With the launch of macOS 26 Tahoe, Apple has finally introduced a highly anticipated feature: native clipboard history support. While this addition has come later than many expected, it opens up new possibilities for Mac users. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to enable and use this functionality effectively.
Enabling Clipboard History on Your Mac
By default, clipboard history is turned off on your Mac. To utilize this feature, you’ll first need to enable it manually. Begin by checking if your device is updated. Click on the Apple icon located in the top-left corner, then select System Settings from the dropdown menu.
Next, click on General in the left sidebar and select Software Update to verify your current macOS version and check for any pending updates.
After ensuring your system is updated, stay in System Settings and navigate to Spotlight. Scroll down the options on the right until you find Results from Clipboard and toggle this setting on.
Next, you can configure how long your Mac remembers clipboard history. Click on the option next to Clipboard history is available in Spotlight to set a duration. The default is 8 hours, but options range from 30 minutes to 7 days. For items you need to keep longer, consider storing them in another application like Notes.
Accessing Your Clipboard History on Mac
Once you’ve enabled clipboard history, accessing it is simple. Use the Spotlight Search by pressing Command + Space and then press Command + 4.
The first time you access your clipboard history, your Mac will prompt you to allow clipboard search results. Click the blue button to proceed, then copy and paste a few items to populate your clipboard.
Open your clipboard history again to view the items you recently copied. To re-copy anything, simply click the file icon next to the desired item.
Your clipboard history can also be searched using keywords. Click at the top of the history window and type your search term.
Right-clicking an item presents additional options such as Paste, Share, or Open. This flexibility makes managing your clipboard history more efficient.
An important consideration: password items from Apple Passwords or password management apps will not appear in your Mac’s clipboard history. However, if you copy information from a text file or messaging app such as WhatsApp, be cautious, as this data will be visible in your clipboard history.
Removing Your Clipboard History on Mac
You can delete individual entries from your clipboard history by bringing it up and right-clicking on the item you wish to remove; then select Remove.
To clear all clipboard history, click on the three dots in the upper-right corner and choose Clear History.
Alternatively, you can directly clear your clipboard history from Spotlight by clicking the Clear Clipboard History button at the bottom.
Exploring Alternatives to Native Mac Clipboard History
Before the introduction of this native feature, Mac users relied on third-party applications to access clipboard history. While the new built-in functionality addresses many needs, those using older versions of macOS or seeking a more comprehensive clipboard management experience may still prefer alternatives.
For example, Raycast provides a range of clipboard management features. After installation, you can easily access your clipboard history through the main command bar.
Raycast also allows you to preview items you’ve copied, facilitating easier identification. Additionally, this tool offers various functionalities such as editing links, attaching items for AI chat, and more.
Depending on your needs, you can accomplish a range of tasks with Raycast, including pinning items and copying text from images. For those looking for more clipboard management solutions for their Mac, be sure to check out additional resources to discover other options available.
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