Enable Universal Control Mac: Universal command is probably one of the standout features of macOS Monterey. This feature lets you control an iPad and a Mac simultaneously using the same keyboard and mouse, and is perfect for, say, transferring files between the two devices or using Mac’s display. , iPad, or vice versa, such as an external monitor.
After several months of waiting, Apple has already activated the function for all users. It is available with macOS 12.3 and iPadOS 14.5. However, updating to these new versions is not the only step to take to be able to take advantage of this novelty.
To use the Universal Control function, in fact, a series of requirements must be metered Also enable some settings for better performance. Some of these options are still in the beta phase, but with the difference that now users who want to can also try them, and not only those who have trial versions of macOS and iPad.
What are the requirements for activating and using Universal Control? First, you’ll need to update to macOS 12.3 and iPadOS 14.5. Both versions are available now, so just go to System Preferences > Software Update for macOS and Settings > General > Software Update for iPad. On the other hand, you should remember that not all Macs and iPads support this feature. These are the models that support Universal Control.
- Macs are compatible with Universal Control: MacBook Pro (2016 and later), MacBook (2016 and later), MacBook Air (2018 and later), iMac (2017 and later), iMac 27-inch 5K Retina Late 2015, iMac Pro, Mac mini (2018 and later) later and Mac Pro 2019.
- iPads are compatible with Universal Control: iPad Air 3rd generation. (and later), iPad 6th generation. (and above), iPad mini 5th generation (and above), any generation of iPad Pro.
How to Enable Universal Control Mac and configure Universal Control
Once you’ve verified that your Mac and iPad are compatible with Universal Control and updated with the respective versions, it’s time to activate the necessary parameters for the feature to work properly on your devices.
On the iPad, you will need to enable the ability to use an external keyboard and cursors. To do this, go to Settings > General > AirPlay & Handoff and activate the “Cursor and keyboard” option.
On your Mac, go to Settings > Displays and select the “Universal Control” option that appears at the bottom of the window. You will see a series of options. The ones that need to be enabled to use the feature are the first two- Allow the cursor and keyboard to connect to a nearby Mac or iPad, and move the cursor past the edge of the screen to connect to nearby devices.
The last box is optional, but it is better to check it with the previous two. This, in particular, lets you automatically turn on the feature whenever it detects a nearby Mac or iPad. This way you don’t have to dock your iPad or Mac sideways and transfer the cursor between screens, but you can keep a location selected so that just by turning on the iPad you can navigate between both systems with the same mouse or keyboard.
How to use the new macOS Monterey feature with a Mac and iPad
Once you have confirmed Universal Control, you need to move the cursor on the sides of the screen to navigate the interface of macOS and iPadOS or vice versa. For better integration, it is better to find a location on the iPad screen and set the orientation in the ‘Screens’ option.
This setting can be found in System Preferences. For example, if you’re using an external monitor with some elevation and you want the iPad to be at the bottom of the screen, drag the iPad icon to that location.
What uses can Universal Control be given beyond navigating between the two systems? The feature also allows file transfer. If you have an image in your iPadOS Photo Library and want to move it to macOS, hover over the thumbnail, hold it down, and drag it onto your Mac screen.
You can also type on the iPad using the Mac keyboard. For example, if a message arrives and it is more comfortable for you to reply from the tablet, click on the text box and write with the keyboard. It’s also likely that some apps will add support for this feature soon.
