How to Remotely Control iPad from Mac [3 Ways]

Learn three easy methods to control your iPad from a Mac, including Apple's built-in features and AnyViewer for advanced remote access.

Ellie

By Ellie / Updated on November 26, 2024

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Can you remotely control an iPad from a Mac?

Have you ever found yourself needing to control your iPad from your Mac? Whether you're managing documents, giving a presentation, or simply need to troubleshoot, being able to remotely control an iPad from a Mac can save you a lot of time and effort.

mirror-ipad-screen-to-mac

But how exactly can you do this? Don't worry - this article will walk you through how to remotely control iPad from Mac and provide the best tools to make the process smooth, secure, and efficient.

How to remotely control iPad from Mac [3 reliable methods]

You can remotely control an iPad from an iPhone or other devices, even if they're far apart. iPads come with basic built-in tools for simple remote access, ideal for users who want an easy setup. Many third-party apps, like AnyViewer, provide more advanced features to improve remote access for different needs.

Method 1. Switch Control

Apple's Switch Control is an accessibility feature designed for users who have difficulty using a traditional keyboard and mouse. It allows individuals with mobility challenges to control their devices within the same Wi-Fi network and Apple ID.

Let’s take a look at how to remote control iPad from Mac via Switch Control:

Step 1. Open the "Settings" app on your Mac and go to the "Accessibility" section in the left panel. Then, select "Switch Control" under the "Motor" category to access its settings.

switch-control-on-mac

Step 2. Toggle the "Switch Control" option at the top of the screen to open the "Home – Switch" menu. From there, choose the "Devices" option, which will show a list of Apple devices on the same Wi-Fi network and Apple ID. Choose your iPad and click the "Connect" button to control it from your Mac.

enable-switch-control-on-mac

Step 3. On your iPad, open the "Settings" app, go to "Accessibility," and select "Switch Control." Enable Switch Control on your iPad to allow control from your Mac.

enable-switch-control-on-ipad

Step 4. Return to your Mac, navigate to the "Switches" section, and click the "+" icon to add new switches for controlling your iPad. Once you've assigned switches, you can use them to control your iPad remotely, though there are some limitations to this control.

switches

Method 2. Universal Control

Universal Control is a feature introduced by Apple that allows users to seamlessly control multiple Apple devices—like a Mac, iPad, or another Mac—using a single mouse and keyboard. This feature is part of Apple's ecosystem, designed to enhance productivity and ease of use across devices.

With Universal Control, you can do things like:

  • Easily transfer files between a Mac and an iPad using drag-and-drop.
  • Control multiple devices with the same mouse and keyboard by simply moving the cursor from one device's screen to another (similar to how you'd move from one desktop to another).
  • Seamlessly copy and paste text, images, and files between Mac and iPad.

Let's see how to control iPad remotely from Mac using Universal Control:

Step 1. Click the Apple menu on your Mac and choose "System Settings" or "System Preferences."

Step 2. Next, select "Displays."

Step 3. Scroll down and click "Advanced."

Step 4. Enable the option "Allow your pointer and keyboard to move between any nearby Mac or iPad."

allow-your-cursor-and-keyboard-to-move-between-any-nearby-mac-or-ipad

Step 5. On your iPad, open the "Settings" app.

Step 6. Tap "General," then choose "AirPlay & Handoff."

Step 7. Enable the "Cursor and Keyboard" option.

cursor-and-keyboard

Method 3. AnyViewer

As mentioned earlier, you can also use third-party remote desktop software for controlling iPad and Mac, such as AnyViewer, which is a comprehensive solution for remote access. While AnyViewer allows you to remotely access your iPad from Mac, Windows, iOS, or Android devices, full control is not possible due to iOS's strict security limitations. However, AnyViewer ensures industry-standard security with end-to-end ECC-256 encryption.

In addition, AnyViewer offers a patented protocol for fast and responsive remote sessions. You can even adjust the screen display during the session for a more immersive iPad viewing experience. The software also features an intuitive interface, making it easy to remotely access your iPad from an iPhone, as shown in the steps above.

Feel free to download AnyViewer by clicking the button below or get the AnyViewer mobile app from Google Play or the App Store. For more details on downloading AnyViewer, visit the official download page. You can trust that all products from the official website or app stores are secure and free from viruses.

Here's how to remotely access iPad screen from Mac via AnyViewer:

Download Freeware macOS 10.15 and later
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Step 1. Begin by downloading and installing AnyViewer on your Mac. After installing the app, open it, click "Log in," and then choose "Sign up" to create an AnyViewer account.

sign-up

Step 2. On your iPad, install AnyViewer and log in using the same account.

ipad-control-mac

Step 3. On your Mac, go to the "Device" section, select your iPad, and click on "View screen."

Step 4. Your iPad will receive a screen viewing request. Follow the on-screen instructions to approve the request, and your Mac will be able to remotely access your iPad's screen.

ipad-screen-mirror-on-mac

Note: It is also possible to use an iPad as a remote control for Mac with AnyViewer.

Conclusion

In conclusion, remotely controlling an iPad from a Mac is entirely feasible and can be done using a variety of methods, each offering unique features. Whether you prefer the built-in tools like Switch Control and Universal Control for seamless device interaction or opt for third-party solutions like AnyViewer for more advanced features and secure access, you can easily manage and control your iPad remotely. With these methods, you can improve productivity and streamline tasks across your Apple devices.