Get connected.
Start on the same network. Then test from another network, such as your phone’s hotspot, before buying.
1. Prepare the Mac
- Download the Mac app, move it into Applications, and open it.
- Follow the setup sheet. Grant Screen Recording and Accessibility in System Settings → Privacy & Security. Grant Local Network access if requested.
- Allow sharing, choose a strong connection password, and keep the Mac awake and logged in.
- Use Start at Login if you want unattended access. Closing the window keeps the app in the menu bar; quit from that menu to stop it.
2. Connect nearby
Open Farwink on the viewing device and select the nearby Mac. Enter its connection password. Screen Recording is needed on the shared Mac; Accessibility is needed for remote control.
3. Connect over the internet
- Enable Private Connection on both devices.
- Sign into the same Tailscale account, or explicitly share the host’s device through Tailscale.
- Wait for Private Connection to become ready. Select the Mac or enter its nine-digit ID.
- Test while the viewer is on another network. Both devices need internet access.
Tailscale is bundled; do not install another app just to use Farwink. Its Personal plan is for noncommercial use. Business customers need an appropriate plan. Check current Tailscale terms and pricing.
Connection troubleshooting
| What you see | What to do |
|---|---|
| Mac offline | Check it is awake, logged in, connected to the internet, and Farwink is running. |
| Black picture | Check Screen Recording permission for the installed app. Quit from the menu bar and reopen after granting it. |
| Pointer won’t control the Mac | Check Accessibility permission on the host, then reopen the app. |
| Permission granted but still missing | Remove stale or duplicate app entries in Privacy & Security, add the copy in Applications, and restart it. Avoid running multiple copies. |
| Files inaccessible | Enable file access in Farwink and grant Files and Folders permission. Full Disk Access is optional for protected folders. |
| Internet connection unavailable | Check Private Connection on both devices, their account or device sharing, and network restrictions. Try another network to isolate the problem. |
| Locked or login screen | The current version requires an unlocked user session. It cannot unlock the Mac remotely. |
Purchases and restoration
Purchases are disabled until store setup is complete. At launch, the personal license is $4.99 once for version 1 and up to five hosted Macs. Website buyers use their receipt’s key in Settings → License. Apple buyers use Restore Purchase with the same Apple Account. To unlock a Mac viewer, choose Copy Purchase Proof for Mac in iPhone/iPad Settings, then paste it into Mac Settings → License. Keep this proof private. Viewing devices do not consume host slots.
A website key is personal; do not post it publicly. If you received a refund or the license was revoked, it will no longer unlock remote access after validation. Local access remains free.
Refunds and other questions
Website purchases: use the contact or refund route provided on your Polar receipt. Apple purchases: use Apple’s purchase support. Applicable consumer rights still apply.
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No address book access, tracking links, or automatic messages.