One of the benefits of having Apple products is the way a MacBook, iPad, and iPhone can work together. Thanks to one of its specific functions, you can start your work on one of these devices and then switch to another to continue that task where you left off. But what do you have to configure for use Handoff on a Mac? Here we explain it to you.
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This can be useful for situations where you’ve opened a website from Safari on your iPhone and want to open it on your Mac, or vice versa. You can even use it for other Apple apps like Notes, Photos or Mail on all devices.
Configure Handoff
Before using Handoff, you have to configure it. As part of the initial setup, you’ll need to make sure your devices support the feature. Apple has a list on your website which you can check here.
For iOS devices, you will need to be running iOS 8 for everything to work. You must also have an iPhone 5, iPad Pro, iPad 4th generation, iPad Air, iPad mini, or iPod touch 5th generation. All these specifications are the minimumand for the same reason any later version is valid.
On the MacOS side, you’ll need to be running OS X Yosemite. You’ll also need a 2015 MacBook, 2012 MacBook Pro or Air, 2012 Mac mini, 2012 iMac, 2013 iMac Pro, or 2013 Mac Pro. later version.
Finally, with Apple smartwatches, you’ll only need watchOS 1.0 or later. All Apple Watch models support Handoff.
Step 1Note: Once you confirm that all of your Apple devices are compatible with Handoff, make sure you sign in with the same iCloud account and Apple ID on each device.
Step 2: Please note that Handoff only works when your devices are close to each other. As a result, you’ll need to make sure each device has Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Handoff turned on.
Step 3: You can enable Handoff on MacOS, iOS, or Apple Watch by doing the following.
- Mac: Go to the Apple menu and choose System preferences. Then click General and select Allow transfer between this Mac and your iCloud devices.
- iOS: Go to General Settings > AirPlay & Handoff, then turn on Handoff.
- Apple Watch: In the Apple Watch app on your iPhone, click General and turn on enable handover.
Please note that Apple Watch only supports transferring your watch to your iPhone or Mac.
Use Handoff on a Mac
Using Handoff on a Mac is quite simple. Apps that work with Handoff include Mail, Maps, Safari, Reminders, Calendar, Contacts, Pages, Numbers, Keynote, and other apps like Microsoft Edge.
Step 1: Open any app on your Apple Watch, iPad, or iPhone that supports Handoff. Start a task in that app.
Step 2: Switch to your Mac and find the Handoff icon in the Dock. It will be on the right hand side in its own space near the trash can. You’ll know it’s Handoff because it will have a photo of an iPhone, Apple Watch, or iPad in the top right corner. will also say From iPhone or From Apple Watch or From iPad so you can identify it easier.
Step 3: Click the icon and the app for your Apple Watch or iOS device will open on your Mac.
Use Handoff on an iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch
Although this guide was primarily intended for Mac, using Handoff on an iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch is also easy. You will notice that a transfer message will appear in the app switcher that appears when you double-tap the home button or swipe and hold.
The message will be at the bottom of the screen, indicating From MacBook, From iPhone or From Apple Watchif you tap that message, the activity from a Mac will continue on your iOS device.
Handoff is just one of the nifty features of the Apple device ecosystem. You can also check how to use Sidecar in MacOS and how to use AirPlay on Mac. Sidecar allows you to use an iPad as a second screen and Airplay allows you to share content from your iPhone to your Mac.
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