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Mac has always been a favorite tool among professionals, from developers to graphic designers. With macOS Catalina, Apple has brought a new feature called Universal Control. This feature allows Mac and iPad users to use their devices together seamlessly. By simply moving the mouse cursor to the edge of the Mac screen, the cursor will seamlessly move to the iPad. What makes this feature even more incredible is that you can drag and drop files between the Mac and the iPad as if they were one device.
As a blogger who uses both Mac and iPad, I was excited to try out this new feature. However, I found that there are some tips and tricks that users should know about. In this blog post, I’ll be sharing with you some methods to help you use Universal Control to its full potential.
Video Tutorial:
What’s Needed?
To use Universal Control, you will need a few things:
– A Mac running macOS Catalina or later
– An iPad running iPadOS 13 or later
– Both devices should be signed in with the same Apple ID
– Both devices should be within Bluetooth range of each other
– Wi-Fi and Bluetooth should be enabled on both devices
What Requires Your Attention?
Before getting started, here are a few things you should pay attention to:
– Your Mac and iPad should be on the same Wi-Fi network to ensure a stable connection.
– For Universal Control to work properly, you should use the same Apple ID on both devices.
– Both devices should have Bluetooth enabled. If Bluetooth is not enabled, you may see an error message prompting you to turn it on.
– To use drag and drop between your devices, you need to ensure that the app that contains the file you want to transfer is open on both the Mac and the iPad.
Method 1: Setting up Universal Control
The first thing you need to do is to make sure your Mac and iPad are set up to use Universal Control. Here are the steps to follow:
1. On your Mac, go to System Preferences and click on "Displays."
2. Check the "Show mirroring options in the menu bar when available" box.
3. On your iPad, go to Settings > General > Handoff and enable "Handoff" if it is not already enabled.
4. On your iPad, make sure that the Apple Pencil is not connected to the iPad.
Pros:
– Easy and quick to set up
– Enables seamless connection between two devices
Cons:
– Connection may not be stable if both devices are far from each other
Method 2: Troubleshooting Universal Control
If you are unable to use Universal Control, there might be a few reasons behind this. Here are a few fixes that might help:
1. Make sure your Mac and iPad are within Bluetooth range of each other.
2. Ensure both devices are signed in with the same Apple ID.
3. Restart your devices and try again.
4. Disable and enable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on both devices.
5. Try using Universal Control with another device to see if the issue persists.
Pros:
– Helps address any issues you may have with Universal Control
– Enables you to troubleshoot the issue on your own
Cons:
– Some issues may not be fixable through troubleshooting
Method 3: Drag and Drop between Devices
One of the best features of Universal Control is the ability to drag and drop files between Mac and iPad. Here are the steps to follow:
1. Open the app that contains the file you want to transfer on both devices.
2. Click and hold the file on the Mac.
3. Move your cursor to the edge of the Mac screen and wait until it moves to the iPad.
4. Release the file on the iPad.
Pros:
– Enables efficient file transfer between devices
– Reduces the need to transfer files using other methods
Cons:
– Some apps may not be compatible with drag and drop
Why Can’t I Use Universal Control?
1. Your Mac and iPad are not running the latest operating system.
2. Bluetooth is not enabled on both devices.
3. Your Mac and iPad are not signed in with the same Apple ID.
4. Both devices are not within Bluetooth range of each other.
Implications and Recommendations
Universal Control is a great feature that can help you work seamlessly between your Mac and iPad. It helps to eliminate the need for multiple devices to complete a task. Additionally, it makes collaboration much easier when working with other people on projects. The implications of this feature are tremendous, especially for professionals who use both devices for work. Here are some recommendations to make the most of Universal Control:
1. Ensure that both devices are signed in with the same Apple ID to avoid connection issues.
2. Make sure Bluetooth is enabled on both devices for a stable connection.
3. Use the latest operating system on both devices for better performance.
4. Keep both devices within Bluetooth range of each other to ensure a stable connection.
FAQs
Q: Does Universal Control work with all Mac and iPad models?
A: No, Universal Control is available on Mac models running macOS Catalina or later and iPad models running iPadOS 13 or later.
Q: Can I use Universal Control with more than two devices?
A: At the moment, Universal Control only works between two devices.
Q: How far can my Mac and iPad be from each other for Universal Control to work?
A: Bluetooth has a range of up to 30 feet, but for a stable connection, it is recommended that both devices be within 10 feet of each other.
Q: Can I copy and paste between devices using Universal Control?
A: Yes, you can copy and paste text, images, and other items between devices using Universal Control.
Q: Is it possible to disable Universal Control?
A: Yes, you can disable Universal Control in System Preferences under Displays > AirPlay Display.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Universal Control is a fantastic feature that makes working between Mac and iPad a lot easier. By following the steps outlined in this blog post, you can easily set up your devices and start using Universal Control to its full potential. Keep in mind that for the best performance, it is important to use the latest operating systems on your devices, keep them within Bluetooth range of each other, and sign in with the same Apple ID. With Universal Control, you can take your productivity to the next level and work more efficiently than ever before.
