How to use Handoff between Mac and iPhone

Set up and use Handoff to seamlessly continue tasks between your Mac and iPhone. Switch between devices without losing your work.

1. Verify device requirements. Ensure your Mac runs macOS Yosemite or later and your iPhone runs iOS 8 or later. Both devices must support Bluetooth 4.0 Low Energy. Check that both devices are signed in to the same Apple ID and have two-factor authentication enabled.
2. Enable Handoff on your iPhone. Open Settings and tap General. Tap AirPlay & Handoff. Toggle on Handoff. This allows your iPhone to communicate with nearby Apple devices for seamless task switching.
3. Enable Handoff on your Mac. Click the Apple menu and select System Preferences. Click General. Check the box next to Allow Handoff between this Mac and your iCloud devices. Your Mac will now detect nearby iOS devices for Handoff functionality.
4. Verify Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity. Turn on Bluetooth and Wi-Fi on both devices. Keep both devices within 30 feet of each other. Handoff requires both devices to be on the same Wi-Fi network or use Bluetooth for proximity detection.
5. Start a Handoff session from iPhone to Mac. Open a supported app on your iPhone like Mail, Safari, or Pages. Begin working on your task. On your Mac, look for the app icon in the dock with a small device indicator, or check the left side of the dock for a Handoff suggestion. Click the app icon to continue your work.
6. Start a Handoff session from Mac to iPhone. Open a supported app on your Mac and begin working. On your iPhone lock screen, look for an app icon in the bottom-left corner. Swipe up on this icon or use Face ID/Touch ID to unlock and continue your work on the iPhone.
7. Troubleshoot connection issues. If Handoff stops working, restart both devices and ensure they remain signed in to the same Apple ID. Check that Bluetooth is enabled and both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Toggle Handoff off and on again in the settings if problems persist.