How to Use Universal Control in macOS 13 and iPad

Universal Control allows you to seamlessly use a single keyboard, mouse, or trackpad across your Mac and iPad without any third-party software. By setting up this feature in macOS 13 Ventura and iPadOS, you can move your cursor between screens, type on either device, and drag and drop content between them. This guide walks you through the required settings and steps to get Universal Control running immediately.

System Requirements

Before enabling Universal Control, ensure both devices meet the following conditions:

  • Operating Systems: Your Mac must run macOS 13 Ventura (or later), and your iPad must run iPadOS 15.4 (or later).
  • Apple ID: Both devices must be signed in to the same Apple ID using two-factor authentication.
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Handoff must be turned on on both devices.
  • Proximity: The devices must be within 30 feet (10 meters) of each other.
  • Restrictions: Neither device can be sharing a cellular or internet connection (Personal Hotspot must be off).

Step 1: Enable Settings on Your iPad

  1. Open the Settings app on your iPad.
  2. Tap General, then select AirPlay & Handoff.
  3. Toggle on Cursor and Keyboard.

Step 2: Enable Settings on macOS 13 Ventura

  1. Click the Apple menu () in the top-left corner of your screen and select System Settings.
  2. Click Displays in the sidebar.
  3. Click the Advanced... button at the bottom of the Displays window.
  4. Turn on the switch for "Allow your pointer and keyboard to move between any nearby Mac or iPad".
  5. Turn on "Push through the edge of a display to connect a nearby Mac or iPad".
  6. Click Done.

Step 3: Connect and Arrange Your Displays

  1. Place your iPad next to your Mac and wake both devices.
  2. Move your Mac’s cursor to the edge of the screen nearest to your iPad and push it slightly past the edge.
  3. An icon showing your Mac's cursor pushing into the iPad screen will appear on the edge of the iPad display. Continue pushing through to connect.
  4. To align the display layout with your physical setup:
    • Go to System Settings > Displays on your Mac.
    • Drag your iPad’s screen representation up, down, left, or right to match where it physically sits next to your Mac.

Using Universal Control

Once connected, your Mac's keyboard and mouse immediately control the iPad when the pointer is moved onto the iPad's screen:

  • Typing: Click inside any text field on your iPad to type using your Mac keyboard.
  • Gestures: iPadOS gestures work with your Mac’s trackpad, including two-finger scrolling and swiping up with three fingers to open the App Switcher.
  • Drag and Drop: Click and hold a file, photo, or block of text on one device, then drag it across the boundary onto the other device to transfer it.