Network and connectivity
Handoff
Most people call this carrying on the same task on another device.
Start something on your iPhone and finish it on a Mac or iPad signed into the same Apple Account.
This setting is present on your iPhone.
- We have this path on file but have not yet confirmed it against an official source.
Where to find it - iOS 17 and later
- Settings
- General
- AirPlay & Continuity
- Handoff
What it does
It needs Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and the same Apple Account on both devices. The waiting task appears in the App Switcher or the Dock on the other device.
What changes
When it is on
Tasks can be picked up on your other Apple devices.
When it is off
Each device works independently.
Should you turn it on?
Good reasons to turn it on
- Move a draft or a web page to a bigger screen instantly.
- Universal Clipboard depends on it.
Good reasons to turn it off
- Unwanted suggestions appear on a shared family Mac.
- It keeps Bluetooth and Wi-Fi awake slightly more.
Battery
Costs you something
Privacy
No real change
Performance
No real change
Cellular data
No real change
Storage
No real change
Out of the box: On.
Where this setting used to live
Apple moves settings between releases. This is every location we have on file.
-
iOS 17 and later
Settings > General > AirPlay & Continuity > Handoff
-
iOS 8 to iOS 16
Settings > General > AirPlay & Handoff > Handoff
Questions people actually ask
- Why can I not copy between my iPhone and Mac?
- Universal Clipboard depends on Handoff. Turn it on and check both devices use the same Apple Account.
If it is not working
- All devices need Bluetooth and Wi-Fi on and the same Apple Account.
- If copy and paste between devices stops, this is the setting to check.