Now users can use the Universal Control feature on Mac to control and manage Apple devices with one keyboard & mouse. The only catch is Mac should be operating on macOS Monterey 12.3 or later and iPads on iPadOS 15.4 or later. With this incredible feature, users can use one keyboard and mouse to operate nearly every iPad/Mac. The only condition is that those devices should be logged in to the same iCloud account. For instance, if you use an iPad and a MacBook Pro next to it, you can use your machine’s keyboard and trackpad to navigate on the iPad.
Since the Universal Control feature comes enabled by default, it is supposed to auto-function after installing iPadOS 15.4 and macOS Monterey 12.3. Though, if you intend to change/disable any feature/setting, you do so. This guide will help you learn about this fantastic feature and how you can disable/ enable Universal Control on Mac.
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How Does the Universal Control Feature Work on a Mac?
Before getting to the process of adjusting universal control on Mac, let’s know the working of this feature.
To get started, you need to log in to the Mac and iPad with the same Apple ID and place them next to each other. As soon as you do that, the Bluetooth chips on each device recognize the proximity and the provided conditions are met (prerequisites shared below), and the Universal Control feature gets activated.
You can now move the mouse point and type from one device to another using a keyboard. Both devices will continue to run their respective operating systems, but you won’t have to bring an extra keyboard or mouse to access the other Mac if they are placed side by side.
What Are the Prerequisites for Using the Universal Control Feature on a Mac?
Universal Control is compatible with the devices and operating systems listed below. It requires 1 Mac and 2 additional Macs or iPads to work with.
Note: If your Universal Control is not working correctly after installing the updates, restart both devices.
- macOS Monterey 12.4 or after that is required.
- MacBook models released in 2016
- MacBook Pro models released in 2016
- MacBook Air released in 2018
- Mac mini released in 2018 or later, iMac released in 2017, or iMac
- Mac Pro launched in 2019 or upcoming editions,
- iMac Pro
- Mac Studio
Additional Prerequisites
Each device must use two-factor authentication and be signed in with the same Apple ID. Universal Control does not support Managed Apple IDs.
Also, every device must be within 10 meters (30 feet) of the other and enabled for Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Handoff.
Your iPad’s cellular connection must not be shared, and your Mac’s internet connection must not be shared.
As we’ve already mentioned, the Universal Control feature gets enabled automatically when you install the macOS Monterey 12.3 and iPadOS 15.4, but there are specific settings that you can adjust or disable Universal Control on Mac altogether if you’re not a fan. So, without further ado, let’s look at the step-by-step guide to altering the functionality via System Preferences.
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How to Adjust Universal Control on Mac
Enlisting the step-by-step procedure to make the process easier to acknowledge:
Step 1: Open ‘System Preferences’ on your device.
To do so, move your cursor on the Apple symbol in the top-left of the menu bar and click on it, and then select “System Preferences” from the drop-down list.
Step 2: Once the System Preferences window opens, select “Displays” from the list of available options.
Step 3: Now, on the Display settings page, click on “Universal Control.”
Step 4: A window will appear with three options — “Enable your keyboard and cursor to move in between nearly available iPad or Mac,” “Connect a nearly available iPad/Mac by pushing through the edge of the display,” and “Automatically reconnect to any nearby Mac or iPad.” Uncheck the options you wish to disable.
Step 5: Once the options have been disabled, click the “Done” button.
Remember that you need to select these options again to start using the Universal Control feature again in the future.
How To Disconnect Devices From Universal Control On Mac?
Disconnecting unpreferred devices is an easy process. All you need to do is:
Step 1 = Launch Control Center on your machine.
Step 2 = Now, simply click on the blue display icon. As soon as you do that, it should turn into gray color, indicating your device is disconnected.
So, you can easily adjust or disable Universal Control on Mac.
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Q1. What is universal Control on Mac?
Apple has added Universal Control to its existing Continuity system. It allows you to work with a single mouse and keyboard while switching between Mac and iPad for a consistent experience that requires no setup. You can now drag and drop content between devices, and your mouse will move across all of their displays as if they were connected.
In Mac’s Displays preferences, Universal Control comprises the following additional settings:
- Pushing your pointer across the display’s edge to link it to a nearly available iPad or Mac allows you to link both devices. Even if it is not selected, you can connect by clicking on Display in CC (Control Center) and then selecting your iPad/Mac under Link Mouse & Keyboard. Alternatively, in Display’s preferences, use the pop-up showcasing Add Display to accomplish the same.
- “Reconnecting automatically to a nearly available iPad/ Mac” enables your device to get auto-relinked to the devices available nearby. You can still link to other gadgets from the Control Center or Displays preferences even if it is deselected.
Q2. How do I turn on universal control on Mac?
Step 1: Go to the ‘Apple Menu’ -> Then select ‘System Preferences’ -> Click on ‘Displays.’
Step 2: When you reach the downside of the preferences window, click the Universal Control button.
Step 3: Check (tick) the respective box next to “Allow your keyboard and mouse to traverse in between an iPad/Mac available near to your device.” For the time being, let’s leave the remaining two options.
That’s all. Now it is your turn to follow these quick and easy steps to disable universal control on Mac. Instead of disabling everything, you can choose which features to disable while keeping the others operational.
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Important Note: Please remember that the Universal Control feature is still in beta, so there may be some glitches if you use it. If you have any problems with the Universal Control after updating, restart your Mac or iPad.
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