How to copy and paste text and images between devices Apple. Universal Clipboard

Update 2023: A very simple tutorial, in which we present a feature through which you can copy and paste texts and images between devices Apple. What is it Universal Clipboard and how is it used? In other words, how to copy (copy) a text or an image from the computer Mac, then paste it (paste) on another device. iPhone, iPad or Apple Watch.

I would first start with a definition of "clipboard". Although many people use it every day on their computer or mobile phone, they have no idea what the clipboard is.

What is clipboard?

The clipboard is a software feature present in operating systems that serves as a temporary storage area for data (such as text, images, or files) copied or cut from one source and then pasted elsewhere.

Essentially, the clipboard works as a buffer memory for data you select and copy while using a computer or other digital device. When you copy something to the clipboard, that data is kept in the device's memory, allowing you to transfer it to another location by pasting.

When you use the "Copy" or "Cut" function for a text or image, the respective data is stored in the clipboard. You can then use the "Paste" function to transfer that data from the clipboard to another place, such as another application, document or message.

In conclusion, without the clipboard there would be no more "copy & paste" on operating systems for computers, mobile phones and smart watches.

How to copy and paste text and images between devices Apple. Universal Clipboard

Universal Clipboard, is a function introduced by Apple with operating systems macOS Sierra / iOS 10, which allows users to copy (copy) text or image content on a device Mac, iPad, iPhone, iPod touch or Apple Watch, then paste it (paste) on another device Apple.

For example, you can copy a password or a code from your computer Mac, then paste it into an open login field on your iPad or tablet iPhone. You can do the same with images or files.

When a text or file is copied to the clipboard, it is also stored in the account iCloud, from where it can later be downloaded to another device Apple. The condition for that option Universal Clipboard to work, the same account must be authenticated on the devices iCloud / Apple ID.

How do you activate Universal Clipboard?

Universal Clipboard it is related to the function Handoff, By which they are sicronizate multiple items between devices Apple which are authenticated with the same Apple ID.

Enable Handoff for macOS

Check the option “Allow Handoff between this Mac and your iCloud devices". You can find this option in "System Preferences”>“General”>“AirDrop & Handoff".

How to copy and paste text and images between devices Apple. Universal Clipboard
How to copy and paste text and images between devices Apple. Universal Clipboard

By default, this option is active on devices Apple: Mac, iPhone or iPad.

Enable Handoff for iPhone / iPad

To activate Handoff for iPhone or iPad, are the steps similar to those for macOS.

Open "Settings”>“General”>“AirPlay & Handoff", then swipe green to activate the option.

Enable Handoff (Universal Clipboard) for iPhone / iPad
Enable Handoff for iPhone / iPad

Even though I saw that some tutorials say that to use Universal Clipboard you must have Bluetooth / Wi-Fi connections enabled, they are not required. Internet connection of the devices between which the transfer is made is required.

Related: What is AirDrop and how does AirDrop work on Apple devices?

This feature also has a small downside. If you have a text copied to your device iPhone, but you forgot to save it to a note, it will be lost when you copy something else to your computer Mac.

I hope the tutorial article: How to copy and paste texts and images between devices was helpful Apple.

Passionate about technology, I enjoy writing on StealthSettings.com since 2006. I have a rich experience in operating systems: macOS, Windows, and Linux, as well as in programming languages and blogging platforms (WordPress) and for online stores (WooCommerce, Magento, PrestaShop).

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