LukasSoft

MiniRemote FAQ

Basic answers for setup, connection, and day-to-day use.

  • How do I connect MiniRemote to my Mac?
    Install the macOS client, open MiniRemote on iPhone, and make sure both devices are on the same local Wi-Fi network.
  • Do I need an account or internet connection?
    No account is required. MiniRemote works locally over your network using Bonjour discovery.
  • Why can't my iPhone find my Mac?
    Check that both devices are on the same network, the macOS client is running, and local network permissions are allowed.
  • I have a connection but I can't control my Mac?
    Check that MiniRemote accessibility permissions are allowed in System Settings > Privacy & Security > Accessibility.
  • Can multiple phones control one Mac at the same time?
    No. MiniRemote allows only one active connection at a time. If another device tries to connect, you must approve it on your Mac.
  • Can I use MiniRemote for presentations?
    Yes. It is built for controlling slides and media playback from your phone.
Back to MiniRemote

MiniRemote - User Guide

MiniRemote consists of two apps that work together over your local network:

  • MiniRemote for iOS/iPadOS - turns your device into a remote control and input device.
  • MiniRemote for macOS - runs in the menu bar and acts as the server.

MiniRemote works over Wi-Fi (local network only). Bluetooth is not supported.

System Requirements

iOS / iPadOS

  • iOS 15 or later
  • Supported from iPhone 6s and newer

macOS

MiniRemote for Mac is available in two versions:

  • Modern version: macOS 13 Ventura or later
  • Legacy version: macOS 10.13 High Sierra to macOS 12 Monterey

We recommend using the latest macOS version available for your Mac.

1. macOS Setup

Step 1 - Install MiniRemote for Mac

  1. Install and launch the macOS app.
  2. Accept the local network permission when prompted.

MiniRemote runs as a menu bar app.

Menu Bar Status Indicator

  • Green dot - Server is running
  • Red dot - Server is stopped

Click the MiniRemote icon in the menu bar to access:

  • Launch at Login
  • Start Server
  • Stop Server
  • Reset Allowed Devices
  • Quit

If you use MiniRemote frequently, enable Launch at Login (you may need to confirm this in system settings).

2. iOS Connection Setup

Step 1 - Install the iOS App

Download MiniRemote from the App Store.

MiniRemote communicates over your local Wi-Fi network only (no Bluetooth).

Make sure:

  • Your Mac and iPhone/iPad are on the same Wi-Fi network
  • Accept the Local Network permission prompt on both iOS and macOS when asked
  • The macOS menu bar icon shows a green dot

Step 2 - Connect Automatically (MiniRemote Plus)

  1. Tap the Connection icon (top-left corner).
  2. Your Mac should appear in the Discovered section.
  3. Tap your Mac to connect.

On first connection:

  • macOS will ask you to approve the connection request.
  • Choose Allow Once for a one-time connection, or Always Allow to trust that device for future connections.
  • Only one device can be connected at a time.

If needed, open the MiniRemote menu bar app and use Reset Allowed Devices to clear trusted devices.

Once connected, the Connection screen will close automatically.

Auto-Connect (Plus users)

You can enable Auto-connect on launch to:

  • Automatically reconnect
  • Prevent disconnection when the app goes to background

Manual Connection (Free Version)

Free users can connect manually:

  1. Enter your Mac hostname (for example: YourMac.local)
  2. Enter the port (default: 8765)
  3. Tap Connect

The app remembers your last connection.

3. Accessibility Permission (Required)

On first use, macOS may request Accessibility Access.

MiniRemote requires this permission to:

  • Control the mouse
  • Send keyboard input

To enable:

  1. Open System Settings
  2. Go to Privacy & Security -> Accessibility
  3. Enable MiniRemote

If MiniRemote is not listed:

  • Click +
  • Add the MiniRemote app manually

Without Accessibility access, remote control will not work.

4. Using MiniRemote

Trackpad Area

The large touch area acts as a Mac trackpad:

  • Move finger -> Move cursor
  • Tap -> Left click
  • Two-finger tap (if enabled) -> Right click

Dedicated left/right buttons are also available.

Keyboard Controls

MiniRemote includes:

  • Arrow keys
  • Escape
  • Delete
  • Tab
  • Space
  • Enter

Text Input

To send text:

  1. Type in the text field at the bottom
  2. Tap Send

Troubleshooting

  • Ensure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network.
  • Make sure the Mac server shows a green dot.
  • Verify Accessibility permission is enabled on Mac.
    System Settings -> Privacy & Security -> Accessibility
  • Verify Local Network permission is enabled on Mac and iOS.
    System Settings -> Privacy & Security -> Local Network
  • Restart the macOS server if connection fails.