Handoff is one of the most practical features in the Apple ecosystem. It lets you seamlessly continue your work on another Apple device. Start an email on your iPhone and finish it on your Mac, or start a document on your iPad and keep working on your iPhone. In this article we explain how to set up Handoff and get the most out of it.

What exactly is Handoff?

Handoff is part of Apple's Continuity features and lets you pass activities between your Apple devices. The feature works with many built-in apps such as Safari, Mail, Messages, Calendar, Contacts, Maps, Notes and Reminders. A growing number of third-party apps support Handoff as well.

The great thing about Handoff is that it works automatically. As soon as you use a supported app on one device, an icon appears on your other devices that lets you pick up right where you left off. No manual syncing or sending files needed.

Requirements for Handoff

To use Handoff, your devices must meet certain conditions. First, all devices must be signed in with the same Apple ID. This is essential for your devices to communicate with each other.

In addition, Bluetooth must be turned on on all devices. Handoff uses Bluetooth Low Energy to detect nearby devices. Wi-Fi must also be turned on, even though you don't need to be connected to a network.

You need compatible hardware. For Mac computers this is a 2012 model or newer with OS X Yosemite or later. iPhones from the iPhone 5 onward and iPads from the fourth generation onward support Handoff. Apple Watch supports Handoff too.

Turning on Handoff on iPhone and iPad

Turning on Handoff on your iOS or iPadOS device is easy. Follow these steps:

Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad. Scroll down and tap General. Then tap AirPlay & Handoff. Turn on the Handoff switch so that it turns green.

Also check that you are signed in with your Apple ID. Go to Settings and tap your name at the top to check this. Make sure Bluetooth is turned on via Settings and then Bluetooth.

Turning on Handoff on Mac

Handoff must also be activated on your Mac. Open System Preferences (or System Settings in newer macOS versions) by clicking the Apple menu and choosing System Preferences.

Click General. In newer macOS versions, click AirDrop & Handoff in the sidebar. Check the option 'Allow Handoff between this Mac and your iCloud devices'.

Check that you are signed in with the same Apple ID by going to Apple ID in System Preferences. Make sure Bluetooth is turned on via the Bluetooth menu in the menu bar or via System Preferences.

Using Handoff in practice

From iPhone to Mac

When you use an app on your iPhone that supports Handoff, an icon appears in the Dock of your Mac, all the way on the left. This icon shows the app logo with a small badge indicating your iPhone. Click this icon to continue the activity on your Mac.

You can also use Command-Tab to open the app switcher. The Handoff app then appears as the first option on the left.

From Mac to iPhone

If you are working on your Mac and want to switch to your iPhone, you'll see the Handoff app in your iPhone's app switcher. Swipe up from the bottom of the screen and hold to open the app switcher. At the bottom you'll see a bar showing the app and the device it came from. Tap it to continue.

On iPhones with Touch ID, the Handoff app also appears on the lock screen, in the bottom left corner.

With Apple Watch

Your Apple Watch supports Handoff too. For example, if you are reading an email on your Watch, you can continue it on your iPhone by unlocking the lock screen. The Mail app then opens automatically with that email.

Apps that support Handoff

In addition to the built-in Apple apps, many popular third-party apps support Handoff. Microsoft Office apps such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint work with Handoff. Apps such as Chrome, Spotify and many productivity apps also support this feature.

App developers have to build Handoff into their app specifically. For apps you use a lot, check whether they support Handoff by trying it out or looking at the app description.

Troubleshooting Handoff

If Handoff doesn't work, there are several things you can try. First check that all devices are signed in with the same Apple ID. Sign out and back in if you are unsure.

Turn Bluetooth off and on again on both devices. Fully restart both devices. Check that Handoff is turned on in the settings of both devices.

Sometimes it helps to forget your devices in the Bluetooth settings and reconnect them. On your Mac you can remove the device under Bluetooth in System Preferences and pair it again.

Universal Clipboard with Handoff

A particularly handy feature that works together with Handoff is Universal Clipboard. It lets you copy text, images or other content on one device and paste it on another. For example, copy an address on your Mac and paste it straight into Apple Maps on your iPhone.

Universal Clipboard works automatically when Handoff is turned on. The copied item stays available for about two minutes to paste on your other devices.

Conclusion

Handoff is a powerful feature that can greatly improve your workflow if you use multiple Apple devices. Once you set it up, you can switch seamlessly between your iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple Watch from then on. Take a moment to check that Handoff is set up correctly on all your devices and discover how easy it is to continue your work wherever you are.

Frequently asked questions

Why doesn't Handoff work between my devices?

Check that all devices are signed in with the same Apple ID, that Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are turned on, and that Handoff is activated in the settings. Restart both devices if the problem persists.

Which apps support Handoff?

All built-in Apple apps support Handoff, including Safari, Mail, Messages, Notes and Calendar. Many third-party apps such as Microsoft Office, Chrome and Spotify support it too.

Do I need to be connected to the same Wi-Fi network for Handoff?

No, you don't need to be on the same Wi-Fi network. Handoff uses Bluetooth to detect devices. Wi-Fi does need to be turned on, but an active network connection is not required.

Does Handoff also work with Apple Watch?

Yes, Apple Watch supports Handoff. You can continue activities you start on your Watch on your iPhone by opening the lock screen and tapping the Handoff app.

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