Black or Frozen Screen (Remote Desktop Mac)
Published 2026-09-26 · Updated 2026-10-05
A black or stuck image in Screen means the Mac is not sending video. Permissions fix most cases. If the Poket PC app shows a warning that begins screen capture failed, the Mac tried and could not capture its display.
Fix steps
- On the Mac, click the Poket PC menu-bar icon and look at Screen Recording under Permissions. If it reads Off or Turned off by macOS, click Fix or Turn On. That opens the right System Settings pane.
- Or open it yourself: System Settings › Privacy & Security › Screen Recording (macOS 14) or Screen & System Audio Recording (macOS 15 and later).
- Turn Poket PC on.
- Reopen the helper: choose Quit & Reopen if macOS offers it, or click Reopen in the helper’s menu if it shows one; otherwise click Quit Poket PC in the menu and open Poket PC from Applications again. Until it reopens, the helper cannot see the screen.
- On the iPhone, switch away from Screen and back, or disconnect and reconnect to the Mac.
If video starts then freezes
- Confirm the Mac is still awake. Asleep, it stops sending video and cannot be reached through the relay until it wakes.
- Check Wi-Fi or cellular signal if you are on the relay (can’t find Mac).
- Check the helper’s menu: macOS can turn Screen Recording off while you are connected, and the row then reads Turned off by macOS.
Pointer works but screen is black
That pattern means Accessibility is on and Screen Recording is off. The helper’s own words: Until it is back on, your phone sees a black screen. Complete the Screen Recording steps in macOS permissions.
Expected stream specs
When working, you should see the main display at up to 1600 px on the long edge, in H.264, at 30 fps, on the same Wi-Fi or through the relay. Secondary monitors are not selectable in 1.0.
Guide: Mirror Your Mac Screen to Your iPhone. Helper download: /mac/.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Poket PC showing a black screen?
Usually Screen Recording is off for the helper, or you turned it on and the helper has not reopened yet. A new Screen Recording grant reaches the helper only after it reopens.
Where is the setting on macOS 15?
System Settings › Privacy & Security › Screen & System Audio Recording.
Can a frozen frame mean network trouble?
Yes. After permissions are correct, disconnect and reconnect. Check that the Mac is awake.
Does black screen affect Trackpad?
Trackpad works with only Accessibility. Screen needs Screen Recording.