What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
There are two ways to use one keyboard with multiple devices: use Universal Control to move your Mac’s keyboard and pointer across nearby Macs and iPads, or use a multi-device Bluetooth keyboard with buttons that switch between paired hosts. For a supported Mac-and-iPad setup, Universal Control may be all you need; it does not require pairing the keyboard separately to each device.
Choose the kind of switching you need
“Switching” can mean moving the pointer and keyboard between screens while each device keeps its own apps, or pressing a keyboard button to change which Bluetooth device receives keystrokes. Universal Control provides the first workflow. A keyboard with dedicated device-selection buttons provides the second.
| Option | How you switch | What it suits |
|---|---|---|
| Universal Control | Move the pointer across a display edge or select a device in Mac Display controls. | Supported Mac-and-iPad or Mac-and-Mac setups where you want the keyboard and pointer to follow the cursor. |
| Multi-device Bluetooth keyboard | Use the keyboard’s documented host-selection button or channel. | Changing the keyboard’s active Bluetooth host directly, including when Universal Control is unavailable or not wanted. |
Apple’s cited Magic Keyboard instructions cover pairing and reconnection, but do not document a dedicated instant multi-host switch button. Do not assume every Apple keyboard or Bluetooth keyboard switches hosts the same way.
How to set up Universal Control
Check the requirements
Apple says Universal Control works with compatible Macs and iPads. The devices must use the same Apple Account with two-factor authentication, have Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Handoff enabled, and be within 10 metres of one another. Keep them awake and unlocked while connecting. Apple also notes that internet-sharing conditions can interfere. Check Apple’s Universal Control requirements and troubleshooting guidance for the supported models and operating systems; compatibility is version-specific.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Turn on the feature
- On the Mac, open Apple menu > System Settings > Displays > Advanced.
- Enable Allow your pointer and keyboard to move between any nearby Mac or iPad.
- On the iPad, open Settings > General > AirPlay & Continuity (or AirPlay & Handoff, depending on the iPadOS version) and enable Cursor and Keyboard when that setting is available.
Apple changes some settings labels between operating-system versions, so the wording you see may differ slightly.
Connect and position the screens
- Move the Mac pointer beyond the left or right edge of its display in the direction of the other device. When the connection indicator appears, continue moving the pointer across.
- Alternatively, use the Mac’s Control Center > Display controls or System Settings > Displays to select the nearby device, then move the pointer across.
- If the pointer crosses on the wrong side, arrange the displays in System Settings > Displays so their on-screen positions match their physical positions.
Use the Mac keyboard on the iPad or another Mac
Once the pointer is on the target device, type normally: the keyboard input follows the pointer. Each device continues to show and run its own apps; Universal Control does not turn the iPad into a Mac display. Apple also supports moving the pointer among connected devices and dragging supported content between them.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
This answers “Can I use my Mac keyboard on my iPad without pairing it again?” when the devices meet Universal Control’s requirements: the keyboard remains connected to the Mac, and Universal Control carries the Mac’s input across the screens. A device sleeping or being disconnected can end the connection. In Displays > Advanced, Apple provides controls to disable Universal Control or prevent automatic reconnection.
Universal Control is different from Sidecar
Sidecar uses an iPad as an extended or mirrored display for a Mac. Universal Control instead lets you control separate Macs or iPads, each showing its own screen and apps, with one keyboard and pointer. Choose Sidecar when you want the iPad to act as another Mac display; choose Universal Control when you want to move input between the devices’ independent interfaces.
Recommended Free Tools
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
What to know about Apple Magic Keyboard pairing
Apple’s Mac setup instructions describe connecting Magic Keyboard wirelessly over Bluetooth and pairing it with a Mac; connecting it to the Mac with a cable can also pair it. Apple’s iPhone pairing instructions say that Magic Keyboard must be unpaired from another device before connecting it to an iPhone. Those instructions do not establish a dedicated Magic Keyboard hotkey for switching among saved Bluetooth hosts. If you mean “Does Magic Keyboard switch between devices?” the documented answer is that Apple explains pairing and reconnection, not button-based multi-host switching.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Use a keyboard with dedicated device-switch buttons
Logitech’s Keys-To-Go 2 guide documents Bluetooth channels and Easy-Switch buttons. The guide’s process is to choose a channel, hold its Easy-Switch button for three seconds to enter pairing, select the keyboard in the device’s Bluetooth settings, and then short-press that channel’s button to switch to a previously connected device. This is one model’s documented method, not a universal rule for multi-device keyboards; check the manual for the exact model and how many hosts it supports.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Which method should you use?
- Start with Universal Control if your devices are compatible Macs and iPads (or Macs), you want the pointer as well as the keyboard to move between their screens, and you can meet the account, connectivity, and proximity requirements.
- Choose a multi-device Bluetooth keyboard if you want physical buttons to select the active host, your devices cannot use Universal Control, or you need a keyboard-only change between Bluetooth devices.
- Check the keyboard’s own documentation before buying or relying on host switching: supported device slots and button behavior vary by model.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
