Universal Control disconnects randomly between MacBooks

You're not alone, Universal Control [extending the Mac keyboard and mouse to another Apple device] has been terribly flakey since the Tahoe release (and has remained since on the public betas). First it did not work at all until I signed both devices out of iCloud and back in again (which is a really heavy hammer since you have to re-add all your credit cards to Wallet every time you do that). Since then it sort of works sometimes, and then it won't, and then it will a bit later.

All the usual diagnostic steps (both MacOS and iPad on the same version, same wifi, bluetooth on, logged on the same account, in close proximity etc) are not the problem. Continuity [cut on one device, paste on the other] does work.

I reported this on the beta Feedback problem, but did not get a response.

You can kind of tell when this is going to happen because Screen Mirroring does not show the other device as an option. For example right now Universal Control doesn't work for me, and the Macbook's Screen Mirroring only shows my Apple TV is an option for adding another Display, and not the iPad that's sitting right next to it.

Edit: I may have found a workaround to kick it. Setting the iPad to screen mirror onto the Mac temporarily (ie the reverse of what people generally want to do) seems to make the Mac notice the iPad exists.

26.1 was released today. I recommend you update to that version and test to see if it helps fix the problem

marascomq wrote:

• Hi everyone,

here my current setup

Apple Magic Keyboard

• Logitech Bluetooth Mouse MX 3S connected "directly" via Bluetooth

• MacBook Pro M4 (nov 2024 w/ macOS 26.0.1) with LG external monitor

• MacBook Pro M1 (2021 w/ macOS 15.6.1) sometimes with an iPad as second monitor

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: universal control random disconnect

current macOS Sequoia 15.7.1

The current macOS 26.0.1

Keep your Mac up to date - Apple Support

The current iOS 26.0.1

Update your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support

To be proactive you can file a bug report / submit your Apple Feedback here: Product Feedback - Apple

Not sure about the OP, but I am running 26.1 it has not fixed the issue

Same here. It's been like this for years. It regularly disconnects, sometimes just for a few seconds (10-20s), then reconnects. It could be a great feature but just not reliable.