How to control your Mac from your iPhone

• Trackpad and keyboard remotes: the lightest option when you can already see the Mac, such as a Mac on a desk or connected to a TV. • Screen sharing with a VNC app: turn on the Mac's built-in Screen Sharing and connect with a VNC viewer to see the whole screen. • Remote desktop services: stream the full desktop through the provider's app and account. • Maccess: a trackpad-first remote that adds a touchable live screen, files, and an AI agent when you need them. See how the apps compare on price and features in the best apps to control a Mac from iPhone.

Common reasons include presenting without walking to the desk, adjusting a Mac on a TV or shelf, sending photos to the Mac, or checking a machine in another room. Dedicated remote desktop tools often feel heavy; Maccess focuses on touchpad-first control that matches how people already use iPhone.

An iPhone on iOS 17 or newer, a Mac on macOS 15.6 or newer, Maccess from the App Store, and Maccess Helper from maccess.io. For local control, put both devices on the same Wi-Fi network. For control from outside the house, use Maccess Pro Online Access with your iPhone signed in with Apple.

1. Install and open Maccess Helper on the Mac. 2. Install Maccess on iPhone and sign in with Apple. 3. Add a Mac in the app and scan the Helper QR code (or enter the passcode), then accept the iPhone on the Mac. 4. Start a session and use the touchpad and keyboard. Full walkthrough: How it works.

Local control discovers Macs on your network and keeps the session on your network — useful for low latency and when you do not need the internet. Online Access is for when you leave home: the Mac must be on, awake, running Helper, and paired with your iPhone. Choose Free for local basics and Maccess AI chat; upgrade to Pro when you need anywhere access, mirroring, Finder, multi-Mac, Mackie voice, or larger AI allowances.

The iPhone surface acts as a Mac trackpad: move, click, right-click, scroll, and use three-finger swipes for Mission Control and Spaces. The keyboard sends typing and shortcuts to the Mac, and volume, media, and power controls — lock, sleep, restart, and shut down — are built in. See the focused guide to using iPhone as a trackpad for Mac.

With Pro, launch apps, jump into Spotlight, browse and preview folders with Mac Finder, and send photos and files from iPhone to Mac. Mirror & Control shows the Mac screen on your iPhone so you can tap and type on it directly.

Mackie is the Maccess AI agent for your Mac. Chat with Mackie on every plan, Free included; Pro and Max add Mackie voice and larger monthly AI allowances. With Pro, Mackie can also run Claude Code or Codex on your Mac from your iPhone.

Pairing is intentional: the Mac displays a code or QR you must confirm, and a new iPhone has to be accepted on the Mac. Sessions are encrypted, and local sessions stay on your network. Online Access only reaches Macs you have paired, so random devices cannot join. We do not sell personal information; see the Privacy Policy for encryption and data details.

Not directly. Apple doesn't offer a general-purpose way to control a Mac from an iPhone: Universal Control links a Mac with nearby Macs and iPads, and iPhone Mirroring lets a Mac control an iPhone. You can turn on the Mac's built-in Screen Sharing and connect with a VNC app, or use an app like Maccess that pairs the two devices for you.

Yes, with Maccess Pro's Online Access. The Mac needs to be on, awake, and running Maccess Helper, and already paired with your iPhone, which signs in with Apple. Online Access uses a direct encrypted connection when it can and a relay when it can't.

Yes, on the same Wi-Fi. Maccess Free includes the trackpad, keyboard, media, and power controls for one Mac, plus Maccess AI chat. Online Access from anywhere, screen mirroring, files, and multiple Macs are part of Maccess Pro.

Download Maccess and Helper from the homepage, review features and pricing, or browse all Maccess guides. Questions? Check the FAQ or contact support.