Direct answer
A complete failure should be separated into power or eligibility, the external path, and the component itself before any reset. For Apple Handoff and Continuity, first confirm both devices use the same account with Bluetooth/Wi-Fi/Handoff enabled.
What this covers
- Apple Handoff and Continuity with this exact failure state
- Diagnosis across Apple Account and feature eligibility versus Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and app support
- Customer-accessible observation, settings and external components
What it does not cover
- ×A displayed manufacturer error code with a different documented meaning
- ×Live electrical, sealed-system, internal battery-cell or gas repair
- ×A claim that every model exposes identical controls
Capture the exact failure state
ReversibleRecord whether the feature is absent, disabled, powered but unresponsive, or showing a message. Expected behavior: advertise eligible activity between nearby devices on the same account.
Isolate the component boundary
ReversibleConfirm both devices use the same account with Bluetooth/Wi-Fi/Handoff enabled. Test the simplest supported configuration with unrelated accessories and optional services removed. Boundary to separate: Apple Account and feature eligibility versus Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and app support.
Correct only the proven cause
ReversibleUpdate, sign into the correct account or restart the one failed service. Restore only the failed prerequisite or path; do not change working layers.
Verify and stop safely
ReversibleRepeat from a cold start and complete one normal use. Do not sign out of the account without synced data and credentials.
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Visible sources support the visible claims. Home Product Support records the publisher, the fact used and the review date; community reports can suggest an issue but do not become a published fact on their own.
Exact questions
Common follow-ups
What should I check first when Apple Handoff and Continuity has this problem?+
Confirm both devices use the same account with Bluetooth/Wi-Fi/Handoff enabled.
Why not factory-reset immediately?+
The useful boundary is Apple Account and feature eligibility versus Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and app support. A reset can erase state without proving which side failed.
When should I stop troubleshooting?+
do not sign out of the account without synced data and credentials.
Answer for the exact device and software version shown above.