As a Mac user, you might often switch between a Mac and an iPad while working. And while the experience is seamless, there’s still a gap that remains in terms of controlling both devices simultaneously. The good news is that with the new Universal Control feature that has been introduced by Apple in the upcoming versions of MacOS and iPadOS, you can manage both devices at the same time from a single keyboard and mouse.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Do Universal Control
The new Universal Control feature makes it more convenient to switch between a Mac and iPad while working. It makes multitasking seamless, allowing you to work on both devices with just one keyboard and mouse. Also, it saves you the effort of syncing files and settings across your devices.
Method 1: Using Handoff
Handoff is a feature that allows you to start a task on one device and pick it up on another. Here’s how to set up and use Handoff to enable Universal Control.
Steps:
1. Make sure your devices are signed in to iCloud with the same Apple ID.
2. On your Mac, open System Preferences > General.
3. Enable the checkbox for "Allow Handoff between this Mac and your iCloud devices".
4. On your iPad, enable Handoff by opening Settings > General > AirPlay & Handoff.
5. Check if both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network.
6. Now, while working on your iPad, move your cursor towards the edge of the screen until it disappears. This will automatically move the cursor to your Mac, allowing you to use it as if it was on your iPad.
7. To switch back to your iPad, move the cursor back to the edge of the Mac’s screen.
Pros:
– Easy and quick setup process.
– Streamlines the process of switching between Mac and iPad.
Cons:
– Limited functionality as it only supports Handoff-enabled applications.
– May require a bit of practice and patience to get used to.
Method 2: Via Sidecar
Sidecar is another feature that enables Universal Control. It allows you to use your iPad as a second screen for your Mac. Here’s how to set up and use Sidecar.
Steps:
1. Make sure both devices are signed in to iCloud with the same Apple ID.
2. On your Mac, open System Preferences > Sidecar.
3. Select your iPad’s name under the "Devices" section.
4. Choose how you want to use your iPad from the options available, such as extending the display or duplicating the display.
5. Now, you should be able to use your iPad as a secondary display for your Mac.
6. To use the iPad as a touch screen input device, open the Manage Workspace menu by tapping on the bottom of the iPad’s screen, and then tap on ‘Keyboard and Input Devices’ and select ‘Touch Bar and Gestures’.
Pros:
– Provides an extended display for input and output.
– Offers a touch screen input option.
Cons:
– Requires a cable connection between the Mac and iPad.
– Not all Mac models support this feature.
Method 3: Via AirPlay
AirPlay is a wireless technology that enables you to stream content between devices. It can also be used to set up universal control. Here’s how to set up and use AirPlay.
Steps:
1. Make sure both your Mac and iPad are on the same Wi-Fi network.
2. On your iPad, open Control Center by swiping down from the top-right corner of the screen.
3. Tap on ‘Screen Mirroring’.
4. Select your Mac from the list of available devices.
5. Enter the password for your Mac if prompted.
6. Now, you can control both devices using your iPad as a remote.
Pros:
– Wireless setup eliminates the need for cables.
– Allows you to use your iPad as a remote control.
Cons:
– May have some lag or delay depending on network strength.
– Limited functionality as it only supports AirPlay-enabled applications.
What to Do If You Can’t Use Universal Control?
If you find that you can’t use Universal Control on your Mac and iPad, here are some potential solutions.
1. Make sure your devices meet the requirements. Not all Mac models or software versions support Universal Control, so double-check compatibility.
2. Ensure both devices are updated to the latest software versions, and all updates have been installed.
3. Restart all devices and try again.
4. If none of these work, try contacting Apple support for assistance.
Bonus Tip: Use Siri
If you’re working on both devices and need to perform a quick task, you can use Siri on your iPad or Mac to perform simple commands.
5 FAQs:
Q1. Which Mac models support Universal Control?
A1. Mac models introduced in 2016 or later should support Universal Control.
Q2. Which iPad models support Universal Control?
A2. iPads running iPadOS 15 or later should support Universal Control.
Q3. Do I need to use the same Apple ID on both devices for Universal Control to work?
A3. Yes, you need to use the same Apple ID to enable Universal Control.
Q4. Can I use Universal Control if my Mac and iPad are not on the same network?
A4. No, your Mac and iPad need to be on the same Wi-Fi network for Universal Control to work.
Q5. Can I use Universal Control with an iPhone?
A5. No, at this time, Universal Control only works with Mac and iPad devices.
Final Thoughts
The new Universal Control feature is a game-changer for users who switch between their Mac and iPad frequently. With a few simple steps, you can now control both devices using one keyboard and mouse, streamlining multitasking and saving time. Whether it’s using Handoff, Sidecar, or AirPlay, there are several ways to enable Universal Control. If you’re unable to use Universal Control, there are a few potential fixes you can try. Overall, Universal Control is a powerful feature that can significantly enhance your productivity.