Macky is a secure mobile client that lets you connect to your Mac's screen and terminal from your iPhone using end-to-end encrypted WebRTC. It supports native shell (Zsh, Bash), Claude Code by Anthropic, Codex by OpenAI, and full remote desktop.

How does Macky connect my iPhone to my Mac?

Macky uses peer-to-peer WebRTC with DTLS-SRTP encryption. A signaling server coordinates the initial handshake, but all screen and terminal data flows directly between your devices without passing through any cloud server.

Yes. Macky uses four layers of security: E2E encrypted WebRTC transport, dual-layer identity verification (account tokens plus a master password), device allow-listing, and blind signaling where screen and terminal data never touches Macky's servers.

Does Macky log my terminal commands?

No. Macky has a zero-logs policy. Terminal commands, output, and screen data are never recorded, stored, or accessible by Macky's servers. All data is end-to-end encrypted between your devices.

What AI tools does Macky support?

Macky supports Claude Code (by Anthropic) and Codex (by OpenAI) in addition to native Zsh and Bash shells and full remote desktop, all accessible from your iPhone.

What are the system requirements for Macky?

The Mac host app requires macOS 15 or later. The iPhone remote app requires iOS 18 or later.

How much does Macky cost?

Macky offers a free Basic plan with 5-minute sessions, 1 Mac host, and 1 iPhone remote. The Pro plan costs $29 as a one-time lifetime payment and includes unlimited sessions, unlimited devices, 30-day connection logs, and background connect.

Can you use Apple Sidecar as the primary monitor on a Mac Mini?

No. Apple Sidecar requires an existing physical display connected to initiate the session, and it will not connect prior to user login on a headless Mac Mini.

Can I control my headless Mac Mini from an iPad away from home?

Yes. Macky uses peer-to-peer WebRTC data channels, allowing you to connect securely to your headless Mac Mini over cellular or hotel Wi-Fi without opening ports on your home router.

August 20, 20265 min read

How to Use an iPad as a Monitor for Mac Mini (Headless Guide)

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The M-series Mac Mini is one of the best value computers Apple has ever made. Powerful, compact, and energy-efficient, it makes an ideal home server, dev workstation, or portable desktop.

Naturally, many developers want to pair it with an iPad Pro or iPad Air to create the ultimate modular setup: use the iPad as the primary monitor and input device for the Mac Mini without buying an expensive external screen.

However, when you attempt this, you quickly run into macOS limitations. Here is a practical guide on how to set up a headless Mac Mini with an iPad in 2026, why Apple Sidecar falls short, and the best way to get a smooth, zero-latency experience.

Method	Extra Hardware	Works Headless (No Monitor)	Works Over Internet	Cost
Macky (Software WebRTC)	None (or $7 dummy plug)	Yes (Auto-starts on boot)	Yes (P2P zero-config)	Free / $29 Lifetime
Apple Sidecar	Requires real monitor initially	No (Requires primary screen)	No (Local Wi-Fi only)	Free (Built-in)
Luna Display	Hardware dongle	Yes (Hardware headless mode)	Limited / Wi-Fi focused	$79.99 hardware

Why Apple Sidecar Fails on a Headless Mac Mini

Requires a primary display: Sidecar will not initiate unless macOS detects a physical monitor plugged into the Mac Mini.
No pre-login connection: If your Mac Mini reboots, Sidecar cannot connect at the FileVault login screen.
Local Wi-Fi only: Sidecar does not work when you leave the house over cellular or remote networks.

The Solution: Running Headless with Macky

Macky provides full 60fps remote desktop control and a native interactive terminal directly to your iPad:

Hardware-Accelerated WebRTC: Fluid scrolling, instant trackpad response, and crisp Retina resolutions.
Dual Workflow (GUI + CLI): Switch between full desktop and low-bandwidth terminal in one tap.
Works Anywhere: Connect over local Wi-Fi or cellular with zero port forwarding.
One-Time Pricing: Free tier or $29 lifetime license.

Pro Tip: The $7 HDMI Dummy Plug (Optional)

When macOS detects no monitor connected, it may cap software framebuffers at 1080p. Plugging a $7 HDMI Dummy Plug (Headless Ghost) into the Mac Mini tricks macOS into enabling full GPU hardware acceleration and crisp 2K/4K Retina scaling in Macky.