You need a file that's on your Mac, but you're not near it. Maybe it's a document on your desktop, an unsaved build artifact, something in your Downloads folder, a project repo, or a local database export. Whatever it is, it's sitting on your Mac and you need it on your phone right now.
There are three main ways to handle this. Here is how they compare in setup time, flexibility, and reliability:
| Method | Prior Setup | File Scope | Outside Home WiFi |
|---|---|---|---|
| iCloud / Cloud Drive | Must pre-sync folders | Only synced files | Yes (via Cloud) |
| SSH / SFTP Server | Port forward + keys | Entire disk | Complex setup |
| Macky (Remote Desktop/Shell) | Zero config (2 mins) | Entire disk & terminal | Automatic (P2P WebRTC) |
Option 1: Cloud storage (if you set it up already)
If you use iCloud Drive, Dropbox, or Google Drive and the file is already in a synced folder, you can just open it on your phone from the respective iOS app. Fast, no setup required on the spot.
The catch is that this only works for files you remembered to put in a synced folder. If the file is sitting on your desktop, in a local developer directory (like ~/Developer or /var/log), or anywhere outside your cloud storage, it won't be there.
Option 2: Access your Mac remotely without iCloud (The Direct Way)
This works for any file, anywhere on your Mac, whether you set anything up in advance or not (as long as you have Macky installed on both devices).
With Macky, you connect to your Mac from your iPhone and see its live screen and terminal. You can navigate to the file just like you would sitting at your desk. Find it in Finder, open it, and transfer it to your phone using AirDrop, email, or a quick terminal command.
Because Macky connects directly via encrypted WebRTC, no files or terminal streams ever touch third-party cloud servers.
Setting up Macky to access your Mac files
Step 1: Download the Mac host app
Get the app from macky.dev. It runs quietly as a menu bar app in the background. Requires macOS 15 or later.
Step 2: Install the iPhone app
Download Macky from the App Store. Requires iOS 18 or later.
Step 3: Sign in with the same account on both
Sign in on both devices and set a local Master Password. This password is stored only on your Mac and protects your remote sessions even if your account credentials were leaked.
Step 4: Connect and find your file
Open the iPhone app, tap your Mac, enter your Master Password, and you're looking at your Mac's desktop. Locate your file in Finder or your terminal, open it, and transfer it.
Fastest ways to transfer the file to your iPhone
Once you're connected to your Mac through Macky:
- AirDrop (if nearby): Right-click the file in Finder, choose Share > AirDrop, and beam it directly to your iPhone.
- Email it to yourself: Open the file in Mail on your Mac and send it to your address.
- Move to iCloud or Cloud Drive: Drag the file into your iCloud Drive or Dropbox folder in Finder and it will appear in your Files app in seconds.
- Send via Terminal: If you prefer the command line, pipe or copy the file using tools like
curl, GitHub gists, or AWS S3. See our guide on connecting to your Mac terminal from iPhone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my Mac is in sleep mode?
Your Mac must be powered on to accept remote connections. If you leave your desk often, disable automatic sleep under System Settings > Displays > Advanced, or use a tool like Amphetamine. Macky Pro also supports accessing your Mac with the lid closed in clamshell mode.
Does this require port forwarding on my home router?
No. Macky uses WebRTC ICE, STUN, and TURN protocols to automatically traverse NAT and firewalls. You don't need to configure port 22 or any router settings. Learn more in our guide to remote Mac access without SSH.
Is the connection secure?
Yes. All data is end-to-end encrypted with DTLS-SRTP. The Macky signaling server only facilitates the handshake; file data and screen frames never pass through cloud servers. Read our full security breakdown.
Pricing
Macky's free plan gives you 5-minute sessions with 1 Mac and 1 iPhone, which is plenty for grabbing a file. The Pro plan is a $29 one-time purchase with unlimited session lengths, background persistence, and multi-device access.