Universal Control on MacBook and iPad NOT working? One BIG setting that nobody told you, ENABLE it now

Universal Control on MacBook and iPad comes with macOS Monterey 12.3 and iPadOS 15.4. Here’s to enable them.

Universal Control Works can manage multiple Apple devices using a single mouse and keyboard (Apple)

Universal Control is the next “magic” that Apple teased at its last WWDC event. The ability to connect your Mac and iPad in a way that the iPad acts as an extension of your Mac — that is highly convenient. And now that Apple has released these updates for the public, you should immediately get these downloaded and use the Universal Control features on your Mac and iPad devices. While Apple says users won't have to do any setup process, there is a crucial step involved to get the feature working.

Hence, you will need to do more than just downloading and installing these updates. Note that Universal Control is still available as a beta feature and hence, may not be working as effortlessly as advertised for everyone. Plus, you will need to have compatible devices in order to make it work.

Universal Control compatible devices

On Macs

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

On iPads

iPad Pro, iPad Air (3rd generation and later), iPad (6th generation and later), iPad mini (5th generation and later)

Universal Control: How to enable it

Step 1:

You will need to check both your Mac and iPad are connected to the same Apple ID account and the same Wi-Fi network. Both need to have their Bluetooth switched on.

Step 2:

Handoff needs to be enabled on both devices. On Mac, you can go System Preferences > General > and then enable "Allow Handoff between this Mac and your iCloud devices.”. On your iPad, go to Settings > AirPlay & Handoff > toggle on Handoff and Cursor and Keyboard (Beta).

Step 3:

Now for the big setting. On your Mac, go to System Preferences > Display, and then click on Universal Control. You will see three options with unchecked boxes. Enable the “Allow your cursor and keyboard to move between any nearby Mac or iPad”, “Push through the edge of a display to connect to a nearby Mac or iPad”, and Automatically reconnect to any nearby Mac or iPad.”.

Step 4:

Once you enable these options, bring your iPad within 30 feet of your MacBook or iMac. Then drag the cursor towards the direction of the iPad, and you will see a white bar appear on the screen. Keep dragging and you will see cursor jump over to the iPad. Now you can control both the Mac and iPad with the Mac’s keyboard and mouse.