Never used Handoff before? We’re here to show you what it can do and how to use it. If you can’t get Handoff to work, we’ll even show you troubleshooting steps you can use to fix it.
What is handoff?
Handoff is an Apple feature that lets you seamlessly switch from one Apple device to another without losing your progress in an application or document.
It is easiest to explain with an example.
Suppose you open Mail on your iPad and start responding to important mail. Halfway through, you realize that you need to attach files on your Mac. Instead of starting from scratch, you can use Handoff to wirelessly transfer your half-written response from iPad to Mac. Then append the file and pick up where you left off.
Handoff is suitable for a variety of different applications:
page
digital
The tone
The calendar
The contact
reminders
Apple browser
music
podcast
And many third-party applications
When you switch to another device, it opens the exact same applications and documents you are using in the exact same state as on the first device.
Handoff is the best way to transfer music or podcasts from one Apple device to another. You can even use Handoff (more accurately, the universal clipboard) to copy something on the iPhone and paste it onto the Mac, and vice versa.
You can use Handoff to switch between Macs, iphones, ipads, iPod Touches and even An Apple Watch (although you can only switch from an Apple Watch, not to one).
How do I use Handoff on an iPhone, iPad, or Mac
Handoff is simple to use. All you need to do is open a compatible application and start using it on the first device, then follow the instructions below to transfer the application to the second device.
If you just want to use the common clipboard to copy and paste between devices, you don’t need to do anything special. Simply copy content from one device and paste it onto another.
Switch to the iPhone
Swipe up from the bottom of the screen (double click the home button if your iPhone has one) to view the app switcher. Then tap the banner at the bottom of the screen, which displays an app icon and tells you which device it came from.
Handed over to the
Find your App in the App Switcher view as described on the iPhone, or go to the home screen and tap the App icon displayed on the far right of the Dock. It should come with a small badge that shows the device you are delivering.
Handed over to the Mac
Click the application icon displayed in the Dock. Depending on your Version of macOS, this icon will appear on the far left or far right edge of the Dock. It should come with a small badge that shows the device you are delivering.
Or, press Cmd + Tab to view the App Switcher and select the App on the left edge, which should have a badge showing which device you are switching from
If it doesn’t work, how do YOU fix the switch
Handoff should be easier than manually transferring content between two devices. Most of the time, but sometimes the feature doesn’t work properly.
There are a number of reasons why Handoff might not work properly, but you should be able to fix it by following these tips.
Log in to the same Apple ID account on both devices
Make sure both of the devices you’re trying to use Handoff are logged into the same Apple ID or iCloud account.
On the iPhone or iPad, go to Settings and tap [Your name] at the top of the screen to check.
On a Mac, open system preferences and go to Apple ID.
If Handoff still does not work, log out of both devices and log in again.
Enable Handoff in the Settings of both devices
Handoff may be turned off in the Settings of one or both devices you are trying to use.
On your iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > General > Teleplay and Relays, and then enable relays.
For the Apple Watch, open the Apple Watch app on a connected iPhone, go to General, and select Enable Relay.
On a Mac, open System Preferences and click General, then enable the Allow toggling between this Mac and your iCloud device option.
If you can’t find Handoff in your Settings, make sure your device meets the continuity requirements on Apple’s website.
Turn on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
Handoff uses Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to transfer data between your devices. Make sure bluetooth is enabled for each device in the control center, and then check if they are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
This is also a good time to mention that two devices need to be relatively close to each other (at least in the same room) for Handoff to work.
Make sure the application is open on the first device
The most common reason Handoff doesn’t work is that the application you’re trying to transfer isn’t open on the first device. You cannot switch between recently used applications, only the applications you are currently using.
This is especially important for music or podcast applications that you might listen to in the background.
To switch the application, make it an active application on the first device you use. Turn it on and use it for a second, then try to hand it to another device.
With more ways to use Apple devices
Handoff is based on Apple’s Continuity technology, which is just one of the many benefits you get from using An Apple device. You can also use Continuity to transfer files wirelessly with AirDrop, share your mobile data with your personal hotspot, easily unlock your Mac with auto unlock, and more.