Introducing Connection Codes: Easier Connections, Better Protection

October 24, 2026 in What's New

We’ve introduced a simpler, safer way to connect with Remote Mouse: Connection Codes. The update is now available for Remote Mouse Helper on Mac, with Windows and Linux updates coming soon.

Safer by Default

Previously, connection password had to be enabled manually. Now, it’s on by default for new installations. When a new device tries to connect, a 6-digit connection code automatically appears on your Mac, so you’ll know when someone is requesting access.

Less Setup, Less Hassle

  • A 6-digit code is generated automatically.
  • No passwords to create or remember.
  • Enter the code once, and your phone can remember it for future connections.
  • You can regenerate new code anytime

No Need to Touch Your Computer

We know that sometimes using your computer directly isn’t convenient. You can enter the connection code on your phone, or use your phone’s touchpad to remotely control Helper and regenerate the code — all without touching your computer’s keyboard or mouse.

Important: After regenerating your connection code from your phone, your current remote connection will stop working. To continue, open the Connect to Computer screen on your phone and reconnect manually.

Connection code shown for illustration only.

What About Existing Users?

  • Already using a password? Your existing password will continue to work as before.
  • Never set a password? Your current connection settings will stay unchanged, so nothing suddenly stops working.
  • You can switch to Connection Code anytime.
  • You’ll see a warning icon ⚠️ in Remote Mouse Helper as a reminder if authentication turned off.

Stronger Connection Security

Along with enabling connection protection by default for new installations, we’ve added brute-force protection to help prevent unauthorized access. These changes help reduce the risk of unauthorized access. We’ll continue improving Remote Mouse’s security while keeping it simple and easy to use.

Keep an eye out for upcoming updates, and make sure both your phone app and desktop Helper are up to date for the best experience!

Remote Mouse on Apple Watch: Simple Controls from Your Wrist

July 26, 2026 in Tips & Tricks

Your iPhone can already control your computer with Remote Mouse. But sometimes your phone is charging, sitting across the room, or simply inconvenient to reach. Remote Mouse on Apple Watch gives you a few useful controls right from your wrist.

What You Can Do

Control Media and Presentations

The Media Remote lets you pause or resume playback, skip forward or back, and adjust the volume on your computer. It can also handle the basic controls needed for many presentations, so you may not need a separate presentation remote.

Open Saved Websites

Browser Bookmarks let you open a website on your computer directly from your Apple Watch.

First, add the websites you use often to the bookmarks in Web Remote on your iPhone. You can then open a workout video, recipe, playlist, presentation page, tutorial, or any other saved website from your watch with a tap.

Shut Down Your Computer

You can also shut down your computer remotely. This is especially convenient when you are about to leave, have already moved away from your desk, or are in bed and do not want to get up again.

When It Comes in Handy

During a Workout

This is one of my own most common uses.

When I follow a workout video at home, I sometimes fall behind or need a moment to catch my breath. Instead of walking back to the computer or looking for my phone, I can pause the video from my wrist, replay the movement, and continue when I am ready.

It is a small convenience, but when you are exercising or moving around frequently, a compact remote on your wrist can be much quicker and easier to use than your phone.

When Your Hands Are Busy

The watch remote is also useful when you are cooking, cleaning, doing crafts, or working on a repair project. You might be following a recipe or tutorial, or simply listening to music or a podcast. When you need to pause, replay a step, or continue, the controls are already on your wrist. You do not need to stop what you are doing and walk back to the computer.

When You Are Away from the Computer

During a presentation, you can move through slides or control a video while standing away from your computer.

At a party or family gathering, you can control music and videos while moving around the room instead of carrying your phone everywhere.

The Apple Watch does not replace the full Remote Mouse app, but it works well for quick controls when you are not sitting at your desk.

A Few Extra Options

Remote Mouse also supports voice and handwriting input on Apple Watch. It is best suited to short searches, a few words, or a quick command rather than long text.

The first time you use the watch app, you need to connect to your computer through the iPhone app. After the initial setup, the watch can connect directly to your computer for everyday use, but make sure your iPhone is still nearby.

Remote Mouse on Apple Watch is designed for those small moments when reaching for your phone or returning to your computer feels like one step too many.

A Simpler Way to Use Remote Mouse Shortcuts

July 23, 2026 in Tips & Tricks, What's New

Shortcuts are meant to be fast. Therefore, we’ve redesigned how they work to make them simpler and more intuitive, with fewer rules to remember.

A simpler way to use shortcuts

Previously, some multi-key shortcuts required long presses to activate each modifier. This is no longer needed, everything now follows the same simple interaction: tap to combine, long press to keep it active.

  • Tap modifier keys (Ctrl, Shift, Alt…) to combine them
  • Tap a regular key (letters, numbers, or keys like Esc and Tab) to execute the shortcut
  • Long press a modifier to keep it active across multiple actions

Works with your keyboard layout

Shortcuts now work with Latin-based keyboard layouts, just like on your computer. No need to switch to an English keyboard. Everything works the way you already expect.

Shortcuts in everyday use

Editing text

When working with text, actions often come in chains:

  • Ctrl + A → Ctrl + C → Ctrl + V

Now, you can simply:

  • Long Press Ctrl, then tap A, C, V

No need to re-activate the modifier each time.

Browsing the web

When navigating between tabs:

  • Hold Ctrl, tap T to open new tabs
  • Tap W to close them

The interaction stays consistent.

Quick access to system controls

Shortcuts also make it faster to trigger common system actions:

On Windows:

  • Win + D → Show desktop
  • Win + Tab → Open Task View
  • Alt + Tab → Switch between apps

On macOS:

  • Cmd + Tab → Switch between apps
  • Cmd + Space → Open Spotlight
  • Ctrl + ↑ → Mission Control

With modifiers staying active, these actions feel immediate and continuous.

Send modifier keys directly

The latest update adds a new Send Modifiers on Tap option in Settings.

By default, tapping a modifier activates it for the next shortcut, while a long press keeps it active across multiple key presses. When Send Modifiers on Tap is enabled:

  • Tap a modifier to send it directly.
  • Long press it once to use it with the next regular key.
  • Long press it twice to keep it active for multiple key presses.

This makes it possible to send keys such as the Windows key by themselves, while still supporting keyboard shortcuts.