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Apple Universal Control lets one Mac’s keyboard, mouse, or trackpad control that Mac and up to two nearby Mac or iPad devices. You can move the pointer between screens, type on the active device, and drag supported items between devices. Each device still runs its own apps and keeps its own display; Universal Control does not turn an iPad into a second Mac screen.
What Apple Universal Control does
Universal Control shares input across nearby devices. A pointer can travel from one screen to another, and the Mac’s keyboard can enter text on whichever device is active. You can also drag certain items between devices, such as a drawing from an iPad into Keynote on a Mac or a photo from a Mac into Messages on an iPad. Supported file transfers depend on the destination app; a prohibitory symbol means the current destination does not accept the item.
Each device remains independent: its display, apps, and work stay on that device. Universal Control does not combine screens or move Mac windows onto the iPad.
Universal Control versus Sidecar
| Feature | What appears on the iPad | What it is for |
|---|---|---|
| Universal Control | The iPad’s own Home Screen and apps | Using a Mac’s pointer and keyboard across devices, with supported drag-and-drop |
| Sidecar | An extension or mirror of the Mac display | Using the iPad as an additional Mac display |
Choose Universal Control when you want to control apps already running separately on your Mac and iPad. Choose Sidecar when you want Mac content displayed on the iPad.
#1 Best Overall
- Magic Keyboard delivers a remarkably comfortable and precise typing experience.
- It’s also wireless and rechargeable, with an incredibly long-lasting internal battery that’ll power your keyboard for about a month or more between charges.
- It pairs automatically with your Mac, so you can get to work straightaway.
- It features a USB-C port and includes a woven USB-C Charge Cable that lets you pair and charge by connecting to a USB-C port on your Mac.
Compatibility and requirements
Apple lists macOS Monterey 12.4 or later for compatible Macs and iPadOS 15.4 or later for compatible iPads. The iPad families listed are all iPad Pro models, iPad (6th generation or later), iPad Air (3rd generation or later), and iPad mini (5th generation or later). Mac compatibility depends on the specific model and exceptions, so check Apple’s current Universal Control system requirements rather than relying on the operating-system version alone.
- All devices must be signed in to the same Apple Account with two-factor authentication enabled.
- Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Handoff must be on.
- Apple specifies that the devices be within 10 metres (30 feet).
- iPad Internet Sharing and Mac Internet Sharing must be off.
If the Mac does not have built-in input, it needs a connected keyboard and mouse or trackpad. A Mac’s built-in keyboard and trackpad are sufficient when available.
Rank #2
- WIRELESS, RECHARGEABLE CONVENIENCE — Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad connects wirelessly to your Mac, iPad, or iPhone via Bluetooth. And the rechargeable internal battery means no loose batteries to replace.
- WORKS WITH MAC, IPAD, OR IPHONE — It pairs quickly with your device so you can get to work right away.
- ENHANCED TYPING EXPERIENCE — Magic Keyboard delivers a remarkably comfortable and precise typing experience. Its extended layout features document navigation controls for quick scrolling and full-size arrow keys. The numeric keypad is ideal for spreadsheets and finance applications.
- GO WEEKS WITHOUT CHARGING — The incredibly long-lasting internal battery will power your keyboard for about a month or more between charges. (Battery life varies by use.) Comes with a Lightning to USB Cable that lets you pair and charge by connecting to a USB port on your Mac.
- SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS — Requires a Bluetooth-enabled Mac with macOS 10.12.4 or later, an iPad with iPadOS 13.4 or later, or an iPhone or iPod touch with iOS 10.3 or later.
Turn on and connect Universal Control
- Enable it on the Mac: Open Apple menu > System Settings > Displays, then choose Advanced or the Universal Control settings and allow the pointer and keyboard to move between nearby Mac or iPad devices. On older macOS versions, open System Preferences > Displays. Labels can vary by version.
- Enable it on the iPad: Open Settings > General > AirPlay & Continuity or AirPlay & Handoff, then turn on Cursor and Keyboard.
- Make both devices ready: Wake and unlock them, and confirm the account and connectivity requirements above.
- Connect: Push the Mac pointer past the edge of its display toward the other device. When the connection cue appears, continue moving the pointer through. Alternatively, select the nearby device from the Mac’s Display controls.
- Arrange the screens: In Mac Displays settings, position the display icons to match how the devices sit physically. This makes pointer movement across the edge feel natural.
Apple’s setup guidance is available in its Universal Control support article.
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If Universal Control will not connect
- Confirm that each device model and operating-system version is supported, and verify the same Apple Account and two-factor authentication.
- Check Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Handoff, and Internet Sharing settings. Bring the devices closer; Apple recommends trying within 1 metre (3 feet) when troubleshooting.
- Wake and unlock the devices, then turn Universal Control off and back on in the relevant settings.
- Restart the devices if they still do not appear or connect.
- Check whether a VPN or third-party security software is interfering with local connections. Apple also advises against configuring the Mac firewall to block all incoming connections.
See Apple’s troubleshooting instructions for the current steps and settings.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- WHY MAGIC KEYBOARD FOR IPAD — The incredibly thin and portable Magic Keyboard features a glass trackpad with haptic feedback, a great typing experience with a function row, USB-C pass-through charging, front and back protection, and magnetic attachability. No pairing or charging required.
- COMPATIBILITY — Magic Keyboard works with iPad Pro 13-inch (M4 and M5).
- DESIGNED FOR COMFORT — Magic Keyboard features a two-cantilever hinge design for smooth, adjustable viewing angles. Backlit keys with a scissor mechanism and a 10-key function row give you more versatility than ever. The built-in glass trackpad features haptic feedback and support for Multi-Touch gestures using the cursor.
- PROTECTIVE KEYBOARD AND CASE — Folds to provide front and back protection wherever you go and features a USB-C connector for pass-through charging. Available in black or white.
- Accessories are sold separately and subject to availability. Compatibility varies by generation.
Rank #4
- Magic Keyboard is available with Touch ID, providing fast, easy and secure authentication for logins and to unlock your Mac.
- Magic Keyboard with Touch ID and Numeric Keypad delivers a remarkably comfortable and precise typing experience.
- It features an extended layout, with document navigation controls for quick scrolling and full-size arrow keys, which are great for gaming.
- The numeric keypad is also ideal for spreadsheets and finance applications.
- It’s wireless and features a rechargeable battery that will power your keyboard for about a month or more between charges.
Rank #3
- Magic Keyboard is available with Touch ID, providing fast, easy and secure authentication for logins and to unlock your Mac.
- Magic Keyboard with Touch ID and Numeric Keypad delivers a remarkably comfortable and precise typing experience.
- It features an extended layout, with document navigation controls for quick scrolling and full-size arrow keys, which are great for gaming.
- The numeric keypad is also ideal for spreadsheets and finance applications.
- It’s wireless and features a rechargeable battery that will power your keyboard for about a month or more between charges.
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.
