LightAtom

Universal Clipboard Not Working: Fixes

Copy-paste between Apple devices relies on Handoff. If Handoff works, Universal Clipboard usually does too; if not, fix Handoff first.

Text or images you copy on one Apple device don't paste on another.

  • Pasting gives the old clipboard contents.
  • It works sometimes and not others.

Quick fix

Turn on Handoff on both devices (Mac: System Settings › General › AirDrop & Handoff; iPhone: Settings › General › AirPlay & Continuity › Handoff). Use the same Apple Account, keep Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on, and paste within about two minutes of copying.

Why it happens

Handoff off on one device.Most likely
Pasting too long after copying.Sometimes
Different Apple Accounts.Sometimes
Bluetooth off or devices apart.Sometimes

Fixes

  1. Fix Handoff first

    1. Follow the Handoff steps; Universal Clipboard uses the same mechanism.

  2. Copy and paste promptly

    1. The shared clipboard is temporary; paste soon after copying.

  3. Reset

    1. Toggle Bluetooth on both devices, or restart them.

Still not working?

If clipboard sync stops after an update, sign out of iCloud on the Mac and back in.

See it in the app

LightAtom's connections view shows the local connections rapportd and sharingd make when devices sync.

Frequently asked questions

Why isn't Universal Clipboard working?

Usually Handoff is off on one device, the Apple Accounts differ, Bluetooth is off, or too much time passed between copy and paste.

How long does Universal Clipboard keep content?

Only briefly, about two minutes, or until you copy something else.

Can I turn Universal Clipboard off?

Turn off Handoff on the device; Universal Clipboard turns off with it.

Related

LightAtom team

The people who build LightAtom, a network monitor for macOS.