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What is Universal Control
Universal Control is a feature that allows you to control multiple Macs and iPads with one keyboard and mouse. This can be a useful tool for increasing productivity, as it allows you to easily switch between multiple devices without having to constantly switch input devices. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at how to set up and use Universal Control with a Mac and iPad.
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The Benefits of Using Universal Control
Once these steps are done, you can move your cursor from your Mac to your iPad, and back, by moving it to the edge of your Mac’s screen. You can also move your cursor from your iPad to your Mac by swiping up with four fingers on your iPad’s screen. Additionally, you can use the keyboard and mouse connected to your Mac to control your iPad, and the touch screen of your iPad as a touchpad for your Mac
Additionally, you can use the keyboard and mouse connected to your Mac to control your iPad, and the touch screen of your iPad as a touchpad for your Mac. With this feature, you can easily switch between devices and use them together, making it easy to copy and paste text or move files between them. This can be especially useful when you’re working on a project that requires multiple devices, or if you just want to use your iPad as an additional monitor for your Mac. Before learning how to turn on Universal Control, be sure to check if your device meets the system requirements.
System Requirements For Universal Control:
| macOS Monterey | 12.4 or later |
| MacBook (2016 or later) | |
| MacBook Pro (2016 or later) | |
| MacBook Air (2018 or later) | |
| Mac mini (2018 or later) | |
| iMac (2017 or later), or iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, Late 2015) | |
| iMac Pro | |
| Mac Pro (2019 or later) | |
| Mac Studio | |
| iPadOS | 15.4 or later |
| iPad Pro (all models) | |
| iPad (6th generation) or later | |
| iPad Air (3rd generation) or later | |
| iPad mini (5th generation) or later |
How To Turn On Universal Control
First, make sure that your Mac and iPad are on the same Wi-Fi network and that they are both running the latest version of macOS and iPadOS (must be Ventura or later).
Next, on Your Mac Follow These Steps:
- Go to Apple menu > System Settings (or System Preferences).
- Click Displays.
- Go to the “Advanced” button at the bottom.
- Enable “Allow your pointer and keyboard to move between any nearby Mac or iPad.”
Next, on Your iPad (compatible with Universal Control) Follow These Steps:
- Tap the “Settings” app.
- Go to “General”
- Tap AirPlay & Handoff.
- Then tap “Cursor” and “Keyboard.”
Connecting Your iPad and MacBook with Universal Control
Once you have turned on Universal Control you can now link your Mac device and iPad via the following steps:
- Place devices close to each other and ensure they are on and unlocked
- Move cursor past the edge of the screen towards the other device, even if it is below the screen.
- Push cursor all the way through to the other device to connect.
In conclusion, Universal Control is a powerful feature that allows you to control multiple Macs and iPads with one keyboard and mouse. By following these simple steps, you can easily set up and use Universal Control to increase your productivity and make it easier to switch between devices. As it utilizes the Airplay functionality, it can be a great way to optimize the use of your Mac and iPad at the same time.
