◆Error Codes Wiki

Universal Clipboard Not Working — Copy on Mac, Paste on iPhone Not Functioning

Informationalsystem

Overview

Fix Universal Clipboard failures where text, images, or files copied on one Apple device do not appear in the clipboard on another nearby device.

Key Details

  • Universal Clipboard allows copying content on one Apple device and pasting on another
  • It works with text, images, photos, videos, and files between Mac, iPhone, and iPad
  • Content is transferred via a combination of Bluetooth LE (proximity) and WiFi/peer-to-peer
  • Clipboard content expires after about 2 minutes for security and privacy reasons
  • Universal Clipboard uses the same Handoff technology and requirements

Common Causes

  • Bluetooth or WiFi disabled on one of the devices
  • Too much time elapsed — clipboard content expires after approximately 2 minutes
  • Handoff disabled (Universal Clipboard depends on Handoff being enabled)
  • Devices too far apart for Bluetooth LE connection

Steps

  1. 1Ensure Bluetooth and WiFi are enabled on both devices
  2. 2Enable Handoff on both devices (required for Universal Clipboard)
  3. 3Copy content and paste within 2 minutes — clipboard transfers expire
  4. 4Bring devices closer together (within Bluetooth range, about 30 feet)
  5. 5Reset Handoff: toggle off on both devices, restart both, toggle back on

Tags

universal-clipboardcopy-pastecontinuityhandoffcross-device

Related Items

mac-handoff-not-working-between-devices

More in System

windows-C000021A-status-system-process-terminatedWindows Error 0xC000021A — STATUS SYSTEM PROCESS TERMINATED
Critical
windows-C0000225-boot-configuration-errorWindows Error 0xC0000225 — Boot Configuration Error
Critical
windows-C000000F-boot-selection-failedWindows Error 0xC000000F — Boot Selection Failed
Critical
windows-80004005-unspecified-errorWindows Error 0x80004005 — Unspecified Error
Warning
windows-80070570-file-or-directory-corruptedWindows Error 0x80070570 — File or Directory Corrupted
Error
windows-system-0xc0000185Windows Error 0xC0000185 — Boot Device Inaccessible
Critical

Frequently Asked Questions

Files can be copied via Universal Clipboard on supported apps, but it is more reliable for text and images. For files, AirDrop is a more reliable option. Universal Clipboard works best with text snippets and photos.