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Universal Control

Universal Control doesn't work when the Macbook is placed in clamshell mode however when it is open it work totally fine. When going to add devices it only shows me the option to connect to my iPad via sidecar and not universal control. Have tried all the steps that are on apple's website and still can't connect ot universal control in clamshell mode


Posted on Mar 16, 2022 9:34 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Mar 17, 2022 2:12 PM

Works whether or not my 2018 MacBook Pro is in clamshell mode (with Bluetooth keyboard and mouse) or not. By "steps that are on apple's website" I hope you mean this very thorough Apple Support article:


Universal Control: Use a single keyboard and mouse between Mac and iPad - Apple Support


Although it's easy to overlook some things there. In particular: on Macs make sure you turn on all three of settings in the the System Preferences -> Displays -> Universal Control panel (all marked "Beta"). And "Allow Handoff" in System Preferences -> General. On iPads, in Settings -> General -> AirPlay & Handoff, turn on both Handoff and Cursor and Keyboard (Beta).


If it still doesn't work, check out everything outlined in this MacRumors troubleshooting guide:


https://www.macrumors.com/guide/universal-control-troubleshooting/



7 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Mar 17, 2022 2:12 PM in response to sohamjain123

Works whether or not my 2018 MacBook Pro is in clamshell mode (with Bluetooth keyboard and mouse) or not. By "steps that are on apple's website" I hope you mean this very thorough Apple Support article:


Universal Control: Use a single keyboard and mouse between Mac and iPad - Apple Support


Although it's easy to overlook some things there. In particular: on Macs make sure you turn on all three of settings in the the System Preferences -> Displays -> Universal Control panel (all marked "Beta"). And "Allow Handoff" in System Preferences -> General. On iPads, in Settings -> General -> AirPlay & Handoff, turn on both Handoff and Cursor and Keyboard (Beta).


If it still doesn't work, check out everything outlined in this MacRumors troubleshooting guide:


https://www.macrumors.com/guide/universal-control-troubleshooting/



Mar 21, 2022 11:20 AM in response to bob32

I've read through Apple's guide and Macrumors' guide in detail and verified firewalls are allowing Universal Control access, but I have the exact same issue. Universal control works fine when the MBP 14" is open, but as soon as I have it in clamshell mode attached to my external monitor via HDMI, Universal Control refuses to work. I've tried all the same steps everyone in both article responses has tried, but it never works in clamshell. The only option is using the iPad Pro as an external display via Airplay.


Please help.

Universal Control

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