Fix: Universal Control is Not Working on iPad and Mac

Universal Control is a program that creates a path between iPadOS and macOS without any setup by Apple. Universal Control was introduced in iPadOS 15.4 and macOS 12.3 for iPad and Mac users. This program helps you use the Keyboard and Mouse or Trackpad between Mac and iPad. You can also transfer and bring files to three devices simultaneously.

But sometimes, Universal control does not work correctly on your iPad and Mac. Your Mac and iPad might also not work with universal control. This blog is about fixing the Universal Control that is not working on your iPad and Mac. Follow our given methods and fix the issues.

11 Ways to Fix “Universal Control is Not Working” on iPad and Mac:

1. Use the same Apple Account
2. Try Primary Solutions
3. Enable Handoff
4. Setup Two-Factor Authentication
5. Enable Bluetooth and Wi-Fi on your iPad and Mac
6. Stop Sharing Internet or Cellular Connection
7. Enable Universal Control
8. Setup Only one Mac
9. Open Relevant App On iPad
10. Change Your iCloud Password and login
11. Restart your Mac and iPad

Before trying all these methods, please check device compatibility first. Below we have listed all the devices.

Check Compatible Device

Update your macOS and iPadOS to the latest version if available. The Universal Control features are limited and come with selected devices only. Make sure that which device you are using can support the Universal Control.

Compatible Mac

• MacBook Pro (2016 and later)
• MacBook (2016 and later)
• MacBook Air (2018 and later)
• Mac mini (2018 and later)
• mac Pro (2019 or later)
• iMac (2017 and later)
• iMac (5K Retina 27-inch, Late 2015)
• iMac Pro
• mac Studio

iPad Compatible Device:

• iPad Pro (All Models)
• iPad Air (3rd Gen and later)
• iPad Mini (6th Gen released 2021)
• iPad (6th Gen and later)
• iPad Mini (5th Gen and later)

Check OS Compatibility:

iPad

On your iPad, open the Settings and go to the General menu. Now select Software Update and Install the latest OS.

Mac

On your Mac, click on the Apple icon and the System Preferences. Now select Software Update and install the latest updates on your Mac.

1. Use the same Apple Account

If the Universal Control is not working on your Mac and iPad, you can use the same account on both devices. If you are using an iPad, open your Settings and Profile menu. If using Mac, go to your settings, open System Preferences, and select Apple ID.

2. Try Primary Solutions

• Connect your all devices with the same Wi-Fi connection.
• Now turn on Bluetooth.
• Sign in with the same Apple ID on your both devices.
• Turn off VPN on iPad/iPhone & Mac and Firewall on Mac.
• Go to the Apple Logo in the menu > System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Firewall > Turn off Firewall.
• Make sure your device is within 1 meter to 3 feet.
• Now, turn off the Universal Control and then restart your device and try to connect again.
• Connect from Mac’s Control center > Display > choose the device name.
• Go to the Display Preferences > Add Devices > select iPad or Mac for Mac.
• Change your Wi-Fi to your Network because the Universal Control doesn’t work while the iPad uses a Hotspot.
• To change your location, go to the Apple Logo, then System preferences > Display > See the device’s current physical location, then drag it and set it to the correct position.

3. Enable Handoff

Enable the Handoff on your iPad and Mac to use Universal control because the handoff function allows you to use iPad/iPhone apps on the Mac. So, follow our steps and enable the Handoff.

For iPad

• Open the settings on your iPad, select General Option, and then click on the AirPlay & handoff menu.
• Now, enable Handoff, cursor, and keyboard toggles.

For Mac

• Open your Settings and System preferences on your Mac.
• Open the General menu and enable the Allow Handoff between this Mac and iCloud devices option.

4. Setup Two-Factor Authentication

If you want to use Universal Control, you must enable two-factor authentication.

Setup for iPad:

• Open your Settings and click on your name.
• Select the Password & Security.
• Now, click on the Turn On Two-Factor Authentication.
• Click on continue.
• Now, choose your preferences to receive the verification codes, either Text Messages or Phone calls.
• After receiving the Codes, then Enter the Codes and complete the procedure.

Setup for Mac:

• In the top menu bar, click on the Apple menu.
• Select System Preferences and click on Password & Security.
• Click on the Two-Factor Authentication and click on the Turn On button.

5. Enable Bluetooth and Wi-Fi on your iPad and Mac

• Open your Settings app, click on Wi-Fi, and then turn it on to enable your Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.
• Select Wi-Fi Internet and click ok the Bluetooth.
• Now, enable the Bluetooth toggle.

6. Stop Sharing Internet or Cellular Connection

If you are sharing any internet or cellular data, stop sharing it. Because apple already mentioned that the Mac and iPad are strictly not be shared.

7. Enable Universal Control

Now you can enable Universal Control on Mac. To recognise the nearby iPad models. So, follow our methods.

• Click on the Command + space keys and type System Preferences and search.
• Go to the Display menu and select Universal Control.
• Now, enable all the options from the following menu.

8. Setup Only one Mac

You can use one Mac for the Universal Control to start functioning because Universal Control requires at least one Mac to work correctly. So, you need one Mac to make the Universal Control up and running.

9. Keep Open Relevant App On iPad

It would be best if you kept open the photos app on the iPad to make the transfer happen when you try to use drag and drop from Mac to iPad. But the Mac supports all types of files.

10. Change Your iCloud Password and login

For Mac:

• Open the Apple logo and go to System Preferences.
• Click on Apple ID > Password & Security > Change Password > Then enter your Administrator password.
• In the new Windows, Set a New Password and then change it.

For iPad or iPhone:

• Open settings then click on Apple ID account > Password & Security > Change Password > Enter your iPhone or iPad lock screen
• Passcode > Enter the password two times > Click on the Change button.
• For iCloud, go to the Google Account. Enter your Apple ID and password.
• Now, set a New Password for iCloud.

11. Restart your Mac and iPad

Now, try to restart your device and check your Problem. For Mac users, go to the Apple menu and click on the restart button. And for iPad users, press and hold the Home button and Power button when you see the Apple logo on display.