If you own multiple Apple devices such as the iPhone, Apple Watch and Mac, you can ‘continue’ with a certain task using Handoff. For example, you are composing an email on your iPhone, then you can continue on your Mac thanks to this smart function. If you are surfing on your iPad, you can continue on your iPhone.
The function is almost automatic when you meet a number of conditions. In addition to continuing tasks, you can also use Handoff to paste the copied text from one device to another thanks to the universal clipboard.
What is Handoff and what do you use it for?
With Handoff, you can start something on one device, such as your Mac, iPhone, iPad, Vision Pro, or Apple Watch, and then continue on another device. For example, start composing a note on your iPhone and finish it in Notes on your Mac. You can use Handoff with many Apple apps, for example Calendar, Contacts, Pages, Mail and Safari, but some apps from other developers also work with Handoff.
Conditions Handoff
To use Handoff, your devices must meet the Continuity system requirements. You will find an overview of all devices here back. In addition, you must be signed in with the same Apple ID on all devices and Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and Handoff must be enabled.
Enable handoff on Apple devices
- iPhone or iPad: Settings ▸ General ▸ AirPlay and Handoff ▸ enable ‘Handoff’
- Apple Watch: Apple Watch application for iPhone ▸ My Watch ▸ General ▸ enable the ‘Enable handoff’ option
- Mac: From macOS Ventura: ▸ System Settings ▸ General ▸ AirDrop & Handoff ▸ enable “Allow Handoff between this Mac and your iCloud devices.” macOS Monterey or earlier: ▸ System Preferences ▸ General ▸ check the option “Allow Handoff between this Mac and your iCloud devices”
Access handoff via iPhone or iPad
On an iPhone, you can take over the Handoff task by opening the app switcher and tapping the app bar at the bottom of the screen. On an iPad you can also take over the task from the Dock, as the app icon will appear on the right of the Dock with a miniature version of your Device attached to it. Tap the app icon to take over the task.
Using Handoff on a Mac
Once the option is enabled and you meet the conditions, you can use Handoff. For example, open a website in Safari on your iPhone, once it is active you can take over the task from the Dock of your Mac by clicking on the Safari icon with symbol. Where to find the app icon depends on the installed macOS version, click here for more information.