Support

Something not working? Most problems are one of these. If yours isn't, write to support@deskalong.com. It helps to send a problem report: in the app, tap Settings (the gear), then Report a Problem. During a session, tap ⋯ on the session bar and choose Report a Problem; that one includes the Mac's side too. On the Mac, Deskalong Host's menu, then Settings, then Copy Problem Report…. Names and network addresses are taken out, and you see everything before you send it.

Free and Pro

The free app works with one computer, connecting directly at home and from anywhere a direct connection is possible. Deskalong Pro adds every computer you own, Link my computers, every monitor and single windows, two displays on a foldable iPhone, desktop-class iPad with trackpad, mouse and keyboard, files, your phone as the computer's microphone, Customize Controls, and our relay for networks that block a direct connection. You can try Pro free for 7 days (the relay isn't part of the trial). If Pro doesn't show on a device, tap Settings, then Restore Purchases. Details are in the Pro and relay terms.

Requirements

A Mac with Apple silicon on macOS 14.5 or later, running Deskalong Host. An iPhone or iPad on iOS or iPadOS 17.5 or later.

My phone sees a black or blank screen

Deskalong Host needs Screen Recording permission. On the Mac, open the Deskalong Host menu in the menu bar, then Settings, then Set Up This Mac…. Allow Screen Recording, then quit and reopen Deskalong Host.

Taps and typing don't do anything

Deskalong Host needs Accessibility permission. Use Set Up This Mac… as above, and allow Accessibility.

Pairing my phone

On the computer, choose Pair a Phone in Deskalong Host. A code appears in a window; it stays open for two minutes.
Scan it with the iPhone's Camera, or in Deskalong tap Pair a Computer, then Scan Code. That works from anywhere.
On the same Wi-Fi you can instead pick the computer from the list in Deskalong and type the six digits it shows. If the phone says the code doesn't match, check it; if it still doesn't, don't continue.
Then choose Allow on the computer.
The free app pairs one computer. Pairing that computer again is always free; another computer needs Deskalong Pro.
If the computer isn't listed, check Settings, then Privacy & Security, then Local Network, and make sure Deskalong is on, or scan the code instead.

It won't connect away from home

Once paired, your phone connects to the computer directly from anywhere a network allows it. If Deskalong says the network blocks a direct connection, that network needs Deskalong Pro, which connects through our relay; or try another network, for example cellular instead of hotel Wi-Fi. Otherwise, check that the computer is awake, online and running Deskalong Host. To keep it reachable, turn on Open at Login in Deskalong Host's settings, and consider System Settings, then Energy, then "Prevent automatic sleeping".

Problem codes

When something fails, the app shows a short code, like C203. Find it here.

Pairing
P101 Pairing: the computer can't be reached, or isn't pairing: On the computer, choose Pair a Phone in Deskalong Host, then scan its code again (or pick it on the same Wi-Fi).
P102 Pairing: declined on the computer: Pairing was turned down on the computer. Start pairing again and choose Allow there.
P103 Pairing: the pairing window closed: It stays open for two minutes. Choose Pair a Phone in Deskalong Host again.
P105 Pairing: something else went wrong: Try again. If it keeps happening, send a problem report.
Connecting
C203 The Mac didn't answer: Check the Mac is awake, online and running Deskalong Host. A Mac asleep with its lid closed can't answer.
C204 Couldn't reach Deskalong's relay: Check your phone's connection (Wi-Fi or cellular), then try again in a minute. If it keeps happening on a working connection, update Deskalong from the App Store.
During a session
S301 This app is too old for the Mac: Update Deskalong from the App Store.
S302 Deskalong Host on the computer is too old: Update Deskalong Host on the computer from its menu: Settings, then Check for Updates…
S303 The Mac no longer knows this device: It was removed on the Mac. Pair again.
S304 The Mac is in use on another device: Only one device at a time. Connecting here takes over from the other one.
S305 Connected, but no picture arrived: The app reconnects by itself. If it keeps happening, check Screen Recording is allowed for Deskalong Host on the Mac.
S306 The connection dropped: The app reconnects by itself. Frequent drops usually mean a weak network on one end.
S307 The Mac refused the session: Try again. If it keeps happening, send a problem report from the Mac's menu.
S308 Disconnected on the computer: The session was ended on the computer, with Disconnect in Deskalong Host or macOS's Stop Sharing. Connect again when you're ready.
S309 Sharing is turned off on the computer: Turn Sharing on in Deskalong Host's menu on the computer, then connect again.
The Mac
M401 Screen Recording isn't allowed on the Mac: System Settings → Privacy & Security → Screen Recording: turn on Deskalong Host, then quit and reopen it.
M402 Accessibility isn't allowed on the Mac: System Settings → Privacy & Security → Accessibility: turn on Deskalong Host.
M404 The Mac couldn't capture its screen: Check Screen Recording is allowed, then quit and reopen Deskalong Host.
M405 Deskalong Host stopped responding for a moment: It recovers by itself. If it keeps happening, send a problem report from the Mac's menu.
M406 Deskalong Microphone isn't installed on the Mac: In Deskalong Host's menu on the Mac, choose Settings, then Install Microphone….
M407 The Mac couldn't open Deskalong Microphone: Quit and reopen Deskalong Host. If it persists, reinstall the microphone from the Mac's menu.
M408 The Mac's microphone was left on Deskalong Microphone: Choose your microphone in System Settings, Sound, Input.
Sound
A501 Sound had gaps: Usually a busy network. The app sizes its buffer to the network by itself.
A502 Your voice had gaps on the Mac: Usually a busy network. The Mac lengthens its buffer by itself; a stronger Wi-Fi signal helps.
Files and clipboard
F601 A file didn't reach the Mac: Check the Mac's Downloads folder has space, and try again.
F603 Paste to the Mac failed: Check Share Clipboard is on in the Mac's menu and in this Mac's settings on the phone.

Removing Deskalong

On the Mac, if you installed Deskalong Microphone, open the Deskalong Host menu and choose Remove Microphone… under Settings first (it asks for your password and removes the driver from the system). Then quit Deskalong Host from its menu and move it from Applications to the Trash. To unpair a phone, open the Deskalong Host menu and remove it from the device list. On the phone, delete the app, or remove a single computer: tap ••• on its card, then Forget This Computer.