Keynote Remote Not Working on iPhone

How to fix it

// try these in order, the most common fix is first

1. FIX 1Enable Remotes on the Mac

   Copy steps
   1. 01Open Keynote on the Mac and choose Keynote > Settings > Remotes
   2. 02Check Enable and leave the window open
   Did this fix it? Yes No

2. FIX 2Check network and Local Network access

   Copy steps
   1. 01Connect both devices to the same Wi-Fi network
   2. 02On iPhone go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Local Network and turn on Keynote
   Did this fix it? Yes No

3. FIX 3Allow Keynote through the firewall

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   1. 01On the Mac open System Settings > Network > Firewall > Options
   2. 02Set Keynote to Allow incoming connections
   Did this fix it? Yes No

4. FIX 4Delete the old pairing and link again

   Copy steps
   1. 01On iPhone open Keynote, tap the Remote button and tap Devices
   2. 02Delete the old Mac and add it again, then confirm the code on the Mac
   Did this fix it? Yes No

Symptoms

The iPhone Keynote app shows 'can't find Keynote', the Mac never appears under Remote, the link code doesn't work, or the remote stopped working after a macOS or iOS update.

Why it happens

• C-01Remotes not enabled in Keynote on the Mac
• C-02Devices on different Wi-Fi networks or a guest network
• C-03Local Network permission turned off on iPhone
• C-04Mac firewall blocking Keynote
• C-05Stale pairing after an OS update

// this guide also covers

• keynote remote not working
• keynote remote not connecting
• keynote remote can't find mac
• use iphone as keynote remote
• keynote remote after update

Other Apple Keynote errors

• Keynote Not Opening or Crashing on Mac
• Keynote Export to PowerPoint Broken (Fonts & Animations)
• Keynote Video Not Playing in Presentation
• Keynote Presenter Display Not Working on External Monitor
• Keynote Not Syncing With iCloud Between Mac and iPad
• Keynote Collaboration Not Working
• Keynote Presentation Can't Be Opened (Too Old or Damaged)
• Keynote Slow and Lagging With Large Presentations