Mac OS X Yosemite: Handoff switch is missing
With Mac OS X Yosemite you can enjoy the handoff function. If your Yosemite is missing the handoff switch, follow these steps.
Yosemite: Handoff switch not available - what can it be?
With Handoff, you can continue actions that you started on your iPhone on your Mac. To do this, the devices must be in close proximity to each other. Coming from the Mac, an app icon is displayed on the lock screen of the iOS 8 device so that work can continue here.
- Coming from the iPhone, the handoff switch appears in the Yosemite operating system on the left of the dock, with which work can be resumed from an app.
- Your devices must be registered in iCloud under the same Apple ID.
- You also need to enable Bluetooth on both devices.
- Third, the handoff function must be activated. You can find the activation option on both devices in the "Settings" under "General".
- If there is still no handoff switch in the lower left, your app may not be compatible with the handoff function. Compatible apps include: reminders, messages, mail, safari, keynote, pages, numbers, cards, calendars and contacts.
Mac OS: Requirements for Apple's handoff
If the handoff function does not work for you, check whether your devices really meet the requirements for a handoff:
- Your Mac must run at least Mac OS X Yosemite and your iPhone must have at least the iOS 8 operating system.
- Apple has also released a list of compatible devices. The following devices are compatible: MacBook Air (models from 2012), MacBook Pro (models from 2012), iMac (models from 2012), Mac mini (models from 2012) and Mac Pro (models from late 2013). All smartphones from iPhone 4s support iOS 8 and are therefore suitable for the handoff function. Also compatible: All fifth generation iPads or iPod touches.
- The devices must also have Bluetooth 4 LE. Click the apple icon in the upper left corner of your Mac and then click "About this Mac". In the "System report" under "Bluetooth" you will find a "Yes" next to the menu item "Bluetooth Low Energy is supported" if your device has the required Bluetooth 4 LE.
- Rumor has it that you can also set up 2011 MacBook Air devices for handoff. However, we do not recommend this - the procedure requires various system changes, which you should only make with a backup copy of the original data, if at all.
In the next practical tip, read how to best set up iCloud.