This guide will take you step by step through the process of using your Mac’s keyboard to type on and/or control another device.
Using a fantastic little app named Typeedo you can use your Mac’s keyboard to control other devices – like an iPhone or iPad, Android phone or tablet, an Apple TV, a Windows PC – even a gaming system. As long as the device supports bluetooth, you’re good to go.
Typeedo is available to use without any restrictions for 7 days before you’ll be required to purchase it, so if you’re not happy with it you can just delete it and carry on. After 7 days it’ll cost $7.99 on the Mac App Store. If you purchase Typeedo via the link available in the trial version, it costs $13.96. According to a representative from the company, this is the intended behavior, even though both versions are identical (it makes no sense to me either). So if you do decide to buy Typeedo, save yourself a few dollars and buy it on the Mac App Store.
Let’s get started! Head over to the Typeeto home page and download the 7 day free trial. Once the download has completed, open the .dmg file and drag the app to your Applications folder to install it. Now just follow the instructions for iOS (iPhones and iPads), Android phones and tablets or “other” (Windows, gaming devices, media centers etc).
Use Your Mac’s Keyboard to Control an iPhone or iPad
- First things first, open your System Preferences and select the Bluetooth icon. Make sure that Bluetooth is turned On.
- Now launch Typeeto. If this is your first time opening it, you’ll be taken through a quick tour. On the last screen, you may wish to remove the checkmark from the box labelled Open at login until you’re sure you want it to start up each time your Mac does.
- The Typeeto Preferences window will open automatically.
- Switch over to your iPhone/iPad and select the Settings button.
- Choose Bluetooth from the list of options.
- Make sure that the bluetooth toggle is switched to ON so that bluetooth is enabled, and then select your Mac from the list of available devices (it may take a few seconds to appear).
- Back over on your Mac, a confirmation window will appear. Click the Connect button.
- Your iPhone/iPad will now be connected to your Mac.
- Typeeto will confirm you want to use your Mac’s keyboard on your iPhone/iPad – click the Start typing button.
- A small window will appear on your Mac letting you know that you’re now connected to your iOS device.
- Open an app on your iPhone/iPad and type using your Mac’s keyboard. Ta-da!
- At any point in the future you can quickly connect your Mac to your iOS device by clicking the Typeeto menu bar icon and selecting your iPhone/iPad from the list.
Use Your Mac’s Keyboard to Control an Android phone or tablet
- First things first, open your System Preferences and select the Bluetooth icon. Make sure that Bluetooth is turned On.
- Now launch Typeeto. If this is your first time opening it, you’ll be taken through a quick tour. On the last screen, you may wish to remove the checkmark from the box labelled Open at login until you’re sure you want it to start up each time your Mac does.
- The Typeeto Preferences window will open automatically.
- On your Android device, open the Settings and select Bluetooth from the list of options. Make sure that bluetooth is turned on and then select your Mac from the list of nearby devices.
- A Bluetooth pairing request window will appear displaying a PIN code.
- Back over on your Mac, a Connection Request window will appear. Make sure that the PIN code matches the one that’s being displayed on your Android device and then click the Connect button.
- Your Mac will now be listed as a Paired device
- Typeeto will confirm the connection has been made and that you can now use your keyboard to control your Android device. Click the Start typing button.
- A small window will be displayed letting you know that your keyboard is now being directed to your Android phone or tablet.
- Open an app on your Android device and start typing with your Mac’s keyboard. Ta-da!
- Going forward, you can connect to your Android device much faster by clicking the Typeeto icon in your menu bar and selecting your device.
Use Your Mac’s Keyboard to Control Misc. Bluetooth Devices
In general terms, to connect your other devices (Apple TV, a Windows PC, gaming system etc) to your Mac’s keyboard, open that devices settings and make sure Bluetooth is enabled and turned on. Do the same with your Mac. Initiate a connection from the device to your Mac rather than the other way around.
Your Mac may be listed as a “keyboard” rather than a Mac when the other device is searching for it.
You may be prompted to enter a PIN and not just confirm that two are identical.
For additional support see the Typeeto help page/user guide or contact their support team.
