Filed Under: How to Repair, iPad, Mac

Universal Control Not Working? 8 Solutions!

Jack

Written by Jack Lin

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Universal Control Not Working

What are the possible solutions you can consider if your universal control not working?

Well, the exact purpose of this article is to explain those possibilities to you.

So, if you are looking for a solution, the content below will be very useful to you.

Overview

Universal Control

In 2021, Apple released a new feature called Universal Control. This can be used to sync up your Mac with your iPad. However, a number of customers have complained about issues. This essay is written just for those people.

Well, if your iOS device isn’t supported, Universal Control won’t do you any good. Many users argue that the feature called universal control isn’t necessarily effective without first verifying their model. Caching issues and lingering problems are also possible causes.

We have listed potential reasons and solutions below. Track out the root problems and solve them one by one.

Besides, this article will explain everything about how to remove school iPad restrictions in different ways with no hassle at all and their consequences.

What Makes Universal Control Not Work?

Let’s go ahead and learn the possible reasons for this feature called “Universal Control” to malfunction.

One of these reasons might make your universal control not work as you expect.

● There’s a Compatibility Issue with Your Device

One of the main reasons for the “universal control not working” issue is the incompatibility of the device. If the device is not compatible with Universal Control feature, you cannot necessarily find a solution.

So, check if your device has macOS Monterey 12.3 or iPadOS 15.4, or newer versions. Otherwise, you cannot find a solution to address this issue.

● The Device is Not within the Accessible Range

Each device you use must be close enough to establish solid connectivity and transfer data effectively. In fact, the distance between the devices must not exceed 10 meters. Otherwise, you will not be able to access this feature called “Universal Control” on your device.

● Outdated OS

If the operating system of your device is outdated, you might experience some issues related to many features. For instance, you may experience some issues pertaining to Universal Control.

Older versions of the operating system might not be compatible with this feature called Universal control. So, you are supposed to update the OS version.

● There Are Some Software Bugs

In some cases, you might experience some bugs in software applications. Those bugs can eventually make your device malfunction. If the universal control is not working on your device, that might be due to one of those bugs. So, it is better to restart your device and see if the issue goes away.

● You Are Not Using the Correct Apple ID

Haven’t you logged into a single Apple ID with the devices that should be connected? If so, you may see that your universal control is not working as it is supposed to. So, you should ensure that both devices are synchronized properly to a single Apple ID to connect them.

Also, this blog post aims to provide readers with the best tips on how to remove Apple ID from iPhone and how to remove Apple ID from iPad.

Okay, What Are the Solutions?

Now that you know the reasons why your universal control is not working, let’s learn the solutions.

You can start with basic solutions such as restarting. If such an approach doesn’t work, you may proceed to more advanced solutions mentioned in the latter part.

Solution 1: Perform a Force Restart

Restarting the device is always a good option whenever you notice unusual/faulty behavior in it.

For instance, it works when the device slows down or some features stop working. It can even fix some of the bugs in your OS.

In addition to that, it is a smart approach to restart the device once in a while. Such an approach will give it a fresh start.

So, below are the steps you should follow to get your iOS device restarted.

If You Are Using a Mac:

  • First, you should perform a restart on your Mac as you would usually do.
Restart Mac
  • Then, you should press the Shift key quickly and hold it for a while.
press the Shift key
  • Once you see the login screen, you can release the key.
  • After that, you should log into your Mac.
  • If you are prompted, you can log in once again.

If You Are Using an iPad:

  • First, you should press the power buttons and volume buttons together.
press the power buttons and volume buttons on iPad
  • When you see the Apple logo, you can release the buttons.
  • After that, the device will restart, and the error may be gone for the good.

Solution 2: Log in Using a Single ID on iPad and Mac

Universal Control is designed to connect different devices together. So, both of those devices must be connected to a single Apple ID at the same time. If this requirement is not fulfilled, the connection will not be established.

Select a specific Apple ID from your iPad or Mac. Then, you should add the same ID to the other device to begin the process. You can change the connected ID on your iPad using the steps mentioned below.

  • Go to “Settings” and select “Sign In.”
Sign In Mac
  • After that, you should enter the respective Apple ID.
Enter Apple Id On Mac
  • Once you have done that, provide the 6-digit code when prompted.

Solution 3: Force Close the Universal Control Feature

In general, the accumulated cache can trigger various issues on your device. You can avoid such errors simply by performing a force close.

Below is how to do it:

  • First, go to “Activity Monitor.”
  • Then, select the option called “Applications.”
  • Select the option called “Utilities.”
  • Click on its search field.
  • Then, enter the text “universal control.”
  • Click on “universal control” and tap the “X” button.
  • Finally, click on the option called “Force Quit.”
Force Quit Mac

Solution 4: Check for the Compatibility Factor

If your universal control is not working due to compatibility issues, there’s no way to repair it. All you can do is use a compatible device.

That said, mentioned below are the compatible devices you can use to enjoy this feature.

  • Macbook 2016 or newer versions
  • Macbook Air 2018 and newer versions
  • Macbook Pro 2016 and newer versions
  • iMac 2017 and newer versions
  • iMac 27″ 5K Retina
  • iMac Pro 2017 or newer versions
  • Mac Mini 2018 or newer versions
  • Mac Pro 2019 and newer versions
  • Every model of iPad Pro  
  • iPad 6th Generation or newer versions
  • iPad Air 3rd generation or newer versions
  • iPad Mini 5th generation or newer versions

To check if your device is compatible with universal control not working or not, follow the steps below.

For iPad

Settings > General > About

About iPad

For Mac

Apple Menu > About This Mac >

About This Mac

Solution 5: Enable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

Make sure that your Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections are enabled for this feature to work properly.

In fact, Universal Control demands both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to function properly.

Follow the steps below to do it:

Enabling Bluetooth on a Mac

  • First, you should go to your Mac’s Apple Menu.
  • Select “System Preferences.” 
  • Go to “Bluetooth.”
  • Turn on the Bluetooth function if it is already disabled.
Enabling Bluetooth on a Mac

Enabling Wi-Fi on a Mac

  • Click the Wi-Fi option.
  • Turn the Wi-Fi feature on.
Enabling Wi Fi On A Mac

Enabling Bluetooth on iPad

  • Go to “Settings.”
  • Select “Bluetooth.”
  • Turn on the option called “Bluetooth.”
Enabling Bluetooth on iPad

Enabling Wi-Fi on Your iPad

  • Go to “Settings.”
  • Tap “Wi-Fi.”
  • Enable the Wi-Fi connection.
Enabling Wi Fi On Your Ipad

Solution 6: Disable Handoff and Enable It

In the event that universal control isn’t functioning, you may want to examine the handoff settings.

Disabling Handoff and enabling it has reportedly helped several users. If you have nothing to lose, why not give it a try?

To find the Handoff, do the following: 

  • Go to “Settings” on the iPad.
  • Select “General.”
  • Tap on the option called “Airplay & Handoff.”
  • Disable “Handoff.”
  • Enable it again.
Disable Handoff and Enable It

Solution 7: Keep the Respective iPad and Mac Closer

For the Universal Control feature to work properly, you should keep the devices closer to each other.

In fact, they should be placed within the range of 30 feet (the closer, the better).

Keep Ipad And Mac Closer

Solution 8: Enable Universal Control

The feature called Universal Control can be turned on automatically when you connect it to the device. However, in some cases, it may stay disabled.

Below are the steps to follow if you want to enable the universal control feature:

On a Mac

  • First, tap on “Apple Menu.”
  • Select “System Preferences.”
  • Tap “Display.”
  • Tap “Universal Control.”
  • Select the option that starts with “Allow your cursor…….“.
Enable Universal Control on Mac
  • Hit “Done.”

On an iPad

  • Go to “Settings” > “General” > Airplay & Handoff.
  • Enable “Handoff.”
  • Enable “Cursor and Keyboard.”
Enable Universal Control On Ipad

FAQs

How do I know if my devices are compatible with Universal Control?

To check device compatibility, ensure that your devices are running the latest versions of macOS, iPadOS, and iOS. Refer to Apple’s official documentation or the system requirements provided by Apple to verify compatibility.

Why is there a lag when using Universal Control?

A lag or delay in Universal Control can occur due to network congestion, performance limitations, or resource-intensive processes. Ensure that your devices are connected to a stable and high-speed network, close unnecessary applications, and optimize system performance to mitigate lag.

Can I control multiple devices simultaneously with Universal Control?

Yes, Universal Control supports simultaneous control of multiple devices. You can add additional devices to your Universal Control setup and seamlessly control all of them using a single interface.

Can I customize the control layout in Universal Control?

Yes, Universal Control offers customization options to personalize the control experience. You can adjust cursor speed, scrolling behavior, and other input-related settings to match your preferences.

Are there any alternative solutions if Universal Control is not working?

If Universal Control is not working or does not meet your requirements, you can explore alternative solutions such as third-party applications that offer similar functionalities. Research and test different options to find the best alternative thatsuits your needs and device compatibility.

Conclusion

Universal Control offers a convenient and efficient way to control multiple devices using a single interface. While it provides numerous benefits, users may encounter issues that hinder its functionality. By following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this article, you can resolve common Universal Control problems and enjoy a seamless control experience across your devices.

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