Universal Control: "Link Keyboard and Mouse" option no appearing. Only "Mirror or extend to:" option appears in control center and settings.

Currently using an iPad mini 5th generation running iPadOS 16.6 and MacBook Pro 2018 13" running Ventura 13.5. Cannot share keyboard and mouse between iPad and MacBook. Mirroring and extending display to iPad work and is the only option available. Setting are correct under Universal Controls. 


I did see some posts about similar issues, but didn't see any solutions. I've restarted etc, but no joy.


Has anyone encountered or fixed this?


(referred to this link:  https://discussions.apple.com/thread/253920310)






iPad mini (5th generation)

Posted on Aug 1, 2023 02:07 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Sep 21, 2023 06:26 AM

I'm having the same exact issue as OP. Everything I see on the matter shows "How-To's" on turning on the toggles that OP shows, but I only have the option for my iPad to "Use As Separate Display" or "Mirror". I'm not looking to extend my MacBook's display, I'd would just like to use my mouse and keyboard on the iPad and MacBook when they're next to each other to continue using the iPad OS and apps.


Moving the mouse pointer to the side of the screen does not work (in any direction) to get the mouse to carry over. Same with the keyboard. For reference, I have done this before, but since updating both my iPad and MacBook, I cannot get this feature to work. MacBook is Ventura 13.5.2 and iPad is iPadOS 16.6.1)


Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Similar questions

2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Sep 21, 2023 06:26 AM in response to DerekM87

I'm having the same exact issue as OP. Everything I see on the matter shows "How-To's" on turning on the toggles that OP shows, but I only have the option for my iPad to "Use As Separate Display" or "Mirror". I'm not looking to extend my MacBook's display, I'd would just like to use my mouse and keyboard on the iPad and MacBook when they're next to each other to continue using the iPad OS and apps.


Moving the mouse pointer to the side of the screen does not work (in any direction) to get the mouse to carry over. Same with the keyboard. For reference, I have done this before, but since updating both my iPad and MacBook, I cannot get this feature to work. MacBook is Ventura 13.5.2 and iPad is iPadOS 16.6.1)


Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Aug 2, 2023 01:12 PM in response to 1188eels

Hi 1188eels,


To clarify, are you able to turn on Universal Control as outlined here?


Of particular note if you're able to turn on the feature but can't link the keyboard and mouse is to confirm the following:


"Connect your devices

After turning on Universal Control, you can connect (link) each device:

  1. Put your devices near each other and make sure that they're awake and unlocked.
  2. Use your mouse or trackpad to move the pointer past the left or right edge of your screen in the general direction of the iPad or other Mac, even if the other device is positioned below your screen. You can arrange your displays more precisely later.
  3. As you move the pointer past the edge of the screen, the other device shows the pointer beginning to push through to its screen. To connect to that device, push the pointer all the way through.
  4. iPad showing the pointer beginning to push through

If you can't connect a device in this way, follow the steps in the next section.


Arrange your displays

Arrange your displays to adjust where your devices think they are relative to each other. You can then move the pointer more precisely in the direction of each display.

  1. On your primary Mac, choose Apple menu  > System Settings (or System Preferences).
  2. Click Displays.
  3. If using macOS Ventura or later, click the Arrange button.
  4. The settings window shows an image representing each device's display. Drag the image of your iPad or other Mac into position relative to the other displays: to their left, to their right, or below them. A Mac display can also be positioned above other displays. Don't see your display?

Arrange Displays in Displays settings"


Should the issue persist, let us know if you receive any specific error or message, or if the option is just missing entirely.


We'll follow up from there.


Cheers!

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

Universal Control: "Link Keyboard and Mouse" option no appearing. Only "Mirror or extend to:" option appears in control center and settings.

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.