MAC MINI · HOME SERVER

Mac mini as a home server:
control it from your iPhone

You can control an always-on Mac mini or other Mac in the corner from your iPhone with MacSway. The trackpad and keyboard are free, while viewing the screen and access from away are part of MacSway Pro. A direct, encrypted connection, with no account and no cloud.

Free to start · iOS 17+ · macOS 14+ · Both apps required
Signed and notarized by Apple · macOS 14+ · Apple silicon and Intel
MacSway Favorites screen
✦
An always-on MacCheck from your phone
Rest modeStays reachable
NO ACCOUNT · NO CLOUD RELAYSee features
01

What MacSway does on an always-on Mac

MacSway is an iPhone app that turns your iPhone into a remote for your Mac. With a Mac mini as a home server or media machine, that means you do not have to walk over to it.

  • Look in: with Pro you see the Mac screen live on your iPhone.
  • Control: the trackpad and keyboard are free.
  • Rest mode: turn the display off while the Mac stays reachable.
  • Startup: the Mac app starts at login by default and runs in the menu bar.
MacSway
MacSway
02

When it helps

When the Mac runs in one place and you are somewhere else.

  • Home server: check that what you started is still running.
  • Media Mac on the TV: start a movie and change the volume from the couch.
  • From another room or city: with Pro and Tailscale you can reach it away from home.
  • Quick task: press a button or type a command without walking over.
MacSway
MacSway

MacSway on a Mac mini at a glance

01↗
↓

What you need

The iPhone app and the Mac app, which runs in the menu bar. Screen sharing also needs the Mac to have a display: screen sharing on a Mac without one is not verified. It works with any Mac running macOS 14 or later: MacBook Air and Pro, iMac, Mac mini, Mac Studio and Mac Pro, with Apple silicon or Intel.

02↗

What it costs

The trackpad and keyboard are free. The screen and access from away are Pro: $3.99 a month, $24.99 a year or $49 once (US prices).

03↗

How private it is

There is no account and no cloud: the connection is direct and encrypted with TLS 1.3.

04✓
↓

Limits

A Mac that is asleep or has its lid closed cannot be reached. Plug it in and use Rest mode.

AWAY FROM HOME

Reach your Mac
when you are away.

At home MacSway works over your Wi-Fi. Away from home, set up Tailscale on both devices and MacSway reaches your Mac across networks. Leave the Mac on and plugged in, with the companion app running. No MacSway account required.

DownloadBoth devices need Tailscale and internet. The Mac must stay on and reachable: plugged in, with a long auto-lock or in Rest mode.
PRICING

Free to start.
Pro when you need more.

Trackpad, keyboard and volume are free. Pro adds the screen sharing, widgets and remote access.

FREE
$0forever

Everyday control at no cost.

  • Local trackpad and gestures
  • Keyboard input
  • Volume controls
Try it
MOST POPULAR
PRO
$3.99/ month

Screen sharing, widgets and remote access.

  • Screen sharing and control
  • Widgets and favorite shortcuts
  • Remote access with Tailscale
  • All additional control tools
7-day trial for eligible subscriptions · annual option available
Try it
LIFETIME PRO
$49one time

Every Pro feature, paid once.

  • All Pro tools included
  • Non-renewing purchase
  • No recurring subscription
Try it

Build for community. Build from anywhere. 💙

FAQ

Common
questions.

Quick answers before you install.

Can I use MacSway with a Mac mini that runs as a home server?

Yes, MacSway is an iPhone app that lets you control the Mac mini from your iPhone: with Pro you can look at its screen, and with the trackpad and keyboard you control it for free. The Mac app has to run in the menu bar.

Do I need a monitor on the Mac mini to use MacSway?

MacSway screen sharing needs the Mac to have a display: screen sharing on a Mac without a display is not verified. The trackpad and keyboard send commands independently of the display.

How do I stop my Mac mini from sleeping so I can reach it with MacSway?

For MacSway the Mac mini should not sleep: plug it in and turn on Rest mode, which turns the display off while the Mac stays reachable. The steps are on the Prepare your Mac page.

Can I reach a sleeping or closed Mac with MacSway?

No, when the Mac is in system sleep or has its lid closed it disconnects from MacSway. Waking it is not guaranteed; Rest mode is the reliable option.

Do I need Pro for MacSway on a Mac mini?

The trackpad and keyboard are free. Screen sharing and access from away are part of MacSway Pro, which costs $3.99 a month, $24.99 a year or $49 once in the US.

Does MacSway work with the Mac mini away from home?

Yes, MacSway Pro reaches the Mac over your own Tailscale network from another network. Install Tailscale on both devices with the same account, and keep the Mac on, plugged in and running the Mac app.

Does the MacSway Mac app start when the Mac starts?

Yes, the MacSway Mac app starts at login by default and runs in the menu bar. You can turn this off in the Mac menu.

Do I need an account or cloud for MacSway?

No, MacSway uses no account and no cloud service. Your iPhone connects to your Mac directly, encrypted with TLS 1.3.

Control your Mac
from your iPhone.

Install the Mac app and the iPhone app, pair with a six-digit code, and start.

Download on theApp StoreDownload for Mac:MacSway.DMG

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