This chapter is from the book
This chapter is from the book
This chapter is from the book
Using Handoff
Handoff is an iOS feature that works with many apps that come preinstalled with iOS 10, as well as the iWork for iOS apps. It’s also compatible with a growing number of third-party apps. Basically, this feature enables you to begin a task on one of your Mac(s) or iOS mobile devices, and then pick up exactly where you left off on another Mac or iOS mobile device that’s linked to the same iCloud account and is within Bluetooth range (about 33 feet).
NOTE
To use the Handoff feature between your iPhone and a Mac, the Mac must be running the latest version of OS X Yosemite, OS X El Capitan, or macOS Sierra.
To enable the Handoff feature on your mobile device, launch Settings, tap General, and then tap the Handoff option. Turn on the virtual switch associated with the Handoff option. You must do this on each of your iOS mobile devices. Also, make sure the device you’re using is connected to the same wireless network as the device(s) with which you want to use these features, and make sure that Bluetooth is turned on.
When Handoff is turned on, start performing a compatible task on one of your Macs or iOS mobile devices. Then, to pick up what you were doing on a different iPhone or iPad, wake up the device. On the Lock screen, place your finger on the app icon displayed in the lower-left corner of the screen and swipe upward (shown in Figure 5.7). You can also access the app switcher. Apps available via Handoff are displayed at the bottom of the screen.
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Figure 5.7 When it’s possible to take advantage of the Handoff feature, after you wake up your iPhone or iPad, swipe up on the Handoff app icon on the Lock screen.
NOTE
When you attempt to use the Handoff feature from the Lock screen, it is still necessary to unlock the iPhone or iPad you’re currently using before accessing the app that you were using on your other computer or iOS mobile device.
NOTE
To pick up what you were previously doing while currently using a Mac, simply open the app you were previously using on your other Mac or iOS mobile device.
Handoff is one of iOS 10’s Continuity features. Another Continuity feature, and one of the coolest if you’re an iPhone user, is that when you receive an incoming call on your phone, when the Continuity/Handoff feature is also active on your iPad and/or Mac, you can answer that incoming call and engage in the phone conversation from one of these other devices.
Your iPhone continues to host the call, but the wireless connection between your iPhone and iPad (or iPhone and Mac) enables you to use the Mac or iPad’s built-in microphone and speaker(s) as a speakerphone.
NOTE
For this aspect of the Handoff feature to work, your iPad or Mac must be linked to the same Wi-Fi network as your iPhone, plus both devices must be signed in to the same iCloud account and have Bluetooth turned on.
When an incoming call is displayed on your iPad or Mac’s screen, tap or click the Answer icon to answer the call. If you want to initiate a call from your iPad or Mac (via your iPhone), tap or click a phone number in the Contacts, Calendar, Maps, or Safari apps, for example.
Another nice feature of Handoff is that you can send and receive SMS and MMS text messages via your cellular service provider’s texting network (as opposed to Apple’s Internet-based iMessage service) from your iPad or Mac(s). These incoming or outgoing messages use the Messages app running on your iPhone (with its cellular connection) as a conduit.
More Info
To determine whether your iOS mobile device or Mac is compatible with iOS 10’s Continuity, Handoff, Instant Hotspot, Phone Calling, and SMS features, visit this page of Apple’s website: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204689.
To use the Personal Hotspot feature, which enables you to create a Wi-Fi hotspot (via your 3G/4G/LTE cellular data connection of your iPhone or iPad) for your other Wi-Fi–compatible mobile devices, this feature must be supported by your iPhone’s cellular service provider and your service plan.
To activate the Personal Hotspot feature (if it’s available from your iPhone or iPad), launch Settings and tap the Personal Hotspot option that’s below the Cellular option in the main Settings menu.
From the Personal Hotspot menu, turn on the virtual switch associated with Personal Hotspot (shown in Figure 5.8), and then follow the onscreen directions. Tap the Wi-Fi Password option to create a custom password to access the personal Wi-Fi hotspot that’s being created from your other Wi-Fi-compatible devices.
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Figure 5.8 Assuming it’s allowed by your cellular service provider and you’re using a compatible iPhone or iPad, you can create a personal Wi-Fi hotspot from your mobile device.