I have an M4 iMac, an M4 MacBook Air, and an iPhone 13 Pro. Both Macs are running macOS Sequoia 15.7.7. Handoff works normally between the iMac and iPhone, but it has never worked on the MacBook Air. Handoff is enabled on all devices, and I have compared the settings but cannot find any differences. Both Macs also use the same VPN, although the problem existed on the MacBook Air before I installed it, and disabling the VPN does not help.
The MacBook Air also repeatedly forgets a Wi-Fi printer that I have installed, so I wonder whether the two problems might be related. I have already followed the usual instructions for enabling Handoff and checking the relevant settings. I would prefer to remain on Sequoia rather than upgrade to Tahoe because of privacy concerns and reports of performance problems or failed upgrades. What else can I check to identify why Handoff fails only on the MacBook Air?
1 Answer
Before ruling out software updates completely, check whether the MacBook Air is on the latest Sequoia release. The version mentioned is 15.7.7, while a newer Sequoia update may include fixes relevant to Continuity features. You do not necessarily need to install Tahoe just to troubleshoot this.
It is also possible that the Handoff problem is specific to the Air rather than your Apple Account or iPhone, since Handoff works on the iMac. The printer issue may or may not be connected, but both could point to a local networking, account, or system-configuration problem on the Air. If updating Sequoia does not help, comparing Apple Account sign-in, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, date and time, and Continuity settings on both Macs would be a sensible next step.
I am staying on Sequoia because I do not want to risk upgrading to Tahoe. Handoff works perfectly on the iMac with the same iPhone and operating-system family, so I am hoping to find a cause specific to the MacBook Air rather than being told to upgrade.