How to Use Universal Control With an iPad and Mac

Apple’s Universal Control is a feature that allows users to control their Mac and other Apple devices using a single keyboard and mouse. It is designed to make it easier to switch between devices and control multiple devices at once.

Universal Control Requirements

Universal Control has some prerequisites before you can use it. To use Universal Control on a Mac and iPad, the following requirements must be met:

• Both the Mac and iPad must be running the latest version of macOS and iPadOS
• Both must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
• Both must be signed in to the same iCloud account.
• The Mac and iPad must be close to each other.
• The Mac and/or iPad must have a compatible keyboard and mouse or trackpad connected to it, such as the Magic Keyboard for iPad.

Universal Control is on by default and should work automatically if the above requirements are met, but you may want to double-check that the option is active first.

Good to Know: need to update your Mac to use Universal Control? Discover how to update your Mac using terminal with a few short commands.

How to Check that Universal Control Is Activated on macOS

While it should be on by default, you can ensure Universal Control is turned on manually. You’ll have to do this for both your Mac and iPad.

1. On your Mac, go to the Apple menu in the top-left corner of the screen and select “System Preferences” or “System Settings” on newer macOS versions, including macOS Ventura.

2. In the left sidebar, select the “Displays” option.

3. Select “Advanced” at the bottom of the window.

4. Ensure that all options under “Link to Mac or iPad” are enabled.

Good to Know: is your Mac’s external display not working properly? Be sure to try these 15 fixes for macOS.

How to Check that Universal Control Is Activated on iPadOS

To check that Universal Control is activated in iPadOS, follow these steps:

1. On your iPad, go to the Settings app and select the “General” option.

2. In General settings, select the “Airplay & Handoff” option.

3. Under Handoff settings, check that the “Handoff” option is selected.

Once Universal Control is activated on your Mac and iPad, you should be able to use your Mac’s keyboard, mouse, and trackpad on your iPad, provided that the other requirements for Universal Control mentioned above are met.

Good to Know: it is no secret that Apple products work better together. Learn how to configure your Apple ecosystem by syncing macOS and iOS.

How to Use Universal Control

If you meet all the requirements for Universal Control and have confirmed that the feature has been switched on, you can start it using right away.

1. Start by simply moving your mouse pointer in macOS to the edge of the screen closest to the iPad. The Mac will infer that you want to move the pointer over to the iPad, and you’ll see a pop-up on the edge of the screen.

2. Push “through” the edge of the screen, and you should see your mouse pointer on the iPad screen. Anything you select will now also respond to keystrokes from your Mac keyboard.

How to Fix Incorrect Universal Control Screen Layout

If Universal Control detects your iPad on the wrong side, you can fix this issue by following these steps:

1. On your Mac, go to the Apple menu in the top-left corner of the screen and select “System Preferences” or “System Settings.”

2. In the System window, select the “Displays” option.

3. Check that the iPad and MacBook are arranged correctly. If not, simply select “Arrange,” then drag the thumbnails to represent the correct arrangement.

What Can You Do With Universal Control?

Apple Universal Control allows you to use your Mac’s keyboard, mouse, and trackpad on your iPad. This allows you to seamlessly control both devices at the same time, without having to switch between them.

With Universal Control, you can do things like:

• Navigate and use apps on your iPad using your Mac’s keyboard, mouse, and trackpad
• Copy and paste text, images, and files between your Mac and iPad
• Use your Mac’s keyboard to enter text on your iPad, such as when typing in a search query or responding to a message
• Use your Mac’s trackpad to interact with on-screen elements on your iPad, such as scrolling, clicking, and swiping
• Use your Mac’s keyboard and trackpad to control audio and video playback on your iPad
• Use your Mac’s keyboard and trackpad to control games and other interactive apps on your iPad

This allows you to benefit from the processing power in both devices rather than simply using one as a glorified second screen. For example, you could watch YouTube on your iPad while your MacBook runs a creative program, without affecting playback on the tablet.

Good to Know: Universal Control is just one of the ways to multitask on your iPad and Mac. With iPadOS 16 and macOS Ventura, learn how to use Stage Manager on Mac and iPad.

How to Switch Back to Sidecar Mode

Sidecar allows your iPad to act as a second display for your Mac by extending or mirroring your Mac’s desktop. To switch from Apple Universal Control to Sidecar in macOS, follow these steps:

1. On your Mac, go to the Apple menu in the top-left corner of the screen, then select “System Preferences” or “System Settings.”

2. In the System Preferences window, select the “Displays” option, then click on the drop-down arrow on the right of the display arrangement diagram.

3. Select “Mirror or extend to” and the name of the iPad you want to use as a SideCar display.

Depending on your needs, switching between Universal Control and Sidecar allows you to use your Mac and iPad in a variety of different ways. Universal Control allows you to use your Mac’s input devices on your iPad, while Sidecar allows you to use your iPad as a secondary display for your Mac. You can switch between these modes as needed to get the most out of your Mac and iPad.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I control media on my iPad with Universal Control?

Yes, you can use your Mac’s keyboard and trackpad to control audio and video playback on your iPad. This can be convenient if you’re watching a movie or TV show on your iPad and want to use your Mac’s keyboard and trackpad to pause, play, or skip ahead.

Can I control my iPad games with my Mac mouse and keyboard?

Yes, you can use your Mac’s keyboard and trackpad or mouse to control supported games and other interactive apps on your iPad. This can be a more intuitive and comfortable way to play games on your iPad, and there are some really awesome games on iPad and Mac, thanks to Apple Arcade. Now you can play them on either system with a keyboard and mouse.

Can I copy and paste between my Mac and iPad?

Yes, you can use Universal Control to copy and paste text, images, and files between your Mac and iPad. To do this, simply select the item you want to copy on one device, press Command + C to copy it, switch to the other device, and press Command + V to paste it. This can be a convenient way to quickly transfer content between your Mac and iPad.

Image credit: Pixabay. All Screenshots by Sydney Butler.