# Connect a computer

Add a Mac, choose it and keep its workspace separate.

Canonical: https://roboty.dev/guide/setup/connect-a-computer
Content revision: 13
Platforms: iphone, mac, browser

## When to use it

Add a computer when you want it to run simulations and keep saved experiments and results. Choose a laptop that travels with you or a desktop Mac that stays at home. Connect supports Macs running the Roboty companion. You can edit a local draft before adding one.

## Steps

1. On the intended Mac, open Roboty → **Settings** → **iPhone Connection**. If availability is off, choose **Enable availability** and complete any macOS approval. Then choose **Pair iPhone** for a fresh code. This is separate from opening the Mac's own local workspace, which does not require background availability.
2. On your phone, open Connect → Add computer. Scan the code or paste its invitation, then choose Pair or Trust and pair invitation. Scanning asks for Camera permission. Pasting does not need the camera.
3. Open the computer’s settings in Connect to give it a recognizable name. Repeat for each Mac.
4. Choose a saved computer explicitly in Connect to return to its workspace without pairing again. Finish or reconcile a pending operation before switching.

## What to expect

The selected Mac and connection status appear in Connect. Each computer owns its experiments and history. The phone keeps separate drafts, notes and downloaded results for each. Local and Tailscale routes to the same Mac use the same workspace. Adding another computer does not enable sync. Optional [iCloud sync](/guide/use/icloud-sync) replicates supported saved content separately. Local preparation and uncertain operations remain with their original computer. The Mac app must be open for its cloud changes to transfer.

For a Mac on another Apple Account, export the selected work from its source device, move the file using your chosen method, then use **Import file…** on the receiving Mac. Review each supported item before copying it. This makes independent local copies with source references. It does not link the two libraries or copy connection and readiness settings.

## If something goes wrong

If no Mac is paired, Connect helps you add one. You can keep editing locally. If a saved Mac is offline, keep it awake with Roboty available and reconnect to that same Mac. If access needs renewal or its identity needs verification, follow the specific message in Connect. Keep the original draft and any pending attempt.

- Code expired? Open Roboty → Settings → iPhone Connection → Pair iPhone on your Mac to get a new one.
- Can’t connect? Keep your Mac awake and open Roboty on it. If you need to pair again, get a new invitation from that Mac.
- Can’t switch computers? Check or stop the current attempt first.

## Pairing and access details

A code expires after two minutes. If you cannot scan it, paste the invitation instead.

If access was removed or Roboty no longer recognizes the Mac, pair again using a new invitation. Check the Mac’s name before approving it. Restarting your Mac or changing its network address should not require pairing again.

Remove computer removes this phone’s access to the Mac. Your saved work stays on the phone. To also remove the phone’s access on the Mac, revoke it there.

## Keep the original attempt available

The workspace selector names the selected Mac. Opening Connect or Connection details does not stop an attempt. Its status and available Stop control remain accessible while you inspect the connection. If the connection is lost, preserve the original operation and check it again on the same Mac. An unknown state is not a confirmed stop.

## USB installation and debugging

USB lets Xcode install and debug Roboty. Roboty’s connection to the Mac still uses the network. A cable alone does not provide it. Updating the apps should preserve pairing and private records. Phone and Mac versions must be compatible.

## Pair without using the camera

On your Mac, open **Settings → iPhone Connection → Pair iPhone**. Choose **Copy private invitation**, then paste it into Connect on your iPhone. Share it only with the phone you intend to pair. The invitation expires after two minutes. Use **Get new code** when it expires, then copy the new invitation.

## Review paired phones

On the Mac, **Settings → iPhone Connection** lists paired devices and their access. Choose **Revoke access** beside the intended phone and review the device name and short device ID before confirming. If that phone pairs again while the review is open, refresh the list and review its current access.

Revoking access prevents that pairing from connecting. It does not delete saved records or confirm that a physical robot has stopped. Use the original operation's Stop and recovery controls for that work. A phone can pair again only with a new private invitation.

Content ID: computers
Compiled digest: a24894d02d6b326c880b5c6a1cb61c597e085d203863554a89b5661f62628b2f
Language: en