Top 6 Ways to Fix the Universal Clipboard Not Working on Mac and iPhone

The tight integration of hardware and software is one of the main benefits of joining the Apple eco-system. If you own both an iPhone and a Mac, you are aware of how well they complement each other. You may utilise Handoff to answer calls from the iPhone on the Mac, AirDrop to send files from the iPhone to the Mac, scan documents with the iPhone, and even use the universal clipboard function.

You can use the universal clipboard to copy something from your iPhone and paste it on your Mac, or the other way around. It's a useful function, particularly if you wish to transfer links across the two gadgets. If you utilise this functionality frequently, you may have run into instances where the universal clipboard stops functioning. The global clipboard between your Mac and iPhone may not be functioning properly. Here are several solutions.

1. Enable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on Both Devices

The wireless nature of the universal clipboard allows it to wirelessly transfer data from one device to another over a Wi-Fi network. The two devices' connection is kept up with the help of Bluetooth. For the universal clipboard to function, you must continue to have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth turned on on both your iPhone and Mac.

On your iPhone, swipe up from the top-right corner to open the control centre and turn on Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. To activate Wi-Fi on your Mac, click the toggle switch.

2. Keep Devices Close

If the two devices are far away, wireless transmission is frequently interrupted or behaves strangely. Make sure there isn't a solid, wall-like impediment between your Mac and iPhone. Instead, place them close to one another.

There may be issues if you try to copy data from one area and put it on a device in a different room with a lot of walls between them. Return to the same space and try once more.

3. Login With the Same Apple ID on Both Devices

The universal clipboard needs to be used on both of your Apple devices with the same Apple ID. This is the only prerequisite for it to function. You can check every device connected to your Apple ID using the method provided here.

Step no.1:On the screen of your Mac, click the Apple logo in the top-left corner.

Step no.2:Opt for System Preferences.

Step no.3:In the top-left corner of the window, click Apple ID.

Step no. 4:In the bottom left corner, you will see a list of all your Apple items that are connected to your Apple ID.

Log in with the same Apple ID on both your iPhone and Mac if your devices aren't listed there. Next, try using the global clipboard. All of the devices listed in this column are compatible with the universal clipboard.

4. Enable the Handoff Toggle on Your iPhone and Mac

The universal clipboard is only compatible with your Apple devices thanks to the Handoff function on the iPhone and Mac. Thus, you must make sure that Handoff is enabled on both your Mac and iPhone. Even if it's already enabled, it may be a good idea to first disable it and then enable it again to determine if it functions as intended. Here's how to go about it.

Enable Handoff on iPhone and iPad

Step no.1:Go to the General section of the Settings app by opening it.

Step no.2:Press the AirPlay and Handoff buttons.

Step no.3:  Enable the toggle next to Handoff. If it’s already enabled, turn it off and turn it back on.

Enable Handoff on Mac

Step no.1:On the screen of your Mac, click the Apple logo in the upper-left corner.

Step no.2:Opt for System Preferences.

Step no.3:Click General at this point.

Step no.4:Allow Handoff between this Mac and your iCloud devices is a checkbox that is located directly at the bottom of the page. For selection, click on it. Click on it once more to choose it if it is already selected after disabling it.

Your gadgets should connect to one another if you wait for a bit.

5. Force Restart Your iPhone and Mac

Sometimes, a simple force restart can fix a lot of issues. Try force restarting your iPhone and Mac to see if they start communicating with each other and let you use the universal clipboard. Here’s how to do it.

Force Restart an iPhone

For iPhone 6s or lower:

The Home button and the Power button should be pressed and held simultaneously. When the Apple logo appears on the screen, let go of them.

For iPhone 7:

Volume down and the Power buttons should be pressed and held. As soon as the Apple logo appears on the screen, let them go.

For iPhone 8 and higher:

You should then press and hold the Side/Power button until you see the Apple logo on the screen after releasing the Volume Up and Volume Down keys.

Force Restart a Mac

Until the screen turns black and you see the Apple logo, hold down the power or Touch ID button on your Mac.

6. Reset Network Settings

It could be useful to reset the network settings on your iPhone. All network settings, including those for Bluetooth devices, data plans, and saved Wi-Fi networks, will be reset as a result. They will require manual setup once more. However, there's a significant probability that this will fix your problems with the common clipboard.

Step no.1:On your iPhone, open the Settings app and select General.

Step no.2:An option to "Transfer or Reset iPhone" can be found by scrolling down. Touch it.

Step no.3:Here, choose Reset from the menu.

Step no.4:Choose Reset Network Settings now.

Reconnect to your Wi-Fi network and give your iPhone and Mac some time to interact before doing so.

Command+C, Command+V

If you want to be able to copy any text you want from one device and paste it on another, you must first get universal clipboard to function regularly between your Mac and iPhone. To do this, follow these steps. Especially if you frequently work with your Mac and iPhone, this greatly simplifies your workflow.