How to Use Your iPhone as a Presentation Remote for Mac

Choose a presentation workflow

If you only present in Keynote, Apple's own Keynote Remote is another option. Apple's setup guide explains how to link Keynote on iPhone or iPad with Keynote on Mac.

Pilot combines presentation controls with a trackpad, keyboard, Screen View, media and other remote tools. This guide explains the Pilot workflow. The app panel and the presentation software you select must match.

Connect before the presentation

1. Set up Pilot and the Mac helper. Follow the connection guide and complete the helper's permissions.
2. Pair with the helper's QR code. Check that Pilot shows the correct Mac.
3. Open your presentation on the Mac. Bring the presentation app or browser window to the foreground.
4. Open Present in Pilot. Select Keynote, PowerPoint, Google Slides or the appropriate other workflow.

Do this while you can still reach your Mac. Prepare the actual deck and display setup you intend to use, rather than testing only an unrelated file.

Test slide navigation

Start the slideshow and use Next once. Watch the Mac display to confirm that the deck advances. Then use Previous to return. If those actions do not reach the slideshow, check the selected panel and the Mac's active window.

For Google Slides, the relevant browser window needs to be ready to receive presentation commands. Having the deck open in a background tab is different from presenting with that tab active.

Pilot shows the app receiving keys in its presentation interface. Use that information as a routing check. If it names an unexpected app, return to the Mac and focus the intended presentation.

Add only the tools you need

The Present interface also offers Start, End Show, Black, White, Laser, Spotlight, Point and a timer. Availability and behavior depend on the selected presentation workflow. Test the specific tools you plan to use in the actual app.

Try a screen-blanking control before the audience arrives, and confirm how to restore the slides. Check pointer tools on the presentation display. Set the timer for your planned speaking time and practice checking it without losing your place.

Keep the main navigation controls as your default during the talk. You can use the Trackpad and keyboard when a dialog or window needs attention, then return to Present.

A quick rehearsal checklist

• The correct Mac is selected and its helper is running.
• The selected Pilot panel matches the presentation app.
• The actual slideshow window receives Previous and Next.
• Any pointer, blanking or timer tools you need have been tested.
• Your iPhone has enough battery for the talk.
• You know how to return to the Mac keyboard if you need to recover.

If a command stops working after you switch windows, check focus first. Close or dismiss an unexpected dialog on the Mac before sending more slide commands. A paired connection and a correctly focused presentation are both part of a dependable workflow.