First, the requirements
Universal Clipboard (copy on one device, paste on another) is part of Continuity, and it's strict about its conditions. Before troubleshooting, confirm all of these:
- Every device signed in to the same Apple Account.
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on for each device.
- Handoff enabled on every device.
- Devices reasonably close together.
- Supported, up-to-date OS versions.
The fix-it checklist
Work through these in order — most cases resolve in the first few:
- Toggle Handoff off and on on both devices (Mac: System Settings → General → AirDrop & Handoff; iPhone: Settings → General → AirPlay & Handoff).
- Toggle Wi-Fi and Bluetooth off and on, or briefly enable Airplane Mode then disable it.
- Re-copy after a moment — Universal Clipboard syncs the latest item within a short window; give it a second before pasting.
- Sign out and back in to the same Apple Account if devices disagree on identity.
- Restart both devices — the classic last resort that genuinely helps with Continuity.
Universal Clipboard moves the current clip only — not a history. If you need your whole history on another device, that's a clipboard-app feature, not Continuity.
If it still won't work
Check that other Continuity features (Handoff between apps, AirDrop) work — if they don't either, the problem is Continuity in general, not the clipboard specifically. A local clipboard manager won't fix Universal Clipboard, but it does make on-device history rock-solid regardless.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Universal Clipboard not working?
Almost always a Continuity prerequisite: same Apple Account, Handoff enabled, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on, devices nearby. Toggling Handoff and Bluetooth fixes most cases.
Does Universal Clipboard sync history?
No — it transfers only the current clip between devices, within a short window. History sync requires an app like Paste or Pastebot.
How do I enable Handoff for the clipboard?
Mac: System Settings → General → AirDrop & Handoff. iPhone/iPad: Settings → General → AirPlay & Handoff. Enable it on every device.
Can a clipboard manager fix Universal Clipboard?
No — they're separate. A manager handles on-device history; Universal Clipboard is Apple's cross-device current-clip transfer.