How Maccess works
Typical setup takes a few minutes
Maccess uses two pieces: the iPhone app and free Maccess Helper on your Mac. You pair them once, then control the Mac with touchpad gestures, keyboard input, and optional AI — on the same Wi-Fi or from anywhere with Pro.
1. Install Maccess Helper on your Mac
Download Maccess Helper from maccess.io and open it. Keep the helper running in the menu bar while you use Maccess. Your Mac needs macOS 14 or newer and should stay awake and connected for remote sessions.
2. Install Maccess on iPhone
Get Maccess from the App Store on iPhone (iOS 17 or newer). Sign in with Apple so Online Access and account features can identify your trusted devices.
3. Pair with QR or passcode
On the Mac, Maccess Helper shows a QR code and short pairing code. In the iPhone app, add a Mac and scan the QR code (or enter the code). Pairing is explicit and device-based — nothing connects until you confirm.
4. Control over local Wi-Fi
On the same network, Maccess finds your Mac and opens a local session. Cursor, keyboard, volume, and media controls work without routing traffic through Maccess servers. Some guest Wi-Fi networks block device-to-device traffic — switch to your main network if the Mac does not appear.
5. Use Online Access from anywhere (Pro)
With Maccess Pro, Online Access reaches your Mac when you are away from home. Both devices use your signed-in Maccess account. Session content is designed so control traffic stays protected; see the Privacy Policy for what stays on-device versus what account data we store. Compare plans on Pricing.
What you can do after pairing
Use the iPhone touchpad for move, click, scroll, and right-click. Type with the on-screen keyboard. Launch apps, open Spotlight, browse Finder, send files from iPhone to Mac, mirror the screen (Pro), check power and vitals, and talk or chat with Mackie for AI-assisted Mac tasks (Pro).