Using Universal Control Across Macs and iPads

Universal Control is a new feature of macOS 12.3 and iPadOS 15.4 that lets you control all of the Macs and iPads on your desk with one keyboard and mouse or trackpad. You can even drag-and-drop and copy and paste between devices.

Comments: 15 Responses to “Using Universal Control Across Macs and iPads”

    Russell Tolman
    2 years ago

    My question is can I us this toped an app on my iPad?
    I have this setup and the cursor shows up but I am unable to open any apps on the iPad?

    thanks for the help.

    2 years ago

    Russell: If you mean move the pointer to the iPad and click on an app icon to launch the app, then yes. That definitely works.

    Brian Silverio
    2 years ago

    Gary, thank you so much. I have been wanting to try this but didn't have time to do the research. You saved the day!

    Razvan Mihai
    2 years ago

    Gary: Thanks for the tutorial and for prompting that the Univeral Control feature is finally out. I wondered if there is a way to use this feature in a scenario where, while in an online call (e.g., Zoom), I can use my iPad to quickly sketch a diagram that can be shared with an audience.

    2 years ago

    Razvan: I'm not sure how UC would apply in that case. Just use your iPad as normal to sketch. Then save it to iCloud Drive and bring it up in Zoom on your Mac.

    Bill Vilberg
    2 years ago

    Amazing. You are such a good explainer. I, as others, had heard of this and was wondering if I might find it useful. Your demonstration was EXACTLY what I needed. I upgraded my iPad yesterday, and I expect to update my MBP today. Then I will turn Universal Control on. Thanks for taking the time to demo and share this!

    jan-fantl@me.com
    2 years ago

    ... this far over my head. This is so 3D I dont follow.
    'd appreciate if u d do this for dummies

    Chris Klemmer
    2 years ago

    I understand my 2015 MacBook Air is too old to run Universal Control. Yet, Activity Monitor shows the task Universal Control is always running. This is confusing. Please explain.

    2 years ago

    Chris: My guess is that it is a part of macOS so the process is there whether or not the system can use it or it is being used. It probably isn't doing anything or using any resources. Maybe a future version of macOS will be "optimized" and you won't see it there. There are probably lots of things listed in Activity Monitor that you aren't using.

    Jeanne Bragg
    2 years ago

    This blows my mind.
    I can think of so many uses.
    Thanks, as always, Gary for the wonderful video and it was an extra bonus to see your "home base."

    charlie
    1 year ago

    Is there a shortcut key to switch between devices?

    1 year ago

    Charlie: no shortcut as the pointer flows between both so just move the pointer.

    Tugrul Temel
    1 year ago

    I have MacStudio Monterey and a MacBook Pro Monterey. I have a simple mouse that I like to use in both computers sitting next to each other. I try to use Universal Control but My Universal Control in MacStudio nor in MacBook Pro does not show the option "Add Display". So I cannot use my mouse across the two computers. My question is why I cannot see the option "Add Display". Note that my mouse is a very simple mouse connected to MacStudio by cable.

    1 year ago

    Tugrul: Try restarting both and see if you get the option a few minutes later. If not, call Apple Support.

    Tugrul
    1 year ago

    Thanks for your info. I will try your suggestion.

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