CouchWandCouchWand support and troubleshooting
Questions, bug reports or ideas: email support@getigneous.com. Please include your iPhone or iPad model, iOS version, the computer's operating system, and what you expected to happen.
Getting connected
The illustrated guide is on the home page: how to connect your iPhone to your Mac or PC. In short: install the free host app, put the phone and computer on the same Wi-Fi (or the same Tailscale network), choose Pair New Device on the computer, then in the app tap the computer name pill, choose Pair New Computer and scan the QR code or type the 6 digits.
If it doesn't connect
- Same network: both devices on the same Wi-Fi, or both signed in to the same Tailscale network.
- Host app running: its icon is in the Mac menu bar or the Windows system tray.
- Windows Firewall: allow CouchWand on private networks (Windows Security, Firewall, Allow an app through firewall).
- VPN or guest Wi-Fi: a VPN, or a guest or hotel network that keeps devices apart (client isolation), can block the connection.
- Pair again: remove the computer from the Computers list (swipe left) or the device from the desktop menu, then pair again. If the computer removed the phone, the app offers Pair Again.
Quick fixes
- Keys or mouse do nothing on a Mac: turn on CouchWand in System Settings, Privacy & Security, Accessibility. After replacing the app with a newer copy, switch it off and on again there.
- Games see no controller: turn the Controller switch on (the On/Off button in the gamepad top bar, or Settings, Gamepad). It is off by default, and your computer sees no controller while it is off.
- macOS won't open the app: drag it to Applications first, then open it. The app is signed with an Apple Developer ID and notarized by Apple; if you still see a warning, re-download it from this site.
- Windows shows a SmartScreen warning: the app is not code-signed yet. Choose More info, then Run anyway, if you downloaded it from this site.
- Gamepad on Windows: install the ViGEmBus driver for a virtual controller, or use the keyboard and mouse mapping (Gamepad Mapping… in the tray menu).
- Gamepad on Mac: input becomes keys and mouse; choose a preset or rebind controls under Gamepad Mapping… in the menu bar.
- No computer yet: choose Try demo in the app's Computers list to look around.
Every gesture is explained, with pictures, in the gestures guide.
More answers, including encryption, Tailscale and what the $3.99 purchase adds, are in the FAQ. The free host apps for Mac and Windows are in the downloads section of the home page. The privacy policy explains what the apps do and do not collect.