Universal Control Not Working — Keyboard and Mouse Not Sharing Between Macs
About Universal Control Not Working
Fix Universal Control failing to share keyboard and mouse between multiple Macs or between Mac and iPad placed next to each other. This guide covers everything you need to know about this topic, including common causes, step-by-step solutions, and answers to frequently asked questions.
Here are the key things to understand: Universal Control lets you use one keyboard and mouse across multiple Macs and iPads. Move the cursor to the edge of one screen and it continues onto the adjacent device. Drag and drop files between devices and type on any device with a single keyboard. Supports up to 3 devices simultaneously (any combination of Mac and iPad). Requires macOS Monterey 12.3+ and iPadOS 15.4+ with same Apple ID and two-factor authentication. Understanding these fundamentals will help you diagnose and resolve this issue more effectively.
The most common reasons this occurs include: Universal Control feature not enabled in System Settings > Displays. Devices not signed into the same Apple ID with two-factor authentication. Bluetooth or WiFi disabled on one of the devices. Devices running older OS versions that do not support Universal Control. Identifying the root cause is the first step toward finding the right solution.
To resolve this, follow these recommended steps: Enable Universal Control: System Settings > Displays > Advanced > enable all three Universal Control options. Ensure all devices are on the same Apple ID with two-factor authentication. Enable Bluetooth and WiFi on all devices. Place devices within 30 feet of each other and push your cursor to the screen edge toward the other device. If not auto-detected: System Settings > Displays > click + button to add the nearby display manually. If these steps do not resolve the issue, consider consulting additional resources or a qualified professional.
This article is part of our Mac Error Codes collection on Error Codes Wiki. We provide comprehensive, up-to-date information to help you find solutions quickly.
Quick Answer
What is the difference between Sidecar and Universal Control?
Sidecar extends your Mac's display to the iPad (same Mac, extra screen). Universal Control keeps each device's own screen but shares one keyboard and mouse across all devices (separate computers, shared input).
Overview
Fix Universal Control failing to share keyboard and mouse between multiple Macs or between Mac and iPad placed next to each other.
Key Details
- Universal Control lets you use one keyboard and mouse across multiple Macs and iPads
- Move the cursor to the edge of one screen and it continues onto the adjacent device
- Drag and drop files between devices and type on any device with a single keyboard
- Supports up to 3 devices simultaneously (any combination of Mac and iPad)
- Requires macOS Monterey 12.3+ and iPadOS 15.4+ with same Apple ID and two-factor authentication
Common Causes
- Universal Control feature not enabled in System Settings > Displays
- Devices not signed into the same Apple ID with two-factor authentication
- Bluetooth or WiFi disabled on one of the devices
- Devices running older OS versions that do not support Universal Control
Steps
- 1Enable Universal Control: System Settings > Displays > Advanced > enable all three Universal Control options
- 2Ensure all devices are on the same Apple ID with two-factor authentication
- 3Enable Bluetooth and WiFi on all devices
- 4Place devices within 30 feet of each other and push your cursor to the screen edge toward the other device
- 5If not auto-detected: System Settings > Displays > click + button to add the nearby display manually