Connection & Network

• Remote Mouse App Can't Connect to My Computer?

  Troubleshooting Steps:
  
  1. Confirm that the Remote Mouse desktop application is running on your computer.
  2. Ensure that your firewall or antivirus software is not blocking Remote Mouse.
  3. Verify that your mobile device's Wi‑Fi is enabled.
  4. Check that both your computer and mobile device are on the same Wi‑Fi network.
  5. Attempt a manual connection by scanning the QR code or entering your computer's IP address, both of which are displayed in the desktop app.
  6. If you have connected to this computer before, try reconnecting via "History."
  7. Some router settings may affect connectivity. You can reset your mobile device's Wi‑Fi by selecting the current network in Settings, choosing "Forget this network," and reconnecting.
  8. iPhone users: Make sure Remote Mouse is allowed to access your local network in Settings > Privacy & Security > Local Network.
  9. In some cases, restarting your Wi‑Fi router may help.

• Connected, but Mouse Movement, Clicks, or Typing Don't Work?

  If you are connected over Wi‑Fi, this is usually caused by a large time difference between your phone and computer.
  
  For security reasons, Remote Mouse checks the timestamp of each command sent over Wi‑Fi. If the clocks differ by more than a few minutes (about 2 minutes on Mac and Linux, 5 minutes on Windows), the computer ignores the commands as expired. This check does not apply to Bluetooth connections, which carry no timestamp.
  
  1. Make sure the date and time are correct on both your phone and computer. We recommend enabling automatic time settings.
  •  iOS: Settings → General → Date & Time → turn on Set Automatically
  •  Windows: Settings → Time & language → Date & time → turn on Set time automatically
  •  Mac: System Settings → General → Date & Time → turn on Set time and date automatically
  
  2. Make sure the time zone is correct, especially if you have recently traveled or manually changed the time zone.
  
  3. After correcting the time, disconnect and reconnect Remote Mouse.

• Can I Use Remote Mouse Without Wi‑Fi?

  Bluetooth Connection:
  
  1. Enable Bluetooth on your computer. (Bluetooth is available on Mac and Windows; the Linux Helper connects over Wi‑Fi only.)
  2. Enable Bluetooth on your phone and allow Remote Mouse to use it: on Android, grant the Nearby devices permission (on Android 11 and older, Location); on iPhone, allow Bluetooth for Remote Mouse in Settings.
  3. On the “Connect to computer” screen in the mobile app, locate your computer marked with a Bluetooth icon and tap to connect.
  (Note: Ensure your hardware supports Bluetooth connectivity; see the requirements for details.)
  
  Mobile Hotspot:
  
  If there's no Wi‑Fi router nearby, you can turn on your phone's personal hotspot and connect your computer to it, then use Remote Mouse as usual. Remote Mouse only communicates over the local network and won't consume mobile data on its own, but other apps on your computer may use mobile data while connected to the hotspot. Consider closing unnecessary programs or enabling data-saving mode on your computer.
  
  Remote Connection via Tailscale:
  
  If your computer and phone are both online but not on the same Wi‑Fi network (e.g., your computer is on office Wi‑Fi while your phone is on mobile data), you can use Tailscale to create a virtual private network. Install Tailscale on both devices and sign in with the same account. Then in the Remote Mouse app, manually connect using the Tailscale virtual IP address assigned to your computer.

• How to Reduce Lag When Using Remote Mouse?

  If you are using Wi‑Fi
  
  •  If your computer is connected over Wi‑Fi, try switching to a wired (Ethernet) connection.
  •  Try switching your router to the 5GHz Wi‑Fi band (supported by most modern routers). It is usually faster and has less interference than 2.4GHz, although the range may be shorter.
  •  Keep your phone or tablet close to the Wi‑Fi router.
  •  Alternatively, try using a Bluetooth connection.
  
  If you are using Bluetooth
  
  •  Keep your phone or tablet close to your computer.
  •  Move away from, or temporarily turn off, nearby Bluetooth devices that may cause interference, such as Bluetooth keyboards, mice, or speakers.

• Locating Your Computer's QR Code

  1. Click the Remote Mouse icon on your computer:
  • Mac: in the menu bar at the top-right of the screen
  • Windows: in the system tray at the bottom-right of the screen
  
  2. Select Show IP & QR Code.
  
  Linux: the Helper has no window and no icon — it runs in the background. When you start Remote Mouse it opens its settings page in your browser, and that page shows your IP address and the QR code. If you closed the page, start Remote Mouse again and it opens straight back up. The page address contains a private key, so add it to your bookmarks rather than typing the address by hand.

• Finding Your Computer's IP Address

  1. Click the Remote Mouse icon on your computer:
  • Mac: in the menu bar at the top-right of the screen
  • Windows: in the system tray at the bottom-right of the screen
  
  2. Select Show IP & QR Code.
  
  Linux: the Helper has no window and no icon — it runs in the background. When you start Remote Mouse it opens its settings page in your browser, and that page shows your IP address and the QR code. If you closed the page, start Remote Mouse again and it opens straight back up. The page address contains a private key, so add it to your bookmarks rather than typing the address by hand.

• Disconnecting from Your Computer

  • iPhone: Exiting the app (swipe it up in the app switcher) or locking your screen will automatically disconnect.
  • Android: Tap the Back button twice. The first tap shows “Press again to disconnect”, tap again to disconnect.
  
  If you're concerned about security, Remote Mouse Desktop Helper uses a 6-digit connection code to prevent unauthorized access to your computer. You can manage this in the Helper's security settings.

• Communication Ports Used by Remote Mouse

  Remote Mouse utilizes the following ports for communication
  •  TCP 1978
  •  UDP 1978
  •  TCP 1979
  •  UDP 2008 — how your computer answers your phone's search for it
  •  UDP 2009 — status updates your computer sends to your phone
  
  The last two are outgoing from your computer, so most people never have to open them. But if a firewall blocks outgoing UDP 2008, your computer never appears in the phone's list even though everything else is fine.

Features & Controls

• Keyboard Input Not Working in Some Games or Apps on Windows?

  When using Remote Mouse with a Windows computer, if keyboard input doesn't work in games or certain applications, open Preferences in the Remote Mouse desktop app and enable Compatible Keyboard Input.

• Dragging and Selecting Items

  To drag windows, move files, or select text and multiple items, position the cursor where you want to start, then use any of these methods:
  
  • Double-tap and hold: Hold your finger on the second tap, then drag.
  • Three-finger drag: Drag with three fingers on the touchpad.
  • Mouse Button Lock: Turn on the option in Settings → Touchpad → Mouse Button Lock. Hold the left mouse button for over a second to lock it in the pressed state, then drag freely on the touchpad, even across multiple swipes.
  
  For more touchpad gestures, see our gesture guide.

• Changing Scrolling Direction

  By default, Remote Mouse uses natural scrolling, where content moves in the same direction as your fingers, just like on a Mac.
  
  If you prefer the opposite direction, go to Settings in the Remote Mouse app, then turn Scrolling Direction: Natural on or off as needed.

• Trouble Typing Chinese, Japanese, Korean, or Other Non-Latin Text?

  Enable Keyboard Buffer in Remote Mouse settings. This should allow text to be entered correctly when using IME keyboards.
  
  Please note that when Keyboard Buffer is enabled, text is no longer sent to your computer in real time. It is sent only after you press Enter/Return.

• Word Prediction or Voice Typing Not Working on Android?

  Enable Keyboard Buffer in Remote Mouse settings. This should allow your keyboard app’s word suggestions and voice typing to work correctly.
  
  When Keyboard Buffer is enabled, text is sent to your computer only after you press Enter/Return, instead of being sent in real time.

Desktop Helper & Setup

• Why Can't I Control Mouse and Keyboard on macOS?

  Remote Mouse requires Accessibility and Automation permissions on macOS to control your mouse and keyboard.
  
  In the Remote Mouse desktop app menu, select Help → Grant Access, then follow the on-screen wizard to complete the authorization.
  
  For a detailed explanation of why these permissions are needed and how to enable them, see this guide.

• Verifying if Remote Mouse is Running on Your Computer

  Remote Mouse runs in the background without a standard application window.
  
  •  Mac: look for the Remote Mouse icon in the menu bar at the top-right of the screen.
  •  Windows: look for it in the system tray at the bottom-right of the screen.
  •  Linux: there is no icon at all. Start Remote Mouse again — it opens its settings page in your browser, and that page tells you whether the Helper is running.

• "Already Running" Alert Without Active Application

  This alert indicates that the communication port (TCP 1978 / UDP 1978) is in use.
  
  Windows: since version 4.7.2.1, starting Remote Mouse a second time simply does nothing — the second copy closes silently, so this alert no longer means Remote Mouse is already running. If you see it, another program on your computer is using port 1978. Check what else is running, or restart the computer.
  
  Mac: this alert does mean another copy has the port. The usual cause is a second macOS user account logged in at the same time (fast user switching) with Remote Mouse running in that session — log that user out, or quit Remote Mouse there. It can also be another program using port 1978.

• How to Check for Desktop App Updates

  Windows:
  
  The desktop app automatically checks for updates on startup. You can also manually check by clicking Check for Updates in the app menu.
  
  Mac:
  
  If you downloaded Remote Mouse from our website, the app will automatically check for updates on startup. You can also manually check by clicking Check for Updates in the app menu.
  
  If you downloaded Remote Mouse from the Mac App Store, an update notification will appear when a new version is available.
  
  Linux:
  
  The Helper checks for updates by itself and shows a banner on its settings page — the page that opens in your browser when you start Remote Mouse.

• Need an Older Version for macOS 10.13?

  The current version of Remote Mouse requires macOS 11.0 or later. If you are running an older version of macOS (10.13 or later), you can download the legacy version here:
  
  Download Remote Mouse for macOS 10.13+
  
  Note: The legacy version is no longer actively maintained and may not include the latest features and security updates.

Security

• Preventing Unauthorized Connections

  New installations (Mac 3.514+ and Windows 4.7.2.7+) use a randomly generated 6-digit Connection Code by default. Enter the code the first time you connect from your phone or tablet. The app remembers it for future connections.
  
  If you upgraded from an older version, your previous security settings are preserved. To check or enable protection:
  
  • Mac / Windows: Click the Remote Mouse icon on your computer and go to Preferences → Security.
  • Linux: Open the Remote Mouse settings page in your browser.
  
  Make sure Require Authentication is enabled. If it was previously off, enabling it will generate a Connection Code.

• Finding or Changing Your Connection Code

  • Mac / Windows: Click the Remote Mouse icon on your computer and select Show Connection Code, or go to Preferences → Security.
  • Linux: Find your Connection Code on the Remote Mouse settings page in your browser.
  
  To replace your code, click Generate New Code. The previous code will stop working immediately, and connected devices will need to reconnect using the new code.

• Still Using a Connection Password?

  If you set a custom password in an older version of Remote Mouse, it will continue to work after updating.
  
  To switch to the new 6-digit Connection Code, click Use Connection Code in your computer's Remote Mouse settings.
  
  Note: This change cannot be undone. Once you switch, you can no longer use a custom connection password.
  
  If your Helper doesn't offer this option, you may need to update it to a newer version.

• Antivirus Software Warning of a Virus

  Remote Mouse requires certain permissions to communicate between devices. Some antivirus programs might mistakenly flag this behavior as suspicious.
  
  Ensure you download Remote Mouse only from the official channels to guarantee security.

Purchases & Subscriptions

• How Do I Restore a Previous In-App Purchase?

  You can restore your previous purchase by tapping Restore Purchases at the bottom of the full-screen Pro page in the Remote Mouse mobile app.
  
  Please note that you must be signed in with the same Apple or Google account that was used for the original purchase. If the current account doesn't match, the restore will fail.
  
  If you're not sure which account was used, you can check your purchase history:
  •  View App Store Purchase History
  •  View Google Play Purchase History
  
  If you still can't restore your purchase, please contact us.

• How Do I Cancel My Remote Mouse Subscription?

  For iOS (App Store):
  
  Open Settings → Tap your name at the top → Subscriptions → Find Remote Mouse → Cancel Subscription.
  For detailed steps, see the Apple support guide.
  
  For Android (Google Play):
  
  Open Google Play → Tap your profile icon (top right) → Payments & subscriptions → Subscriptions → Find Remote Mouse → Cancel subscription.
  For detailed steps, see the Google support guide.
  
  Note: After cancellation, you will retain access to the subscription features until the current billing cycle ends.