iPadOS 15.4 includes the new Universal Controls feature. iPhoned shows you how to set up Universal Controls to get started!
Set up universal controls
The Universal Control (or Universal Control) feature appeared in iPadOS 15.4 and MacOS Monterey 12.3. It lets you control both your Mac and iPad with a single mouse, trackpad, and keyboard. It is somewhat like the Sidecar function, but with that you use the iPad as a second screen. We tell you how to set up Universal Controls so that you can get started without any problems.
Universal Control: what you need
The most important thing is that you install the latest updates for your iPad and Mac and are signed in with the same Apple ID. The latest update for your tablet is iPadOS 15.4 and for your Mac it is Monterey 12.3.
You can install the update on the Mac by clicking the Apple logo in the top left and choosing ‘System Preferences … > Software Update’. In the iPadOS 15.4 overview you can read how to install the latest update on the iPad.
So to use Universal Control you need an iPad and a Mac. Not every iPad or Mac supports the Universal Control feature. Below you can see on which devices the new function does work.
- MacBook Pro (2016 and later)
- MacBook (2016 and later)
- MacBook Air (2018 and later)
- iMac (2017 and later)
- iMac (27″)
- iMac Pro
- Mac mini (2018 and later)
- Mac Pro (2019)
- iPad Pro
- iPad Air (3rd generation and later)
- iPad (6th generation and later)
- iPad mini (5th generation and later)
Check Settings on Mac and iPad
Before you get started, it is wise to check the settings. This is how you need to set up Universal Controls on the Mac.
Set up universal controls on Mac
- Click on the Apple logo in the top left and choose ‘System Preferences…’;
- Open the ‘Displays’ option;
- Click on ‘Universal control…’ at the bottom;
- Check the top two options and tap Done.
On the iPad, go to ‘Settings > General > AirPlay and Handoff’. Check whether the options ‘Handoff’ and ‘Cursor and keyboard’ are enabled.
In addition, you must have Bluetooth and WiFi turned on on both devices. You must also have two-factor authentication set up and the two devices must not be more than 10 meters apart. By the way, you are not allowed to share your internet connection on the Mac or iPad.
Using Universal Control
You have now finished setting up the Universal Control and can use the function. Place both devices side by side and move your Mac’s cursor to the edge of the screen. Push the cursor against the edge towards the iPad and you will see that the cursor appears on the iPad. Does this not work after setting the Universal Control? Then try restarting your iPad and Mac.
It is now possible to control your iPad with the same keyboard and mouse of your Mac. Another advantage is the exchange of files. For example, you can now drag a text file from the Finder on your Max to the open Notes app or Files app on your iPad. However, it is not possible to put a document on the home screen of the iPad.
When you move the iPad to the other side of your Mac, you have to lock the tablet and unlock it again. Then again drag the cursor to the edge of the screen. You can also move the display (i.e. the iPad) on your Mac. Click the Apple logo and go to System Preferences… > Displays. Then drag the iPad screen to the desired side.
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