The better way to control your iDevice from your mac

Intro

For those who may not like the current implementation of iPhone mirroring, there is a free solution to do the same thing, which might be even easier compared to the iPhone mirroring app. As a bonus, this method also works on iPads as well.

How it works:

This approach uses a free app called Keypad, which is free for one device. The in app purchase unlocks the ability to use more than one device, as well as the ability to use your mouse with your device. Keypad can be configured to start when you log in, so you don't even need to open an app.

How to set this up

• Download Keypad, and give it access to bluetooth.
• Press the "add a device" button, and select your device in the table.
  • Interact with the name of your device and press the "connect" button.
  • Once connected, stop interacting with the table, and press "select".
• Now, you can assign a hot key, or you can use the default, command+option+p.

Using your keyboard to control your phone.

Once you press command+option+P, or your hot key of choice, you will be put in a window where you can use your keyboard to navigate your other device. You may want to separate your VO modifier on your phone from the one on your mac, or turn off VO on your mac.

But what about audio?

To be able to hear your phone from your mac, the easiest way is to plug your phone into your mac and open quicktime player, and start a new audio or movie recording (You don't need to record anything). Audio is fine, unless you want to see your phones screen.

• Once quicktime is open, press command+shift+N for audio, or command+option+N for movie recording.
• Once in the recording interface, make sure your phone is connected to your mac, and in the "Capture Device" menu, select your iPhone from the menu.
  • You can optionally set the quality to maximum for slightly better sound quality when playing back or recording.

Now that audio is routed from your phone to your mac, Press command+option+P or the hotkey you chose, and then you can use your phone from your mac, without relying on iPhone mirroring.

Notes:

Sometimes when activating the remote keyboard, it may take a minute for the interface to appear. This is because "Keypad" is reconnecting to your phone. Give it a few seconds, and the window will appear.

Routing audio through quicktime may introduce a slight delay (250 to 300MS (0.25 to 0.3 seconds)), but other options exist, such as plugging your phone into a line in port if your mac has one and opening something like logic pro or garage band, or using an audio interface so that you can hear your mac and iPhone at the same time with less latency.