Universal Control not working in Ventura: How to Fix

In this guide, we will show you various methods to fix the issue of Universal Control not working in macOS Ventura. The latest iteration of the OS has bought a slew of noteworthy features to the fore. The likes of Stage Manager, System Settings, and iMessage tweaks have all been the center of attraction for the past few days. On the flip side though, it seems to have broken a few functionalities as well.

We have already talked about issues with SSH, Continuity Camera, and Network Location and now there has been another entry to this list. Numerous users have voiced their concern that Universal Control is not working on their macOS Ventura. As a result of which, the iPad no longer appears as an extendable device in Settings > Display. If you are also currently bugged with this issue, then this guide will make you aware of a nifty workaround to resolve it. Follow along.

Fix Universal Control not working in Ventura

It is recommended that you try out each of the below-mentioned workarounds and then see which one spells out success for you. So with that in mind, let’s get started.

FIX 1: Verify Compatibility

First and foremost, you should verify that your Mac and iPad support the Universal Control feature. In this regard, here are the supported Mac and iPad variants:

Supported Mac Variants

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)

Supported iPad Variants

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

If both your Mac and iPad are supported and you are still not able to use Universal Control in Ventura, then refer to the fixes that we have listed below.

FIX 2: Use the Same Apple ID

All the devices that are trying to use the Universal Control feature should be signed in using the same Apple ID. If that is not the case, then refer to the below steps to change the ID on either your Mac or iPad right away.

On Mac

Head over to System Settings and click on your Apple ID situated at the top left.

On iPad

Head over to Settings > Profile and refer to your Apple ID.

FIX 3: Toggle Universal Control

Next up, you should consider refreshing Universal Control across all the synced devices. This could be done by disabling and then re-enabling Universal Control across all the devices that are currently using this functionality. So refer to the below steps to give it a try and then check out the results.

1. Open System Settings and select Display from the left-hand side on your Mac.
2. Then click on Advanced and disable the toggle next to the option named:

   “Allow your pointer and keyboard to move between any nearby Mac or iPad.” 

   

3. After that, pick up your iPad and head over to Settings > General.
4. Then go to AirPlay & Handoff and disable the toggle next to Cursor and Keyboard.
5. Now wait for a few seconds and re-enable both the features that you had turned off on your Mac and iPad.

FIX 4: Enable Handoff

Next up, make sure that Handoff has been enabled across both your Mac as well as iPad. If that is not the case, then refer to the below steps and enable it right away:

On Mac

1. Open System Settings and go to General > Airdrop & Handoff
2. Then enable Allow Handoff between this Mac and your iCloud devices.

On iPad

1. Head over to Settings > AirPlay & Handoff
2. Then enable the toggle next to Handoff and Cursor and Keyboard (Beta).

FIX 5: Toggle WiFi and Bluetooth

it goes without saying that Universal Control requires both the WiFi and Bluetooth to be up and running. If there are any issues with any one or both of these connectivities, then you are bound to face issues with Universal Control. Therefore, you should consider refreshing both of these settings, using the instructions given below:

On Mac

1. Open Control Center from the top right.
2. Then disable both WiFi and Bluetooth.
3. Now wait for a few seconds and re-enable them.

On iPad

1. Open Control Center and turn on Airplane Mode.
2. Then wait for a few seconds and disable it.

FIX 6: Enable Auto-Reconnect

Especially curated just for Universal Control, it is recommended that you turn on Auto Reconnect. This would make your Mac automatically reconnect to any nearby Mac or iPad. So. refer to the below steps and enable it right away:

1. Head over to System Settings > Displays > Advanced.
2. Then checkmark Automatically reconnect to any nearby Mac or iPad.
3. Finally, hit Done and check if Universal Control is working on your Mac Ventura.

FIX 7: Keep the Required App Opened

If you are trying to use the drag-and-drop functionality from your Mac to iPad, then you should have the Photos app opened on your iPad. [You don’t need to launch the Photos app when transferring from iPad to Mac, as the latter supports all file types].

FIX 8: Distance Matters

Universal Control has a confined region and only works in a limited perimeter. So make sure that the devices that you are trying to make a part of Universal Control are kept nearby- within 30 feet (10 meters).

That’s it. These were the various methods to fix the issue of Universal Control not working in macOS Ventura. If you have any queries concerning the aforementioned steps, do let us know in the comments. We will get back to you with a solution at the earliest.

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