iKontroller
Wireless Game Controller for Mac
Getting Started
iKontroller transforms your iPhone/iPad into a controller for your Mac. Follow these steps to get started:
- Install both apps: Install "iKontroller" on your iPhone/iPad and "iKontroller Desktop" on your Mac
- Grant permissions: 1. a) Grant Accessibility permission on Mac: System Settings → Privacy & Security → Accessibility → Enable iKontroller Desktop b) Grant Local Network permission on Mac: Settings → Privacy and Security → Local Network → Enable iKontroller Desktop 2. Grant Local Network permission on iOS when prompted: Settings → Privacy and Security → Local Network → Enable iKontroller
- Pair the devices First; ensure your iPhone/iPad and Mac are on the same Wi-Fi network, Cellular network or connected via USB-C/Lightning cable. Then on your iPhone/iPad; open up the pairing screen and click on your Mac's username. Accept this pairing request on your Mac and follow the on-screen pairing instructions and enter the 6-digit code as prompted. You are now successfully paired!
- Start controlling: You're ready to go!
System Requirements
📱 iOS
- iOS 17.0 or later
- Supports iPhone and iPad
- Wi-Fi network, Cellular network, USB-C cable or Lightning cable
- Local network permission
💻 macOS
- macOS 14.0 or later
- Supports MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, iMac, Mac mini, Mac Studio and Mac Pro
- Wi-Fi network, Cellular network, USB-C cable or Lightning cable
- Accessibility permissions
- Local network permission
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I grant Accessibility permissions on Mac?
A: Go to System Settings → Privacy & Security → Accessibility, then enable "iKontroller Desktop" in the list.
Q: My devices won't connect. What should I do?
A: Try these steps:
- Ensure your iPhone/iPad and Mac are on the same Wi-Fi, Cellular network OR connected via USB-C/Lightning cable
- Restart both apps
- Check that your firewall isn't blocking the connection
Q: The keyboard keys are "stuck" or not releasing
A: iKontroller has automatic key unsticking detection. If a key gets stuck:
- Disconnect and reconnect your iOS device
- Press the stuck key on your physical keyboard
- Press or use the button/joystick/gyrostick that caused the stuck key(s) and it should get released
- The app automatically detects and fixes double-presses
Q: Can I use multiple iOS devices with one Mac?
A: Yes! You can pair multiple iPhones/iPads to a single Mac. Each device maintains its own custom layouts and mappings.
Q: How do I adjust touchpad sensitivity?
A: On your Mac, go to Settings → General and adjust the "Relative Sensitivity" slider.
Q: How do I adjust scrolling sensitivity?
A: On your Mac, go to Settings → General and adjust the "Scroll Sensitivity" slider.
Q: Does this work with games in full-screen mode?
A: Yes! iKontroller is designed to work seamlessly with full-screen/minimized/windowed games and apps on your Mac.
Q: What's the difference between relative and absolute touchpad modes?
A:
- Relative mode: Used when gaming to move the in-game camera around (First person shooter, etc.). Moves cursor relative to current position, automatically recenters. The relative mode is depicted using a red eye on the top left corner of your touchpad.
- Absolute mode: Used for direct cursor positioning aka moving your visual cursor around. Touch maps to exact screen location. The absolute mode is depicted using a blue cursor on the top left corner of your touchpad.
Q: How do I create custom layouts?
A: On your iPhone/iPad, navigate to "My Layouts", then click "+" to create a new layout. Add controls and position/resize them as needed in editor mode. Assign the buttons/joysticks/gyrosticks to keyboard keys in mapping mode
Q: Is my data being sent to any servers?
A: No. All communication is direct between your iPhone/iPad and Mac. We don't collect, store, or transmit any data to external servers. See our Privacy Policy for details.
Troubleshooting
Connection Issues
- Devices not discovering each other: Check Wi-Fi settings, ensure Local Network permissions are granted on your iPhone/iPad and Mac
- Connection drops frequently: Try switching to USB cable connection, or check for Wi-Fi issues/interference
- High latency: Reduce distance between devices, close bandwidth-heavy apps, use 5GHz Wi-Fi, or switch to USB-C/Lightning cable connection
Permission Issues
- Mac Accessibility permissions: System Settings → Privacy & Security → Accessibility → Enable iKontroller Desktop
- Mac Local Network permission: System settings → Privacy and Security → Local Network → Enable iKontroller Desktop
- iOS Local Network permission: Settings → Privacy and Security → Local Network → Enable iKontroller
Mapping Issues
- Mappings not saving: Ensure you've tapped "Done" or closed the mapping popup only after setting the key(s)
- Buttons/Joysticks not responding: Allow the mapping version to get synchronized by disconnecting and reconnecting
Contact Support
Need more help? Reach out to us: