Continuity

Continuity is the general term that is given by Apple to its services that work cohesively across devices and platforms. These continuity services usually only work within Apple devices which include its line of computers, iPad tablets, iPhones, and Apple TV. The mechanism through which these devices are able to connect with one another is usually through the use of iCloud and as long as the same Apple ID is used to sign into the various devices, they will be able to achieve continuity. Needless to say then, that an internet connection is required in order for services to be synchronized between devices. At times, Bluetooth may be used to augment the services. The final prerequisite is having the correct software installed in the form of the operating system. Continuity features were first introduced with OSX 10.10 (Yosemite) and in iOS8 on mobile devices. Certainly, newer versions of the Mac operating system will also offer continuity features and in most cases, they may be enhanced through added features.

The continuity features that currently exist include:

AirDrop: Apple's wireless file transfer system that allows sending and receiving to single or multiple Apple devices (see below)
Handoff: the ability to pickup and continue a task that was started on a different device. Handoff is limited to a number of supported apps.
Instant Hotspot: automatically connects a Mac computer to the internet using the cellular data of a compatible iPhone
SMS handling: the ability to pick up SMS messages from a phone
Phone calls using the computer: allows users to make or take phone calls using a nearby iPhone
Auto Unlock with Apple Watch: replaces the act of manually unlocking a Mac computer using a passcode through the presence of an Apple Watch
Universal Clipboard: what is copied on one device can be pasted onto another device

AirDrop

Benefits

AirDrop is a convenient means of transferring files between Apple devices. Previously, users would have to email the file as an attachment, load it onto a USB drive, or store it in cloud storage to initiate transfer. While all of these are valid and not overly onerous transfer methods, they require multiple steps and in at least one case where iPads do not readily accept USB drives, this may be impossible.

The benefits of AirDrop then are instantaneous file transfer as well as the ability to transfer file(s) to multiple recipients in a very short amount of time. AirDrop can be initiated on any of Apple's computing devices which include iPhones, iPads, and Mac computers. Apple TVs and Apple Watch are not considered computing devices and do not support AirDrop.

Permissions

Although AirDrop is initiated in slightly different ways on its two platforms, iOS and MacOS, the premise is the same. There are three levels of security for receiving files from other users that can be set on all devices: users can choose to be discovered by everyone (who has an Apple device), contacts only, or by no one (essentially shutting AirDrop off). Clearly, in order to receive files from other devices, either of the first two options are required.

AirDrop settings are accessed in different areas depending on the device and the version of its operating system:

On an iOS device such as an iPhone or an iPad, AirDrop permissions are accessed either through the Control Center (iOS 8-10) or through the Settings app (iOS11). On iOS versions 8 to 10, the Control Centre is accessed by swiping upwards from the bottom of a device. The AirDrop permissions settings is accessed by tapping on the box that is labelled AirDrop . On iOS11, AirDrop permissions are accessed on the Settings app under General -> AirDrop.
On a Mac computer, AirDrop settings are accessed through the Finder window. Open Finder by clicking on its icon in the Dock. AirDrop should appear on the sidebar. If it doesn't, select Finder -> Preferences in the Menu Bar and ensure that it is checked. If AirDrop is not in the list of items to display on the sidebar, AirDrop is either not supported on that particular device or the version of the operating system is too old.

Sharing Files Through AirDrop

Once the device(s) is set up with the appropriate permission level to allow it to receive file(s) from neighbouring devices, do the following to send a file:

On an iOS device, choose an item(s) to share with other devices. This can be an image in the Photos app, a song, or a file in any app that has sharing capabilities. When a file/object is selected, there should be the Share icon which is a box with an upward arrow in the middle of it. Tapping the share button will bring up various options to share among which may include message, mail, Dropbox or iCloud, but also the AirDrop symbol. All nearby AirDrop enabled devices will replace the icon if they have the appropriate permission levels. If not, click on the AirDrop symbol and the device will search for applicable devices.
On a OSX/MacOS device, AirDrop is typically accessed through the Finder window. Navigate to any file on your computer and right click on the file. Locate the Share option which should have an arrow next to it. A list of ways to share the file will appear including AirDrop. Click on AirDrop and any devices that are accessible to the device will appear. Quickly send the file to one, several or all devices

Handoff

While this may not be the most useful feature in Apple's lineup, there may be occasions where the need to continue a task on a different device may come in handy. For example, it might be that you have started a new document on Pages on the desktop Mac but find that you now have to go to an appointment. Simply open Pages on a portable computing device such as a MacBook or an iPad and that document is instantly transferred using Handoff (more or less). Handoff is limited to apps that support it which will primarily be those created by Apple. Interestingly, there are apps that are not created by Apple but will open in an Apple app. For example, with a webpage open on one device using the Google browser, it can be opened on a different Apple device but using Safari.

Apps that can be "handed off" appear in either the Dock on a Mac computer or an an iPad (iOS11), or at the bottom of the multitasking screen on iOS10 and below. Clicking on these icons/notifications will open up the same or a compatible app on the device with the contents from the other device. Handoff works when your devices are near each other and set up as follows:

Each device is signed in to iCloud with the same Apple ID.
To see the Apple ID used by Apple Watch, open the Apple Watch app on your iPhone, then go to General > Apple ID.
Each device has Bluetooth turned on.
Each Mac, iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch has Wi-Fi turned on.
Each device has Handoff turned on:
- On Mac, choose Apple menu () > System Preferences, then click General. Select “Allow Handoff between this Mac and your iCloud devices.”
- On iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, go to Settings > General > Handoff, then turn on Handoff.
- On Apple Watch, open the Apple Watch app on your iPhone, then tap General and turn on Enable Handoff.

Instant Hotspot

Most of us have encountered a situation at some point where we find ourselves without an internet connection on our laptops or tablets. This is rectified by tethering off cellular data from a mobile device. Traditionally, this meant going into the settings for the phone and enabling a hotspot, creating a password and then connecting to that hotspot on the device. Instant hotspot simplifies this process by automatically connecting to the phone through continuity.

Instant Hotspot works when your devices are near each other and set up as follows:

Your iPhone or iPad (Wi-Fi + Cellular) has an activated carrier plan providing Personal Hotspot service.
Each device is signed in to iCloud with the same Apple ID.
Each device has Bluetooth turned on.
Each device has Wi-Fi turned on.

SMS Relay or Text Message Forwarding

Yet another way that Apple is moving to synchronize the user's experience between devices is by allowing users to both receive and send text messages through a tablet or computing device through the Messages app. If you have an iPhone, the text messages that you send and receive on your iPhone can appear on your Mac, iPad, and iPod touch as well. You can then continue the conversation from whichever device is closest to you. Make sure that your devices are set up as follows:

Each device is signed in to iCloud with the same Apple ID.
On iPhone, go to Settings > Messages > Send & Receive. Make sure that the Apple ID at the top of the screen is the same Apple ID that you're using for iMessage on your other devices. Add a check to your phone number and email address, so that you can be reached by iMessage at both. Do the same on your iPad or iPod touch.
On iPhone, go to Settings > Messages > Text Message Forwarding, then choose which devices to allow to send and receive text messages from this iPhone. If you're not using two-factor authentication for your Apple ID, a verification code appears on each of your other devices: enter that code on your iPhone.
On Mac, open Messages, then choose Messages > Preferences. Click Accounts, then select your iMessage account. Make sure that the Apple ID shown here is the same Apple ID that you're using on your other devices. Add a check to your phone number and email address.

Phone Call Handling

This is similar to the previous feature except that the Mac computer or iPad can be used to make cellular calls as long as both devices are signed into iCloud using the same Apple ID, that FaceTime is signed into on each device with the same Apple ID (the app that is used to make calls), and that the same Wi-Fi network is used for both devices. In addition, the following settings will need to be turned on:

On iPhone, go to Settings > Phone > Calls on Other Devices, then turn on Allow Calls on Other Devices.
On iPad or iPod touch, go to Settings > FaceTime, then turn on Calls from iPhone.
On Mac, open the FaceTime app, then choose FaceTime > Preferences. Click Settings, then select Calls From iPhone.

Make a call on your iPad or iPod touch

Tap a phone number in Contacts, Calendar, Safari, or other app that automatically detects such data.
Or open the FaceTime app and enter the phone number in the search field. Tap the phone number in the search result, then tap Call.

Make a call on your Mac

Move the pointer over any phone number in Contacts, Calendar, Safari, or other app that automatically detects such data. Click the arrow in the box that outlines the phone number, then choose Call [phone number] Using iPhone.
Or open the FaceTime app and enter a phone number in the search field. Control-click the phone number in the search result, then choose the phone number from the pop-up menu.

Answer a call

On iPad or iPod touch, slide to answer the call.
On Mac, a notification appears when someone calls your iPhone. From there you can answer the call, send it to voicemail, or send the caller a message.

To stop getting calls at one of your devices, just turn off the Calls from iPhone setting on that device. See the setup section above for details.

Universal Clipboard

Universal Clipboard is a feature where cut or copied text, images, or other objects are made available to be pasted on other devices.

Universal Clipboard works when your devices are near each other and set up as follows:

Each device is signed in to iCloud with the same Apple ID.
Each device has Bluetooth turned on.
Each device has Wi-Fi turned on.
Each device has Handoff turned on:
- On Mac, choose Apple menu () > System Preferences, then click General. Select “Allow Handoff between this Mac and your iCloud devices.”
- On iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, go to Settings > General > Handoff, then turn on Handoff.

Use Universal Clipboard

On one device, copy the text, image, or other content as you normally would.
You can also use Universal Clipboard to copy entire files from one Mac to another. Each Mac requires macOS High Sierra.
The content is automatically added to the clipboard of your other nearby device. It remains there briefly, or until you replace it by copying something else on either device.
On the other device, paste the content as you normally would.

Set up and use Auto Unlock

Auto Unlock gives you instant access to your Mac when wearing your Apple Watch. Just wake up your Mac and you’re ready to go—without typing a password.

Back to Mac User Guide

Google Sites

Report abuse