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Guide

A Keynote remote on your iPhone or Android phone

With PresentSync your phone becomes a remote for Keynote on your Mac: tap Next or Prev to change slides, swipe to move a pointer that everyone sees on the projector or TV, double-tap to highlight and long-press to draw. It works with an iPhone or an Android phone, through the PresentSync desktop app for macOS 13 or later.

Download PresentSync for MacDesktop app for macOS 13 or later (Apple silicon and Intel); then get the phone app for iPhone or Android.

How it changes Keynote slides

PresentSync sends the same slide keys as a keyboard: Next and Prev act like the arrow keys, so they go to the window that is active. Keep the Keynote slideshow in front while you present. PresentSync must be allowed in System Settings > Privacy & Security > Accessibility so it can send slide keys.

The pointer, the highlight and the lines are drawn on the Mac's screen, so they appear on the projector, TV or monitor connected to the Mac.

What you need

  • The PresentSync phone app for iPhone or Android.
  • A Mac with macOS 13 or later (Apple silicon or Intel) and the PresentSync desktop app from the download page.
  • The phone and the Mac on the same local network: the same Wi-Fi, or the same wired network.
  • A PresentSync account. Your first hosted meeting starts a 7-day trial; after that the free tier keeps 1 meeting, 5 connected devices and 30 minutes of hosting per day. See plans.

Set it up on your Mac

  1. Install the PresentSync phone app and register or sign in.
  2. Download the macOS DMG from the download page, drag PresentSync to Applications, open it and scan its QR code with your phone.
  3. Allow PresentSync in System Settings > Privacy & Security > Accessibility so it can send slide keys to Keynote.
  4. Start a meeting in the desktop app and join it from your phone by scanning the meeting QR code.
  5. In Keynote choose Play > Play Slideshow, then point and change slides from the phone.

What it does and does not do

  • It does: point, highlight and draw on the screen; change slides with Next and Prev; let several people point at the same slideshow, each from their own phone.
  • It does not: show your speaker notes or slide previews on the phone, or mirror the Mac's screen. The phone is the pointer and the remote; the slides stay on the Mac and its displays.
  • Keynote runs on the Mac. On a Windows PC, the same phone works with PowerPoint, WPS and Google Slides; see laser pointer alternative and slides remote.

If the slides do not change

  • Start the slideshow first. Next and Prev act like the arrow keys, so Keynote has to be playing the slideshow.
  • Keep the slideshow in front. If you switched to another app, bring the Keynote slideshow back to the front.
  • Check the permission. PresentSync must be allowed under System Settings > Privacy & Security > Accessibility.
  • If the phone cannot connect, make sure the phone and Mac are on the same Wi-Fi or wired network, that the Mac's firewall allows PresentSync, and that any VPN or proxy on the phone is off. See troubleshooting.

More guides

Common questions

Can I use an Android phone as a Keynote remote?

Yes. The iPhone and Android apps have the same controls, and either one works with the PresentSync desktop app on the Mac.

Do I need a Mac?

Yes. Keynote runs on the Mac, and the PresentSync desktop app needs macOS 13 or later on Apple silicon or Intel.

Why does PresentSync need Accessibility permission?

PresentSync sends slide keys to Keynote like a keyboard, so it must be allowed under System Settings > Privacy & Security > Accessibility.

Can I see my speaker notes on the phone?

No. The phone works as the pointer and the remote; speaker notes and slide previews are not shown on the phone.

Is it free?

Your first hosted meeting starts a 7-day trial; after it ends the free tier keeps 1 meeting, 5 connected devices and 30 minutes of hosting per day. Personal and Pro remove the daily limit and are bought in the phone app.

Last updated 2026-11-13