ClipboardlyUniversal Clipboard Not Working? How to Fix It
Universal Clipboard works only when both devices are signed in to the same Apple Account, have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on, have Handoff turned on, and are near each other. If it stops working, check those four things, turn Handoff off and on, then restart both devices. A copied item stays available only briefly.
- Same Apple Account, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on, Handoff on, devices close together.
- Toggling Handoff and restarting both devices fixes most problems.
- Copies are shared only briefly, so paste soon after copying.
Check the requirements
| Requirement | Mac | iPhone or iPad |
|---|---|---|
| Same Apple Account | System Settings → your name | Settings → your name |
| Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on | Control Center | Control Center |
| Handoff on | System Settings → General → AirDrop & Handoff | Settings → General → AirPlay & Continuity (or AirPlay & Handoff) |
| Near each other | Within Bluetooth range | Within Bluetooth range |
Fixes to try
- Turn Handoff off and back on, on both devices.
- Turn Wi-Fi and Bluetooth off and on.
- Restart both devices.
- Install software updates on both.
- Paste within a short time of copying: Universal Clipboard keeps an item only briefly, or until you copy something else.
Keep what you copied, even after it expires
Anything that reaches your Mac's clipboard, including copies from your iPhone, can be saved by a clipboard manager. Clipboardly keeps it in your history so it doesn't vanish after a minute. Note that Clipboardly runs on the Mac only; it doesn't replace Universal Clipboard. Download Clipboardly.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Universal Clipboard keep a copy?
Apple says the content stays on the other device’s clipboard briefly, or until you copy something else on either device.
Does Universal Clipboard need Wi-Fi?
Yes. Both devices need Wi-Fi and Bluetooth turned on, as well as Handoff.
How do I turn off Universal Clipboard?
Turn off Handoff: on a Mac in System Settings → General → AirDrop & Handoff, and on iPhone in Settings → General → AirPlay & Continuity.
Sources
Checked September 2026. Prices and features of other apps can change; check each app’s site for the latest.
Written by Sheikh Saadi, founder of Growbig100. Updated .