the steps toset up Universal Control on your Apple devices.
Use Universal Control Without Issues
Apple aims to deliver ease and convenience to its customers.
When these innovative features work properly, working with them can be such a delight.
But occasionally, technical problems occur.
As annoying as these problems can be, they are often resolvable.
