Use Your iPhone as a Keyboard for Your Mac
Published 2026-09-26 · Updated 2026-10-05
You can use your iPhone as a keyboard for your Mac after pairing: tap Type on the keyboard bar under the Trackpad and Deck views, or the keyboard button on the Screen view. Characters you type are delivered to whichever app is in front on the Mac, along with a small set of control keys.
Keys that send today
| Input | Sent to Mac |
|---|---|
| Letters, numbers, symbols | Yes — as typed text |
| Return | Yes |
| Delete | Yes |
| Tab | No (the iPhone keyboard has no Tab key) |
| Command, Control, Option, Shift combos | No (planned) |
| Arrow keys | No (planned) |
| Escape | No (planned) |
| Function keys | No (planned) |
That is the whole list in 1.0. Keyboard shortcuts need a modifier bar, which is planned.
Typical uses
- Headless Mac mini on a shelf — Pair once, then type a search or a URL from the keyboard bar while you use the trackpad above it for clicks.
- Mac on a TV — Sit on the couch, move the pointer on the trackpad, and type a URL or search query in the bar below it.
- With live screen — Open see Mac screen on iPhone to read forms or chat, and tap the keyboard button to reply.
For app-specific commands that need shortcuts, tap the menu item on the live screen or describe the job to Ask on the Mac.
Mac permissions
Typing from the phone uses the same Accessibility permission as the trackpad: System Settings › Privacy & Security › Accessibility. Without it, keys will not reach the Mac.
Connection and security
Keyboard events ride inside the paired, encrypted session—on LAN or through the relay—with the same pairing trust model as the screen. No account is required.
Planned improvements
A modifier bar and support for a hardware keyboard are planned. Until then, plan around text, Return, and Delete.
Setup
Install the helper from Mac, get the iPhone app from the public TestFlight beta while the App Store release is in review, and follow how to use iPhone as keyboard for Mac for step-by-step typing tips and limits.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use my iPhone as a keyboard for my Mac mini?
Yes, after you install the Mac helper and pair your iPhone. Tap Type on the keyboard bar under Trackpad or Deck, or the keyboard button on the Screen view. Typed characters go to the frontmost app on the Mac, the same as a hardware keyboard for plain text.
Does the iPhone keyboard send Command or Control shortcuts?
No. Version 1.0 sends typed text plus Return and Delete only. A modifier bar and hardware keyboard support are planned.
Can I use arrow keys or Escape from the iPhone?
Not yet. Arrow keys, Escape, function keys, and modifier combinations are planned for a later release.
Do I need to see the live screen while typing?
No, but it helps for long passages. On the Screen view, the keyboard button in the floating control lets you type while you watch.
Is the keyboard feature free?
Yes. Keyboard is part of Poket PC 1.0, which is free with no ads and no in-app purchases.