iPhone: What is Handoff? Simply explained

On current iOS versions you can use your iPhone with Handoff, but what exactly is it? The feature is essentially useful if you own multiple Apple devices and want to quickly switch between them.

This is all Handoff can do on your iPhone

Handoff is a feature that you can use with iOS 8 as well as more recent versions on the iPhone as well as your other Apple devices. The feature ensures that you can seamlessly switch from one device to the other. For example, if you are browsing a website and would rather continue reading it on the iPad instead of the iPhone, Handoff allows you to go to that page immediately. This also works in other apps besides the browser, such as Pages, Numbers, Mail, Maps, Reminders, Calendar, and more.

Enable Handoff on iPhone

For you to use Handoff's features, your devices must be logged in with the same Apple ID. In addition, the Bluetooth function must be enabled.

1. Navigate to the settings on the iPhone or also on the iPad.
2. Open the "General" menu.
3. Select "Handoff" and enable the function.

Turn on function on Mac

In order to use Handoff not only between two iPhones or a smartphone and an iPad, but also to be able to continue working seamlessly on the Mac, you must also activate the function on it:

1. Open the System Preferences.
2. Wählen Sie das Menü „Allgemein“ an.
3. Hier aktivieren Sie nun die Funktion „Handoff zwischen diesem Mac und deinen iCloud-Geräten erlauben“.