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First-time setup

You only do this setup once — after that, connecting is a single tap. Every image below is a real screenshot, not a mockup.

Before you start

The Mac (the one being controlled)

macOS 13 or later. Get the free TouchNow Host from touchmac.app — this end is free forever, and there is no account to create.

Your iPhone or iPad (the one in your hand)

iOS / iPadOS 15 or later. Get TouchNow from the App Store.

The same Wi-Fi

On the same Wi-Fi everything is free. You only need the Remote Access subscription to reach your Mac from somewhere else.

The TouchNow Host window on a Mac, with the Pairing & Security panel and its blue “Pair New Device” button on the right. Click here
On your Mac

Open TouchNow Host and click “Pair New Device”

It sits at “Waiting for a device to connect” — that is normal, because no iPhone is authorised yet. The blue button under Pairing & Security on the right is where you start.

The first launch asks for permissions. macOS will ask for Screen Recording and Accessibility: the first streams the picture to your iPhone, the second turns your touches into mouse and keyboard. It needs both.
A QR code in the middle of the Mac screen, titled “Scan with iPhone to Pair”. You’ll scan this next
On your Mac

A QR code appears in the middle

Leave this panel open. The whole pairing runs off this QR — without it there is nothing for the iPhone to scan.

This QR is for your own iPhone only. It holds the encrypted pairing key — effectively a key to your Mac. Do not photograph it for anyone else, and do not post it.
TouchNow on iPhone: the “Choose Mac” screen listing a nearby MacBook Pro with the subtitle “Not set up yet · Tap to start”. Tap your Mac
On your iPhone

Open TouchNow — your Mac shows up on its own

On the same Wi-Fi the app finds that Mac by itself, labelled “Not set up yet · Tap to start”. Tap it.

Don’t see your Mac? First check both really are on the same Wi-Fi (not one on cellular). If it is still missing, allow TouchNow Host to accept incoming connections in System Settings > Network > Firewall on the Mac.
The “Pair New Mac” screen on iPhone, listing three steps with a blue start-scanning button underneath. Tap here for the camera
On your iPhone

Follow the three steps, then tap “start scanning”

You just did the first two on the Mac, so go straight to the blue button and point the camera at the QR on your Mac’s screen.

You’ll be asked for a 6-digit PIN shown on the Mac. Enter it and pairing is done — and it connects automatically, so you don’t have to go back and tap again.
Mac not nearby? Tap “Use a pairing code instead” below, then click “Copy Encrypted Pairing Code” on the Mac and paste it.

What you get once you’re connected

Three ways to control

Trackpad (drag like a MacBook), direct touch (tap where you want to go), or a game controller. Switch any time.

A full MacBook keyboard

Esc, F1–F12, arrow keys and ⌘⌥⌃⇧ are all there, so your shortcuts still work.

A second display

Turn your iPhone or iPad into a second desktop for your Mac and drag windows onto it.

Pairing is a one-time thing — from now on your Mac is right there in the list and one tap connects. Stuck? The FAQ covers connection problems, stutter, and permissions that look granted but don’t work; or just email [email protected].