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Sometimes you may encounter a problem where the Remote app on your iPhone or iPad is unable to find or connect to your Mac, even though the device is functioning properly and is accessible through other means, such as screen sharing or various network services. Often, the issue is not a malfunction of the Mac itself, but rather a temporary glitch in the app, network, or one of the connection services that the system relies on.
In this guide, we review the main reasons that lead to this problem, along with explanations of the latest practical solutions that are compatible with the recent versions of macOS and iOS, without relying on outdated information or steps that are no longer valid.
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Close and Restart the Remote App
This solution is one of the simplest and most effective steps in many cases. The app might hold onto an old connection session or fail to refresh the list of available devices on the local network.
To close the app:
- Open the App Switcher.
- Swipe up the Remote app to completely close it.
- Wait a few seconds.
- Restart the app.
When the app is restarted, it begins searching for devices again, and it may automatically discover the Mac without any additional settings required.
Make Sure Both Devices Are Connected to the Same Network
Most remote control apps rely on connection via Local Network, so both the Mac and the iPhone or iPad should be connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
Also check the following points:
- Ensure that neither of the devices is connected to a Guest Network.
- Check that neither device is using a VPN, as it may isolate the device from the local network.
- Make sure that the router does not enable the Client Isolation feature, which prevents devices from seeing each other.
Even if the internet is working on both devices, network differences or isolation between the devices may prevent the Remote app from discovering the Mac.
Restart Your Mac and iPhone
If the problem persists, restart both devices.
Restarting helps reinitialize the system services responsible for connection and device discovery within the network, and it removes temporary glitches that may inhibit the creation of a new connection session.
It is preferable to start with restarting your Mac first, then wait until the system has fully loaded, and then restart the iPhone or iPad.
Check the Mac’s Network Connection
The Mac may appear to be connected to the internet, while the network interface being used may have changed or lost connection to the local network.
So check:
- That the Mac is using the correct Wi-Fi network.
- Or that the Ethernet cable is working if the connection is wired.
- That the device has not automatically switched to a different network.
You can also try opening a website on the Mac to ensure that the connection is stable.
Make Sure the App Is Allowed to Access the Local Network
Recent versions of iOS and iPadOS require permission to access devices on the local network.
To check this:
Settings > Privacy & Security > Local Network
Make sure that the permission for the Remote app or any similar app you are using is enabled.
If this permission is disabled, the app will not be able to discover the Mac even if both devices are connected to the same network.
Check Sharing Settings on macOS
Some remote control apps utilize the sharing services built into macOS.
Go to:
System Settings > General > Sharing
And ensure the services needed by the app are enabled if required, like media sharing or other services that the used app relies on.
If you are using a specific application, also check its internal settings, as some apps require enabling the remote control option from within the application itself.
Check Firewall Settings
The firewall may block certain incoming connections, causing the Mac not to appear in the app.
To inspect the settings:
System Settings > Network > Firewall
If the firewall is enabled, ensure that the required applications and services are allowed to receive incoming connections.
It is not recommended to disable the firewall completely, but to allow only trusted applications.
Update the System and App
Apple continually addresses errors related to networks and device connections in updates.
So make sure to update:
- macOS.
- iOS or iPadOS.
- The Remote app or the app you are using.
It is also preferable to update the router if a new firmware version is available, as some device discovery issues may be related to the network itself.
Read about: How to Update iPhone to the latest version
Remove and Re-add the Device
If the app maintains a list of paired devices, the Mac’s data may have become outdated or incompatible after a system update or network setting change.
Remove the Mac from the app, then re-pair it from the beginning using the steps recommended by the app’s developer.
This often leads to generating new connection keys and removing any corrupted data.
Check Device Discovery Services
Many apps rely on the built-in Bonjour service in macOS to discover devices on the local network.
If this service has stopped temporarily, the Mac may not appear in the app even though it is functioning normally.
In most cases, simply restarting the Mac or router is sufficient to reinitialize the device discovery service without needing additional intervention.
Restart the Router
The router may hold onto old connection tables or experience a temporary glitch that prevents devices from discovering each other.
Turn off the router for about 30 seconds, then restart it and wait until the network stabilizes completely.
After that, try connecting again.
When Is the Issue With the App Itself?
If the Mac appears in other applications like screen sharing or is accessible via different network services, while the Remote app fails, the problem is likely within the app itself.
In this case, you can:
- Update the app.
- Delete the app and reinstall it.
- Check the developer’s support page for any known issues or recent updates.
Tips to Avoid Recurring Issues
To reduce the likelihood of this problem occurring in the future, make sure to:
- Keep macOS and iOS consistently updated.
- Use a stable Wi-Fi network.
- Avoid running a VPN while using local control applications.
- Restart the app if it stops discovering devices.
- Avoid frequently changing network settings or its name.
- Ensure that the app is granted all necessary permissions to access the local network.
Also Read: How to Protect iPhone Battery and Keep It at 100% for Longer
Frequently Asked Questions
Why doesn’t the Mac appear in the device list?
The reason may be network differences, or the local network permission may be disabled, or there could be a temporary issue with the device discovery service, or the connection may be blocked by the firewall.
Is closing and restarting the app sufficient?
In many cases, yes, because restarting the app forces it to create a new connection session and re-scan for devices available on the network.
Do system updates affect connectivity?
Yes, as some updates may change privacy settings or the way devices are discovered on the network, thus it’s always recommended to use the latest version of the system and application.
Should the firewall be disabled?
No, it is preferable to keep it enabled, allowing only trusted applications to connect over the network.
Conclusion
Often, the reason for the Remote app not connecting to the Mac is not a malfunction with the device itself, but rather a temporary glitch in the app or network settings or device discovery services.
Always start with simple solutions such as restarting the app and verifying that both devices are on the same network, then proceed to check local network permissions, sharing settings, firewall settings, and finally update the system and re-add the device if needed. By following these steps in order, most connection issues can be resolved without resorting to complex measures or completely resetting the system.
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