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The Complete Guide to Every iOS 27 Feature

How to copy and paste between iPad and other Apple devices

by Kevin Hollington

You can use a feature called Universal Clipboard to copy content from one of your Apple devices and paste it on another. You might copy text on your iPad and paste it into a note on your iPhone, or copy an image from Safari and paste it into an email on your Mac.

It works with your iPhone, iPad, and Mac, as long as both devices have Wi-Fi, Bluetooth®, and Handoff turned on and you’re signed in to the same Apple Account.

Before you begin

For Universal Clipboard to work, all of these need to be true:

  • Both devices have Wi-Fi, Bluetooth®, and Handoff turned on.
  • You’re signed in to the same Apple Account on both devices.
  • Both devices meet minimum system requirements for Universal Clipboard.

If you’re using a VPN, confirm its configuration doesn’t block local networking, since that may interfere with some Continuity features.

Copy and paste between your iPad and other devices

You won’t actually see Universal Clipboard. It works just like copy and paste on your iPad, except you can paste on one of your other Apple devices, like a Mac or an iPhone.

  1. Select the text or image on your iPad, then tap Copy.
  2. On your other device, either tap (on another iPad or an iPhone) or click (on a Mac) where you want to paste the text or image. Then tap or click Paste. You can also use keyboard shortcuts.

    For more information on how to copy or paste on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, see How to copy and paste on an iPhone or iPad or How to copy and paste on a Mac.

    Note: When you copy the content, it’s available on your Clipboard for a time.

How to copy and paste on an iPhone or iPad

  • Select and copy text: Double-tap with one finger to select a word or triple-tap with one finger to select a paragraph. (You can also move the grab points to adjust your selection.) Then tap Copy.
  • Select and copy an image: Touch and hold to select an image, then tap Copy.
  • Paste text or an image: Tap where you want to paste the text or image, then tap Paste.

For more gestures that let you copy and paste, check out our guide, Select, cut, copy, and paste text on iPad.

How to copy and paste on a Mac

  • Select text or an image: With your pointer, select the text or image you want to copy.
  • Copy text or an image: Press Command-C or choose Edit > Copy from the menu bar.
  • Paste text or an image: Move your pointer where you want to paste the text or image and click, then press Command-V or choose Edit > Paste from the menu bar.

Additional gestures can also help you copy and paste. See our article, Select, cut, copy, and paste text on iPad.

If Universal Clipboard isn’t working

  • Make sure that you’re signed in to the same Apple Account on both devices.
  • Make sure that both devices have Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Handoff turned on.
  • Your devices must be within 30 feet (10 meters) of one another.
  • If you’re having difficulty getting Universal Clipboard to work, restart your devices and try again.

Universal Clipboard works best for small selections of text or copied images. To share multiple files between your iPad and Mac, check out our guide, Transfer files from iPad to a storage device, a server, or the cloud.

See also

Tag: Continuity
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How to use AirDrop on iPad to send items to nearby Apple devices

by Moses Johnson

With AirDrop, you can wirelessly send photos, videos, documents, and more to a nearby iPhone, iPad, or Mac. AirDrop can send files to your own devices or share files with others.

Transfers are encrypted for security, and the recipient can accept or decline each transfer as it arrives. Both devices need Wi-Fi and Bluetooth® turned on, within 30 feet (10 meters) of each other, and when you’re signed in to the same Apple Account on your own devices, items are accepted and saved automatically.

Here’s how to use AirDrop on iPad to send items to nearby Apple devices.

Note: If you leave Bluetooth or Wi-Fi range once an AirDrop transfer has been initiated, it continues over the internet.

A Mac is next to an iPad. The AirDrop dialog is open on the Mac desktop, ready to share a document with the iPad. The iPad screen has a notification about receiving the document.

Before you begin

To use AirDrop, both devices need to meet the following:

  • Both devices have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth® turned on.
  • The devices are within 30 feet (10 meters) of each other.

If a VPN you’re using has a configuration that prevents local networking, it may interfere with some Continuity features.

If you want to send items between your Apple devices with AirDrop, sign in to the same Apple Account on each so the items are automatically accepted and saved.

Turn on AirDrop

  • On an iPhone or iPad: Open Control Center, touch and hold the top-left group of controls, then tap the AirDrop icon. Tap Contacts Only or Everyone for 10 Minutes to choose who you want to receive items from.

    Note: The Contacts Only and Everyone for 10 Minutes options are available only on devices with minimum system requirements.

  • On a Mac: Click Control Center status menu in the menu bar, then click the AirDrop icon. When it’s blue, it’s on.

    To choose who can send items to you, click the right arrow next to AirDrop, then click Contacts Only or Everyone.

Send an item using an AirDrop code

Someone who isn’t in your contacts must use an AirDrop code to send you an item with AirDrop on iPadOS 26.2, iOS 26.2, macOS 26.2, or later.

If you choose to receive the item, select Continue. The AirDrop code appears on your device. After you share the code with the sender and they enter it on their device, the item is shared.

You can continue to share and receive items using AirDrop with that person for 30 days without needing to use another AirDrop code. If you no longer want to share items before the 30 days are up, go to the Contacts app, find the sender in your Other Known list, then select Forget This Person.

Send an item using AirDrop

Both you and your recipient must have AirDrop turned on to send an item to someone with AirDrop.

Sending items to someone who only accepts items from a contact requires you to be in their contacts list, with your Apple Account email address or phone number in your contact card.

After that, do any of the following:

  • On an iPhone or iPad: Open the item, then tap the Share icon, Share, the AirDrop icon, the More ellipsis button, or another button (depending on the app). Tap the AirDrop icon, then tap the recipient you want to share with. The recipients you see are those who are nearby, have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth turned on, and are able to accept files from your device.
  • On a Mac: Open the item on a Mac, click the Share icon in the toolbar, then click AirDrop. Select the recipient you want to share with. The recipients you see are those who are nearby, have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth turned on, and are able to accept files from your device.

    Tip: You can also share items with AirDrop in the Finder. To open a Finder window, click the Finder icon in the Dock. Click AirDrop in the sidebar, then drag the item you want to share to the recipient you want to send it to.

Asked by a notification to enter a code before you can share the item? Use the AirDrop code generated on the recipient’s device.

AirDrop can also securely share app and website passwords with a person using an iPhone, iPad, or Mac. Read our article, Share passwords and passkeys with people you trust on iPad.

Receive items with AirDrop

On your device, tap or click Accept on the AirDrop notification.

If you see a notification that you need an AirDrop code in order to receive the item, tap or click Get AirDrop Code and share it with the sender. The sender enters the code on their device in order to send the item with AirDrop.

Note: Items you send between devices where you’re signed in to the same Apple Account are automatically accepted.

Items usually land in the app they’re sent from, so a photo someone sends with AirDrop from the Photos app is saved in the Photos app on your device.

Your files may end up in other places, depending on the device. Some items may be saved in the Files app on an iPhone or iPad, while a Mac automatically saves some items in the Downloads folder. You may also get the option on a Mac to choose where to save items, like saving a photo in the Downloads folder or opening it in Photos.

Note: With AirDrop open in the Finder on a Mac, a notification to accept or decline appears here instead of in Notification Center.

When you send items from one of your Apple devices to another, like from your Mac to your iPad, they’re accepted and saved automatically if both devices are signed in to the same Apple Account.

Turn off cellular data for AirDrop

Cellular data charges may apply when you use AirDrop.

If you don’t want to use cellular data when you’re out of Bluetooth or Wi-Fi range, go to Settings > General > AirDrop, then turn off Use Cellular Data.

This is typically a one-time setting. You might want to change it when you’re traveling, though, to avoid roaming charges.

If AirDrop isn’t working

  • Make sure that both the sender and recipient have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth turned on and that you’re both using an iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
  • Check that the recipient has their AirDrop settings set to receive from Everyone or Contacts Only.
  • If you’re having difficulty getting AirDrop to work, restart your device and try again.

AirDrop works best for a small selection of files. To share many files between your Mac and other Apple devices, read our guide, Transfer files from iPad to a storage device, a server, or the cloud.

See also

Tag: AirDrop
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How to transfer files from iPad to a storage device, a server, or the cloud

by Dave Johnson

With iPad and a computer, you can transfer files using an external storage device, a file server, or a cloud storage service like iCloud, Box, or Dropbox.

You can copy files to a storage device such as a USB drive or SD card with a supported app like Files or Pages, and to connect one to iPad, you might need a cable adapter. In the Files app, you can rename, erase, open, or get info on a connected storage device. On iPad models with a USB-C port, you can even change an external drive to APFS, ExFAT, or MS-DOS (FAT).

Transfer files with an external storage device

  1. Connect your iPad or computer to an external storage device, such as a USB drive or SD card.

    To connect to iPad, you might need a cable adapter. See Connect external storage devices.

    Note: If an alert appears on iPad asking whether to trust this computer, select Trust.

  2. Use a supported app (like Files or Pages) to copy files to the storage device. See Organize files and folders.
  3. Disconnect the storage device and then connect it to the device where you want the copied files to appear.
  4. Copy the files to the connected device.

Access an external storage device

A connected external storage device is something you can open, rename, erase, and get information about.

  1. Go to the Files app on your iPad.
  2. Tap the Sidebar button at the top of the screen.
  3. Touch and hold the name of the storage device below Locations and then do any of the following:
    • View the contents of the storage device: Tap Open in New Window.
    • Rename the storage device: Tap Rename [device].
    • Erase the storage device: Tap Erase.
    • Get information about the storage device: Tap Get Info.

Change the formatting of an external storage device

iPad models that have a USB-C port can use the Files app to quickly reformat an external drive as MS-DOS (FAT), APFS (Apple File System), or ExFAT.

  1. Start the Files app on your iPad.
  2. Tap the Toggle Sidebar button at the top of the screen.
  3. Touch and hold the name of the storage device below Locations. Tap Erase.
  4. Select a format for the device—for example, APFS, ExFAT, or MS-DOS (FAT)—then tap Erase again.

Connect to a computer or file server

  1. Start the Files app on your iPad.
  2. Tap the Sidebar button at the top of the screen.
  3. Tap the More button at the top of the sidebar.
  4. Tap Connect to Server.
  5. Enter a local hostname or a network address, then tap Connect.

    Tip: After you connect to a computer or file server, it appears in the Recent Servers list on the Connect to Server screen. To connect to a recent server, tap its name.

  6. Select how you want to connect:

    • Guest: You can connect as a Guest user if the shared computer permits guest access.
    • Registered User: If you select Registered User, enter your user name and password.
  7. Tap Next and then select the server volume or shared folder in the Browse sidebar (below Shared).

To disconnect from the file server, tap the Eject button next to the server in the Browse sidebar.

Transfer files with a cloud storage service like Box or Dropbox

Note: Subscription fees might apply.

  1. On your iPad or computer, follow the instructions from your cloud storage service to upload the files you want to share.
  2. To access your shared files on iPad, open the Files app, tap the Sidebar button at the top of the screen, and tap the name of the storage service below Locations.

    To access the shared files on a computer, follow the service’s instructions.

Keep selected files downloaded

Files you want to access on your iPad at all times can stay downloaded, and changes you make to them while offline sync with iCloud when you’re back online.

  1. Start the Files app on your iPad.
  2. Locate a file you want to keep downloaded.
  3. Touch and hold the file you want to keep downloaded. Then tap Keep Downloaded in the menu that opens.

    If Keep Downloaded doesn’t appear in the menu, the file is already on your iPad.

See also

Tag: Files
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How to connect iPad and your computer with a cable

by Abigail Shilets

You can use a cable to directly connect your iPad to a Mac with OS X 10.9 or later, or to a Windows device with Windows 7 or later. A cable connection is how you set up iPad, share your internet connection, update iPad, or sync content with your computer.

Using the charging cable for your iPad, connect iPad to the USB port on your computer. If the cable isn’t compatible with the port on your computer, you’ll need to use an adapter (sold separately).

Note: When your iPad shows an alert asking whether to trust this computer, select Trust.

After connecting iPad to a computer with a cable, you’re able to do any of the following:

While iPad is connected to your computer, the iPad battery charges, as long as your computer is connected to power.

Tag: iPadOS
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How to reset iPad settings to their defaults

by Abigail Shilets

You can return your iPad settings to their defaults without erasing your content. If you want to save your settings, back up iPad before resetting it, so you can restore your previous settings from a backup if resetting doesn’t solve a problem.

Reset All Settings removes or resets things like network settings, the keyboard dictionary, location and privacy settings, and Apple Pay cards, but no data or media are deleted. You can also reset just your network settings, or erase all content and settings.

  1. Open the Settings app on your iPad.
  2. Tap General, tap Transfer or Reset iPad, and then tap Reset.

    WARNING: If you choose the Erase All Content and Settings option, all your content is removed. See Erase iPad.

  3. Choose an option:

    • Reset All Settings: All settings—including network settings, the keyboard dictionary, location settings, privacy settings, and Apple Pay cards—are removed or reset to their defaults. No data or media are deleted.
    • Reset Network Settings: All network settings are removed. In addition, the device name assigned in Settings > General > About is reset to iPad, and manually trusted certificates (such as for websites) are changed to untrusted.

      Cellular data roaming may also be turned off. (See View or change cellular data settings on iPad (Wi-Fi + Cellular models).)

      When you reset network settings, previously used networks and VPN settings that weren’t installed by a configuration profile or mobile device management (MDM) are removed. Wi-Fi is turned off and then back on, disconnecting you from any network you’re on. The Wi-Fi and Ask to Join Networks settings remain turned on.

      To remove VPN settings installed by a configuration profile, go to Settings > General > VPN & Device Management, select the configuration profile, then tap Remove Profile. This also removes other settings and accounts provided by the profile. See Install or remove configuration profiles.

      To remove network settings installed by MDM, go to Settings > General > VPN & Device Management, select the management, then tap Remove Management. This also removes other settings and certificates provided by MDM.

    • Delete All eSIMs (Wi-Fi + Cellular models): All eSIMs stored on your iPad are deleted. You will need to set up a new eSIM or physical SIM card to connect to a cellular network. See Set up cellular service on iPad (Wi-Fi + Cellular models).
    • Reset Keyboard Dictionary: You add words to the keyboard dictionary by rejecting words iPad suggests as you type. Resetting the keyboard dictionary erases only the words you’ve added.
    • Reset Handwriting Style: Resets custom handwriting preferences to their defaults.
    • Reset Home Screen Layout: Returns the built-in apps to their original layout on the Home Screen.
    • Reset Location & Privacy: Resets the location services and privacy settings to their defaults.

To completely erase your iPad, read our guide, Erase iPad using Settings. And if you need to use a computer to erase your iPad, see our article, Erase iPad using your Mac or Windows device.

Tag: Settings
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How to back up iPad

by Dave Johnson

You can back up iPad using iCloud or your computer. iCloud backups store information and settings on your iPad that don’t regularly sync to iCloud, including things like device settings, Home Screen layout, and app organization.

iCloud automatically backs up your iPad daily when it’s connected to power, locked, and connected to Wi-Fi. You can also save a backup of your iPad on your Mac or Windows device, and encrypt your backup data to protect it with a password.

Quick tip: When you replace your iPad, use its backup to transfer your information to the new device. Check out our guide, Restore all content to iPad from a backup, for the steps.

Back up iPad using iCloud

iCloud backups cover the information and settings on your device that don’t sync to iCloud regularly, like device settings, Home Screen layout, and app organization.

  1. Start the Settings app on your iPad.
  2. Tap [your name] and tap iCloud. Tap iCloud Backup.
  3. Turn on Back Up This iPad.

    iCloud automatically backs up your iPad daily when iPad is connected to power, locked, and connected to Wi-Fi.

    Note: On Wi-Fi + Cellular models that support 5G, your carrier may give you the option to back up iPad using your cellular network. Go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup, then turn Backup Over Cellular on or off.

  4. To perform a manual backup, tap Back Up Now.

View available iCloud storage

  1. Start the Settings app on your iPad.
  2. Tap [your name], then tap iCloud.

    The amount of iCloud storage used and the amount of iCloud storage available appear at the top of the screen.

Manage iCloud storage

Details about iCloud backups are available to view, including the next backup size, the last backup, and the apps included in the backup.

  1. Start the Settings app on your iPad.
  2. Tap [your name], then tap iCloud.
  3. Tap iCloud Backup and then tap your iPad (This iPad).
  4. To reduce the size of a backup, turn off the apps you don’t want to back up anymore; the apps’ existing backup data will also be deleted from iCloud.

Back up iPad using your Mac

You can save a backup of your iPad on your Mac.

  1. Connect iPad and your computer with a cable.
  2. In the Finder sidebar on your Mac, select your iPad.

    To use the Finder to back up iPad, macOS 10.15 or later is required. With earlier versions of macOS, use iTunes to back up iPad.

  3. At the top of the Finder window, click General.
  4. Select Back up all of the data on your iPad to this Mac.
  5. To encrypt your backup data and protect it with a password, select Encrypt local backup.
  6. Click Back Up Now.

Note: You can connect iPad to your computer wirelessly, too. Read our guide, Transfer files between your iPad and other devices.

Back up iPad using your Windows device

  1. Connect iPad and your computer with a cable.
  2. In the iTunes app on your Windows device, click the iPad button near the top left of the iTunes window.
  3. Click Summary.
  4. Click Back Up Now (below Backups).
  5. To encrypt your backups, select “Encrypt local backup,” type a password and click Set Password.

To see the backups stored on your computer, choose Edit > Preferences, then click Devices. Encrypted backups have a lock icon in the list of backups.

Note: Prefer to connect iPad to your computer wirelessly? See our article, Transfer files between your iPad and other devices.

Tags: iCloud, iPadOS
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How to erase iPad

by Dave Johnson

You can securely erase your personal information, content, and settings (such as privacy and network settings) from your iPad. When you erase your iPad, it’s restored to factory settings.

If you want to reset your iPad settings but keep your personal content, see Reset iPad settings to their defaults. Before you begin, you back up your iPad so you can restore your data later, and if you have an eSIM, you can choose to erase it or keep it.

The Erase This iPad screen.

Before you begin

Back up your iPad so you can restore your data later on a different device.

Erase iPad using Settings

  1. Open the Settings app on your iPad.
  2. Tap General, then tap Transfer or Reset iPad.
  3. Tap Erase All Content and Settings.
  4. If asked, enter your iPad passcode or Apple Account password.
  5. Tap Continue to confirm.

    If you have an eSIM, you can choose to erase your eSIM or keep it. If you erase your eSIM, you need to contact your carrier to reactivate your cellular plan.

Erase iPad using your Mac or Windows device

  1. Connect your iPad to your computer with a USB or USB-C cable.
  2. On your Mac, click the Finder icon to open a Finder window, or open the Apple Devices app on your Windows device.

    If your Mac is using macOS 10.14 or earlier, or your Windows device doesn’t have the Apple Devices app, open iTunes instead.

  3. Click the iPad icon in the Finder sidebar (below Locations). Then click General at the top of the window.
  4. Click Restore iPad, then click Restore to confirm.

    Note: If you’re signed in to Find My, you need to sign out before you can click Restore.

See also

Tag: iPadOS
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How to set up Touch ID on iPad

by Emily Long

On an iPad with a Home button, iPad (10th generation and later), iPad Air (4th generation and later), iPad mini (6th generation), or iPad mini (A17 Pro), you can use Touch ID to securely and conveniently unlock iPad, authorize purchases and payments, and sign in to many third-party apps.

Touch ID can also fill in passwords automatically and open password-protected apps. You can choose when to use Touch ID, add a fingerprint, and name or delete one.

To use Touch ID, you must set a passcode on your iPad.

Turn on Touch ID

  1. Open Settings and then tap Touch ID & Passcode.
  2. Turn on any of the options below Use Touch ID For. Then follow the onscreen instructions.

With iTunes & App Store turned on, your first App Store, Apple Books, or iTunes Store purchase asks for your Apple Account password. For later purchases, you’re asked to use Touch ID.

Choose when to use Touch ID

With Touch ID, you can open password-protected apps, unlock your iPad, authorize payments, and automatically fill in passwords.

Go to Settings > Touch ID & Passcode, then turn on options below Use Touch ID For.

Add a fingerprint

You can add multiple fingerprints, for example both of your thumbs and forefingers.

  1. Open Settings and then tap Touch ID & Passcode.
  2. Tap Add a Fingerprint.
  3. Follow the onscreen instructions.

Name or delete a fingerprint

  1. Open Settings and then tap Touch ID & Passcode.

    If you added more than one fingerprint, do one of the following to identify its print:

    • On an iPad with a Home button: Rest a finger on the Home button.
    • On iPad (10th generation and later), iPad mini (6th generation), iPad mini (A17 Pro), and iPad Air (4th generation and later): Rest a finger on the top button.
  2. Tap the fingerprint and enter a name (such as “Thumb”) or tap Delete Fingerprint.

Turn off Touch ID

Go to Settings > Touch ID & Passcode, then turn off one or more of the options.

See also

Tag: Touch ID
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Which power adapter and charge cable to use with iPad

by Stacey Butler

You can connect iPad to a power outlet and charge the battery using the included USB-C power adapter and charge cable, and the adapter and cable depend on your iPad model and region. You can also use the charge cable to connect iPad to your computer for charging, transferring files, and more.

The type of charge cable depends on your iPad model, too, and the cable also lets you use iPad as a second display for your Mac. A third-party power adapter should meet the recommended specifications, like a minimum power output of 15 W.

USB-C Power Adapter

The USB-C power adapter.

A third-party power adapter should meet these recommended specifications:

  • Frequency: 50 to 60 Hz, single phase
  • Line Voltage: 100 to 240 VAC
  • Output Voltage/Current: 5 to 15 V / 3 A
  • Minimum Power Output: 15 W
  • Output Port: USB-C

USB-C Charge Cable

The USB-C Charge Cable.

Lightning to USB-C Cable

The Lightning to USB-C Cable.

Tag: Battery
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Which Magic Keyboard or Smart Keyboard works with your iPad

by Tyler Stephen

iPad Smart Keyboards and Magic Keyboards (sold separately) allow you to type while viewing the entire iPad screen. They magnetically attach to iPad without switches, plugs, or pairing, and provide a lightweight protective cover when closed.

Each keyboard is listed with the iPad models it’s compatible with, so you can find the right keyboard for your iPad, from the Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro to the Smart Keyboard Folio. You can also use shortcuts on an Apple external keyboard with iPad.

Find the right keyboard for your iPad

Keyboard Compatible with
Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro iPad Pro 11-inch (M4 and M5)

iPad Pro 13-inch (M4 and M5)
Magic Keyboard for iPad Air

Note: Requires iPadOS 18.3 or later.

 iPad Air 11-inch (M2, M3, and M4)

iPad Air 13-inch (M2, M3, and M4)

iPad Air (4th and 5th generation)
Magic Keyboard for iPad Air and iPad Pro iPad Air 11-inch (M2, M3, and M4)

iPad Air 13-inch (M2, M3, and M4)

iPad Air (4th and 5th generation)

iPad Pro 11‑inch (1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th generation)

iPad Pro 12.9‑inch (3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th generation)
Magic Keyboard Folio iPad (A16)

iPad (10th generation)
Smart Keyboard Folio iPad Air 11-inch (M2, M3, and M4)

iPad Air 13-inch (M2, M3, and M4)

iPad Air (4th and 5th generation)

iPad Pro 11‑inch (1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th generation)

iPad Pro 12.9‑inch (3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th generation)
Smart Keyboard iPad (7th, 8th, and 9th generation)

iPad Air (3rd generation)

iPad Pro 10.5‑inch

See also

Tag: Keyboard
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