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Getting started

Install both apps, pair, and make your first connection.

Nearshell includes a Mac app and an iPhone / iPad controller. It isn’t publicly available yet; join the waitlist for updates. These steps describe the current product workflow.

1. Prepare your Mac

Launch Nearshell on your Mac and sign in. Keep the Mac awake, online and running the app.

Grant system permissions when using remote video and input control:

  • Screen Recording: captures your desktop or an app window.
  • Accessibility: enables remote keyboard and pointer input.

Manage permissions under System Settings → Privacy & Security. Follow system and app prompts to reopen the app when required.

2. Add a device

  1. Sign in to the same account on iPhone or iPad.
  2. Scan the add-device code shown on your Mac, or paste the code.
  3. Complete device setup and pairing, then choose the Mac in the console.

To add another controller, open Controllers in Mac settings and choose Show Add Code. Scan it with the new controller signed in to the same account. Existing connections can continue.

3. Choose a workspace

  • Terminal: open Native shell, or access tmux and Herdr sessions. Install the corresponding program on your Mac for the latter two.
  • App window: choose a running app and focus on the window you need.
  • Full desktop: view and operate the desktop with keyboard, pointer and touch controls.

Add other Macs as needed. Connections and preferences are managed per device; device allowances depend on account entitlements.

4. Use input drafts

Open a draft with the input-box button beside the keyboard, type or dictate, edit, then send. Sending does not add Return; press Return separately to execute a terminal command. Multiline text requires extra confirmation because the remote application’s handling of newlines may execute commands.

Under Settings → Input → Voice Input, choose Apple on-device recognition or download and select a Whisper model. Apple recognition availability depends on system, device and language; initial use may require downloading system speech resources.

5. Optional: enable Picture in Picture

Under Settings → Picture in Picture, enable Remote View and Terminal View separately. Both are off by default. Your device must support Picture in Picture; automatic activation also requires the system’s Start PiP Automatically setting.

For more help, see the FAQ.