macOS · Apps
Control an iPad or another Mac with one keyboard and mouse
Universal Control lets you use a single keyboard and mouse or trackpad to work seamlessly across a Mac and a nearby iPad or second Mac, and drag content such as files and images between them.
How to open Universal Control
- Open System Settings → Displays → Advanced (or Universal Control button)
- Enable 'Allow your cursor and keyboard to move between any nearby Mac or iPad'
- Bring a compatible, signed-in device physically close to the Mac
- Move the cursor to the shared screen edge to begin controlling the other device
What you should know
- Works over Wi-Fi and Bluetooth without any cabling once set up
- Move the cursor off the edge of one screen and onto another device's screen
- Drag and drop files, images, and text directly between connected devices
- Supports connecting up to two additional nearby devices at once
Why it matters
For people who work across a Mac and an iPad side by side, Universal Control removes the friction of physically switching input devices or using a separate remote-desktop app just to move a file or a line of text between them. It effectively turns two or three separate devices into one extended, controllable workspace, which especially benefits designers, writers, and anyone using an iPad as a secondary reference or drawing surface next to a Mac.
Best practices
- Position devices physically in the arrangement that matches their onscreen Display arrangement for intuitive cursor movement
- Keep both devices signed in with the same Apple Account and near each other with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled
- Disable Universal Control when not in use if you frequently work near other people's Macs to avoid accidental connections
- Use drag and drop between devices for quick file transfers instead of AirDrop for small, frequent moves
Common problems and fixes
- Cursor will not move to the other device
- Confirm both devices have Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Handoff turned on, and are signed in with the same Apple Account.
- Universal Control disconnects randomly
- Move devices closer together and reduce Wi-Fi network congestion, since range and interference affect the connection.
- A nearby device does not appear as an option
- Check that the device meets compatibility requirements and that Universal Control is enabled in its own settings.
Tips and tricks
- Arrange devices in Displays settings to match their physical desk layout for a natural cursor handoff.
- Drag a photo straight from Preview on the Mac onto a Notes page open on the iPad to move it instantly.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to be on the same Wi-Fi network?
It works best on the same network, but can also function using peer-to-peer Bluetooth and Wi-Fi in range.
Can I use Universal Control with three devices at once?
Yes, up to two additional devices can be connected alongside the Mac you are controlling from.
Does it work with a Magic Keyboard case on the iPad?
Yes, but you can only actively type on one device's keyboard at a time; the cursor determines which device receives input.
Related settings
- AirDrop & HandoffAirDrop lets you wirelessly send files, photos, and links directly to nearby Apple devices without email or messaging apps, while Handoff lets you start something on one Apple device — like a browser tab or email draft — and pick it up instantly on your Mac.
- Wi-Fi ConnectionWi-Fi settings let you join, manage, and prioritize wireless networks on your Mac, including hidden networks and networks that require a captive-portal sign-in.
- Bluetooth DevicesBluetooth settings let you pair and manage wireless accessories such as keyboards, trackpads, mice, headphones, and speakers with your Mac.
More Apps guides for macOS
- Mission Control & SpacesMission Control gives you a bird's-eye view of every open window and virtual desktop (called a Space) on your Mac, so you can quickly find a window or switch contexts. Spaces let you group apps by project or activity instead of piling every window onto one desktop.
- General & Default AppsThe General settings pane covers system-wide basics like software update, storage, and login items, while default app settings let you choose which app opens web links, email, and specific file types instead of relying on Apple's built-in apps.
- Login Items & ExtensionsLogin Items & Extensions settings control which apps and documents open automatically when you log in, plus which system extensions — like Finder add-ons, sharing options, and background helper processes — are allowed to run.
- Siri & SpotlightSiri settings control your Mac's voice assistant — activation phrase, voice, and language — while Spotlight settings determine what shows up when you search with Command-Space, including which categories of results and suggestions appear.
- ExtensionsExtensions settings let you enable or disable add-ons that other apps install into Finder, the Share menu, Today widgets, and other system surfaces, giving you control over what third-party code can hook into.
- Passwords AppThe Passwords app provides a dedicated interface for viewing, organizing, and sharing the passwords, passkeys, Wi-Fi passwords, and verification codes stored in iCloud Keychain, separate from Safari's AutoFill settings.