The advantages offered by the Apple ecosystem are endless. You can make great convenience in both your business and daily life by fully utilizing the synchronization between your MacBook and iPhone. So, what are the ways to use these two devices more efficiently?
Let's take a look at some of the cool features you can achieve by syncing your devices in this article.
1. Backup and Sync Everything with iCloud
iCloud is Apple’s cloud service that automatically synchronizes files, photos, and documents between your devices. With this feature, you can instantly access the same files on both your devices. Here’s how to use iCloud step by step:
Step 1:
Open the Settings app on your iPhone. Tap on your profile icon at the top (where your name appears).
Step 2:
Click on iCloud in the menu that opens. From here, you can choose which apps and data will be synced with iCloud. You can access the same data on both devices by opening options such as Photos , Documents , Keychain .
Step 3:
On your MacBook, open System Preferences and go to the Apple ID menu. Here, find the iCloud option and select the data you want to sync.
With these steps, you can instantly access your files and photos on both devices—for example, a photo you take on an iPhone will automatically appear on your MacBook.
2. Continue Where You Left Off with Handoff
Handoff is a great feature that lets you start an action on one device and continue it on another without interruption. For example, if you start writing an email on your iPhone, then switch to your MacBook, you can pick up where you left off with Handoff.
Step 1:
First, make sure that both your devices are signed in with the same Apple ID.
Step 2:
On your MacBook, go to System Preferences > General and enable the “Enable Handoff” option.
Step 3:
On your iPhone, go to Settings > General > Handoff and enable Handoff.
Once you've set these settings up, a task you start on your iPhone will appear in the Dock on your MacBook. For example, when you open a Safari tab, that tab can instantly open on your MacBook.
Get superior protection and style with the MacBook CarbonLeather Case collection!
3. Copy and Paste with Universal Clipboard
Universal Clipboard lets you copy text, images, or files from one device and paste them on another. For example, you can copy text from a website on an iPhone and paste it on a MacBook. Here's how it works:
Step 1:
Make sure your MacBook and iPhone are connected to the same Wi-Fi network and Bluetooth is turned on.
Step 2:
On iPhone, select a text or file in any app, then use the Copy command (press and hold the screen to copy).
Step 3:
Switch to your MacBook and paste the text where you want to paste it with Command ( ⌘) + V.
This way, content you copy on one device becomes instantly available on the other device. This feature saves a lot of time when writing or working on projects.
4. File Sharing with AirDrop
AirDrop is one of the fastest ways to transfer files without the need for cables. You can quickly share large files, photos, and videos between MacBook and iPhone.
Step 1:
Make sure Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are turned on on both devices.
Step 2:
On your iPhone, click on the file you want to share and click Share . Here you will see the AirDrop icon.
Step 3:
AirDrop will automatically find nearby devices. Select your MacBook and send the file.
Step 4:
Accept the file on MacBook and it will automatically transfer to your MacBook.
This process only takes a few seconds and is one of the safest ways to transfer files wirelessly.
5. Make Phone Calls from MacBook
You can answer or make calls from your MacBook while you're at work, without having to reach for your iPhone.
Step 1:
On iPhone, go to Settings > Phone > Search on Other Devices and add your MacBook.
Step 2:
Open the FaceTime app on your MacBook and enable calls with iPhone in Settings > Calls .
Step 3:
You can now make and receive calls from your MacBook.
This feature allows you to stay in touch without having to reach for your phone, especially when working on your MacBook for long periods of time.
6. iMessage and FaceTime Sync
Syncing your messaging between your MacBook and iPhone is a great convenience, especially for work or social media use. iMessage and FaceTime work seamlessly on both devices.
Step 1:
On your MacBook, open the Messages app and sign in with your Apple ID.
Step 2:
On iPhone, add your MacBook by going to Settings > Messages > Message Forwarding .
Step 3:
Similarly for FaceTime, log in to the FaceTime app on your MacBook and sync it with your iPhone.
You can now see and reply to all messages you receive on iPhone on your MacBook, and you can also make FaceTime calls from your MacBook.
Have you reviewed our content on how toimprove MacBook camera quality ?
7. Sync Open Tabs in Safari
You can view the tabs open in the web browser on one device and continue from the same tab on the other device. Safari is very useful in this regard.
Step 1:
Make sure both devices are signed in to iCloud with the same Apple ID.
Step 2:
Open Safari browser on MacBook. In the upper right corner, you will see the tabs open on iPhone.
Step 3:
In Safari browser on iPhone, you can access the tabs open on MacBook and continue from the same tab.
This feature allows you to easily switch between two devices, especially when doing research.
8. Unlock Your MacBook with Apple Watch
If you use an Apple Watch, you can automatically unlock your MacBook, which is a time-saver, especially since it eliminates the need to type in a password.
Step 1:
On a MacBook, go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy .
Step 2:
Check the “Unlock with Apple Watch” option.
Step 3:
Your Apple Watch will automatically unlock when it's near your MacBook.
This way, you do not have to enter your password every time.
9. Apple Music and Podcast Sync
Apple Music and Podcast syncing lets you seamlessly continue your listening habits across both devices. For example, if you need to step out and listen to a song on your MacBook, you can pick up where you left off on your iPhone.
Step 1:
Make sure you're signed in with the same Apple ID in the Apple Music or Podcasts apps.
Step 2:
The song or podcast you're listening to on your MacBook will sync to your iPhone. You can pick up where you left off by opening the Apple Music or Podcasts app on your iPhone.
This feature makes your music and podcast listening habits uninterrupted, especially when you are traveling or working.
10. Organize Your Daily Life with Notes and Reminders
Notes and Reminders are two of the most useful apps for keeping you organized in the Apple ecosystem. Notes you take and reminders you create on one device automatically sync to your other device.
Step 1:
On your iPhone, go to Settings > Apple ID > iCloud and turn on Notes & Reminders .
Step 2:
On your MacBook, go to System Preferences > Apple ID > iCloud and enable Notes & Reminders .
Step 3:
Notes and reminders you make on both devices will sync. For example, you can access a shopping list you made on your MacBook on your iPhone while you're at the grocery store.
This feature helps you keep track of your daily plans regularly and allows you to access the same information on both devices.
Result: Connect Your Devices in Seamless Sync
By syncing your MacBook and iPhone, you can make your work more efficient and your life easier. With this step-by-step guide, even a novice user can easily learn how to seamlessly switch between devices. Features like iCloud, Handoff, AirDrop, and Universal Clipboard help you make the most of the power of your devices. With these features offered by the Apple ecosystem, you can make your work and daily life more organized and practical.
Source:
Apple - Sync content between your Mac and your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch
