Cut, copy, and paste between iPad and other devices

You can use Universal Clipboard to cut or copy content (a block of text or an image, for example) on your iPad, then paste it on iPhone, another iPad, iPod touch, or Mac computer, and vice versa.

Note: For information about moving items within an app or copying items between apps only on your iPad, see Move and copy items with drag and drop on iPad. For information about cutting, copying, and pasting text within or between apps only on your iPad, see Select, cut, copy, and paste text on iPad.

Before you begin

To cut or copy and paste between iPad and another device, make sure of the following:

You’re signed in with the same Apple ID on both devices.
On your Mac, you’ve turned on Wi-Fi, Bluetooth®, and Handoff.
On your iPad and on another iPhone or iPad, you’ve turned on Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Handoff.
Your devices are within Bluetooth range of one another (about 33 feet or 10 meters).
Each device has the minimum relevant software version installed: iOS 10, iPadOS 13, macOS 10.12, or later.

Copy, cut, or paste

Copy: Pinch closed with three fingers.
Cut: Pinch closed with three fingers two times.
Paste: Pinch open with three fingers.

You can also touch and hold a selection, then tap Cut, Copy, or Paste.

Important: You need to cut, copy, and paste your content within a short period of time.

For more information about selecting text or placing the insertion point, see Type with the onscreen keyboard on iPad.

Helpful?

iPad User Guide

Cut, copy, and paste between iPad and other devices

Before you begin

Copy, cut, or paste