Copied text can move between nearby Apple devices. Universal Clipboard lets you copy on an iPhone and paste on an iPad, or the other way around.

Both devices need Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Handoff turned on, with the same Apple Account signed in to iCloud. Handoff is on by default, and Universal Clipboard works through ordinary Copy and Paste controls without a separate switch or app.

The copied item remains available briefly, or until another copy on either device replaces it. Universal Clipboard does not provide a copy-and-paste history, so it cannot retrieve earlier copied text. It can also transfer images, photos, and videos between supported Apple devices.

Steps to enable Universal Clipboard on iPhone and iPad:

  1. Place your iPhone and iPad within 30 feet (10 meters) of each other.

    Devices running iOS 27 and iPadOS 27 support Universal Clipboard; older devices must meet Apple's Universal Clipboard system requirements.

  2. Open Settings on both devices.
  3. Confirm that Settings > [your name] > Sign-In & Security lists the same Apple Account email address or phone number on both devices.

    Apple Account is the current name for Apple ID. If Settings shows a sign-in prompt instead of your name, signing in to the same account is required before Universal Clipboard can work.

  4. Turn on Wi-Fi under Settings > Wi-Fi on both devices.
  5. Turn on Bluetooth under Settings > Bluetooth on both devices.
  6. Tap General on the main Settings screen on each device.
  7. Tap AirPlay & Continuity on each device.

    The iPad pictures show an older layout; the route is the same on iOS 27 and iPadOS 27.

  8. Turn on Handoff on each device where its switch is off.

    A green switch means Handoff is already on.

  9. Copy a word in Notes on one device.
  10. Paste the word into a blank note on the other device.

    The same word appearing in the note shows that Universal Clipboard is working. If Paste is unavailable or an older item appears, a fresh copy after rechecking both devices' settings can help. A VPN that blocks local networking can interfere with Continuity. Apple's Universal Clipboard troubleshooting also recommends software updates and restarting both devices if the problem continues.

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