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Universal Control Became Intermittent With Recent MacOS Update

I am on Sonoma 14.3 on both computers in this question. I have an M1 Macbook Pro using built-in monitor. I use this computer to control an iMac Pro with 2 connected 4K monitors. This has been working great until fairly recently. A few days ago, I started noticing that - while using the iMac Pro, my mouse would pop back to the M1 Macbook Pro and I couldn't get back to the iMac Pro. To fix the problem, I go back to System Settings. When I get to Displays in System Settings, and all of that is in focus, I see that the only display that shows up is my M1 Macbook Pro. Momentarily, the 3 displays of the iMac Pro show up, and I can control them again.

I haven't noticed any particular pattern for when this happens. It is, at best, annoying at this point. Since I know how to fix it, it doesn't take long, but it shouldn't be happening.

Has anyone else noticed this happening to them? Have you been able to figure out why and/or how to keep it from happening?

Thanks,

Steve

MacBook Pro (2021)

Posted on Feb 6, 2024 7:23 PM

Best reply

stephenmwatts Author

Level 1

6 points

Posted on Mar 14, 2024 8:44 PM

I just submitted this as a Product Feedback - Apple report. You can too.

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23 replies

Grizmit

Level 1

8 points

Mar 28, 2024 6:52 AM in response to stephenmwatts

I was experiencing consistent bluetooth drops (once per hour or more) on my magic mouse/keyboard after the 14.4 update (iMac Pro 2017 and 2023 MBP M2 Pro as UC secondary system). I updated both systems to 14.4.1 thinking it would patch the issue and now I've lost universal control. I rely heavily on UC for my video production work including copying files directly across systems/screens from my audio workstation to my video workstation. Needless to say, a massive interruption to my workflow. Any help would be appreciated.

Grizmit

Level 1

8 points

Mar 29, 2024 9:46 AM in response to Grizmit

UPDATE: I was able to fix this issue on Sonoma 14.4.1. You have to sign out of your Apple ID on both devices. Not sure if it's critical, but I also turned off UC in system settings first. Then I reboot both systems and signed back into Apple ID on each. I noticed the MBP still wasn't showing up in my list of devices under Apple ID. So I did one more reboot for both then the iMac finally listed the MBP. Then I turned on UC in Settings>Displays>Advanced menu on both systems. Moved mouse to the edge of the screen then boom. Back in action! Good luck, all.

Grizmit

Level 1

8 points

Mar 31, 2024 11:19 AM in response to The Bee Robber

Well after a couple days of use, I am now having issues with intermittent UC drops as well. While it's a big improvement over the total loss of UC, it's still annoying to have to pause my workflow and wait for UC to "wake up" for lack of a better description every half hr or so. It just drops out, then usually within 15 seconds the cursor is able to break through the edge of the screen again.

Mar 13, 2024 3:24 PM in response to kkita

With my system combo, it's random and isn't triggered by anything I can discern. I'm fortunate that it works most of the time for me, but needing to keep my eye on it is certainly a problem!

Mar 13, 2024 3:26 PM in response to The Bee Robber

Your situation seems quite close to what I am experiencing. I haven't lost too much work, but I really do NOT need the interruptions to my "flow!"

Mar 20, 2024 7:38 AM in response to stephenmwatts

I am experiencing this issue after an upgrade to macOS Sonoma 14.4 on MacBook Pro 2021 M1 Pro. I don't think I have had this issue from 14.3.

Apr 3, 2024 3:15 AM in response to stephenmwatts

Update: I updated to 14.4.1 but to no avail. I still experiencing intermittent UC disconnects on MBP M1 Pro. However, I do not encounter an issue with the iMac 2021 M1.

Apr 21, 2024 5:24 PM in response to julpod

It seems this is a workaround hack at this time.

Universal Control Became Intermittent With Recent MacOS Update