PocketCtrl
Setup guides

Step 2 of 2

Set up Tailscale on both devices

Tailscale gives your Mac and iPhone or iPad a private path to each other, even when they are on different Wi-Fi or cellular networks.

  2. 1

    Install Tailscale on your Mac

    Download Tailscale for macOS. Tailscale recommends its standalone Mac app, and it also offers a Mac App Store version.

    Open Tailscale, follow its onboarding, and allow macOS to add the VPN configuration. Then sign in with the account you want to use for your private network.

    Download Tailscale for MacGet it on the Mac App StoreOfficial macOS installation guide
  3. 2

    Install Tailscale on your iPhone or iPad

    Install Tailscale from the App Store, open it, and choose Get Started. Allow the VPN configuration when iOS asks.

    Sign in with the same Tailscale account you used on your Mac. If you already have more than one tailnet, make sure both devices are connected to the same one.

    Get Tailscale on the App StoreTailscale iOS download pageOfficial iOS installation guide
  4. 3

    Confirm both devices are connected

    Open Tailscale on each device and make sure it says it is connected. Your Mac and iPhone or iPad should both appear in the device list for the same tailnet.

    You do not need an exit node, a public IP address, or router port forwarding for PocketCtrl.

  5. 4

    Return to PocketCtrl and pair

    On the Mac, open PocketCtrl's Hosting controls and choose Start Hosting. The Network section should show a Tailscale address instead of Not detected.

    On your iPhone or iPad, open PocketCtrl, choose Connect a new Mac, and scan the pairing QR shown by the Mac. The QR saves the Mac's pairing key and Tailscale address, so you normally do not need to type an IP address.

    If you use the short Computer Code instead, approve the request that appears on the Mac before PocketCtrl connects.

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