PadKeys

Frequently asked questions

Most setup questions are about permissions. The iPad never needs an IP address or port — open the helper on your laptop and scan its QR code.

macOS

Why does PadKeys still say Accessibility is required?▾

PadKeys Mac Helper needs Accessibility permission so it can send keyboard and mouse input to your Mac.

If you used an older test build, macOS may remember that test build separately from the official helper. Remove the old entry and allow the official helper again:

  1. Quit PadKeys Mac Helper.
  2. Open System Settings.
  3. Go to Privacy & Security → Accessibility.
  4. Remove any old PadKeys or PadKeysMacHelper entries.
  5. Open /Applications/PadKeys Mac Helper.app.
  6. In the helper, choose Open Accessibility Settings.
  7. Enable PadKeys Mac Helper.
  8. Quit and reopen PadKeys Mac Helper.

Official releases are signed with a stable Developer ID and use the same bundle identifier, so future official updates should keep the same permission.

Should I run the helper from Downloads?▾

No. Install it into Applications first:

  1. Open the PadKeys DMG.
  2. Drag PadKeys Mac Helper.app to Applications.
  3. Run PadKeys Mac Helper from Applications.
  4. Grant Accessibility permission.
  5. Scan the QR code from the iPad app.

Running from Downloads can make support harder, especially if you later replace or move the app.

Accessibility is enabled but typing still does not work.▾

Try this in order:

  1. Quit and reopen PadKeys Mac Helper.
  2. Toggle PadKeys Mac Helper off and on in Accessibility.
  3. Remove PadKeys Mac Helper from Accessibility, then add it again.
  4. Make sure you are running the app from /Applications.
  5. Restart the Mac if System Settings does not refresh the permission state.

Windows

Why does Windows ask for network access?▾

PadKeys Helper shows a QR code and listens on your local network so your iPad can connect. Allow access on Private networks when Windows Firewall asks.

Do not allow Public network access unless you intentionally use PadKeys on a trusted public network.

Why does Windows warn before opening the helper?▾

Windows may show a SmartScreen warning because the early PadKeys Windows helper is unsigned. Download it only from the official PadKeys website.

If SmartScreen appears, choose More info, then Run anyway. Only do this when the file name and download source match the official PadKeys download page.

iPad

Do I need to type an IP address or port?▾

No. Open the helper on your Mac or Windows PC, then scan the helper QR code from the iPad app.

The QR scan or connection isn't working.▾

Check these in order:

  1. Make sure the iPad and laptop are on the same Wi-Fi network.
  2. On iPad, allow Local Network access for PadKeys when iPadOS asks. If you skipped it, open Settings > Privacy & Security > Local Network and turn on PadKeys.
  3. Make sure PadKeys Helper is running on your laptop.
  4. Make sure the helper's input permission (Accessibility / Firewall) is allowed.
  5. Scan the QR code in the helper window again.
  6. If it still fails, quit the helper and open it again.