How to Use

Set up KeyBindControl (iOS)

After finishing the Mac-side setup, proceed to the iOS app setup. The iOS app is used to create and manage actions (macros) that will be executed on macOS. The app does not work by itself—always use it together with KeyBindControl Helper on Mac.

To use KeyBindControl correctly, you need to grant a few permissions on iOS. These permissions are used only when necessary for the app to function.

iOS permissions

– Tracking (App Tracking Transparency):

KeyBindControl uses a third-party advertising service (AdMob) to show ads in the free version. As a result, a tracking permission prompt may appear when you first launch the app.
You may see a dialog asking: “Allow the app to track your activity across other companies’ apps and websites?” This setting is only related to ad optimization. Your actions, keyboard input, and macOS operation history are not collected or stored.
* Even if you do not allow tracking, the core features of KeyBindControl remain available.

– Local Network access:

KeyBindControl communicates with your Mac on the same Wi-Fi network (the same router), so Local Network access is required on iOS. On first launch, you may see a dialog like:
“Allow KeyBindControl to find and connect to devices on your local network?”
Be sure to choose Allow. Without this permission, the app cannot connect to your Mac.

– Camera access (QR code pairing):

KeyBindControl pairs iOS and macOS by scanning a QR code to ensure a safe connection. Therefore, iOS may request camera access during the first pairing.
• The camera is used only to scan the QR code.
• No photos or videos are taken or saved.
• Captured images are not sent externally.
If you do not use QR codes, the camera will not open.

【Example steps to change permissions】

1. Open Settings on your iPhone and go to Apps.

2. Select KeyBindControl.

3. Turn ON the switches for Camera and/or Tracking.

* For Local Network, go to Privacy & Security → Local Network and enable it there.
After changing these settings, restart the KeyBindControl app.

– [Preferences]

In [Preferences], you configure connection settings, appearance settings, and other global behaviors of KeyBindControl.

– [Setting Pairing] (iOS × macOS)

Pairing links your devices (the iOS app and the macOS Helper app). This ensures that only the intended devices can communicate.

【Pairing steps】

On Mac

On iOS

* Pairing works only when both devices are on the same Wi-Fi (the same router). You may also see iOS system prompts for camera access and Local Network access.

Confirm pairing

* Once paired, the macOS side will be ready to receive actions from iOS. After pairing once, you can usually restore the connection by tapping [Reconnect] on the Home screen.

– [Appearance]

Sets the app’s appearance. Changing appearance affects only the visuals, and does not affect connection or action behavior.

• [System]: Follows the iOS system setting (Light/Dark).

• [Light]: Always uses Light mode.

• [Dark]: Always uses Dark mode.

– [OS Profile]

Selects which OS the actions should be interpreted for.

• [macOS]: Optimized for macOS keyboard shortcuts and behavior.

With this setting, actions using modifier keys such as ⌘ (Command), ⌃ (Control), and ⌥ (Option) are sent in a way that matches macOS behavior.
* Currently, macOS is the only supported profile, so you typically do not need to change this.

– [Guide & Subscription]

In this section, you can check the KeyBindControl guide and subscription (Pro) information.

• [About]: Shows app overview and version information.

• [Subscription]: Shows your current subscription status. When Pro is active, benefits such as ad removal are applied.

– [Pro Benefits]

• No banner advertisements

• Increase the number of keys to 9 or 12

• Use up to 3 layers

– Free version limitations

• Number of keys: up to 6

• Number of layers: 1

* Pro does not affect the core behavior or safety of the app. It mainly improves flexibility and comfort by expanding available actions.

– [Plans]

Pro is provided as an auto-renewing subscription through Apple’s App Store.

• [Monthly Plan]

• [Yearly Plan]

– [Restore]

If you previously purchased Pro, you can use [Restore] to re-apply your purchase status.

• After switching to a new device

• After reinstalling the app

• If Pro is not active even though you already purchased it

[Restore] works only when you are signed in with the same Apple ID.

– [Manage Subscription]

Managing or canceling your subscription is done via Apple’s system settings, not inside the KeyBindControl app. Use [Manage Subscription], or go to iOS Settings → Apple ID → Subscriptions.
* Developers cannot start/stop subscriptions or process refunds on your behalf.

– [Privacy & Terms]

KeyBindControl’s Privacy Policy and Terms of Use are published on the official website so you can always view the latest version.

• [Privacy Policy]

• [Terms of Use]

Tap these buttons to open the official website and view the latest documents.

– [App Settings]

In [App Settings], you configure the action buttons (keys) shown in the iOS app and what each one sends. This is the most important screen for using KeyBindControl.

– [Keyboard Layout]

Set this to match the keyboard layout you use on macOS.

• [JIS]: If you use a Japanese keyboard layout (with Kana/Eisu keys)

• [US]: If you use a US (English) keyboard layout

This setting is very important. Standard shortcuts such as Command + C (Copy) and Command + V (Paste) work across many apps. However, the JIS and US layouts differ in keys such as Kana/Eisu and the placement of symbols (e.g., @, :, ;). Check your Mac keyboard layout and create actions accordingly.

– [Number of Keys]

Select how many action buttons (keys) are shown on the iOS screen.

• Changing the value changes the number of keys shown as K1 / K2 / K3 …

• Free: 3 or 6 keys / Pro: 9 or 12 keys

Choose a number that balances readability and how many actions you want quick access to.

– [Key Bindings]

With [Layer], you can switch between multiple sets of key bindings.

• [Layer 1]: Indicates the layer you are currently editing.

By switching layers, you can use different sets of actions with the same key layout.

– [K1 / K2 / K3 …]

Each row represents a key button shown on the iOS screen. It shows what will be sent to macOS when you tap that key. Tap a row to choose the action type (Shortcut / Text / Special, etc.).

– [Reset Layer 1]

• Resets the key bindings for the currently selected layer back to the default state.

• This action cannot be undone.

Use this only after confirming, so you do not accidentally lose your configuration.

– [Edit Key]

In the Edit Key screen, you assign an action to each key (K1, K2, K3 …). Each key can have exactly one action type: [Shortcut], [Text], or [Special].

– [Action Type]

Select the type of action to assign to the key.

• [Shortcut]: Sends a keyboard shortcut (e.g., ⌘C, ⌃Tab).

• [Text]: Sends a custom string as typed input.

• [Special]: Sends special keys such as macOS-specific keys or media keys.

– [Shortcut]

Combine one or more modifier keys with a single key.

• ⌘ Command

• ⌃ Control

• ⌥ Option

• ⇧ Shift

Basic shortcuts (recommended to register first)

• ⌘ + C (Copy)

• ⌘ + V (Paste)

• ⌘ + X (Cut)

• ⌘ + Z (Undo)

• ⌘ + Shift + Z (Redo)

• ⌘ + A (Select All)

• ⌘ + S (Save)

• ⌘ + W (Close Window)

• ⌘ + Q (Quit App)

• ⌘ + Tab (Switch Apps)

Keys that work well for text entry

• Return (Enter)

• Tab (Move to next field)

• Delete / Backspace

• Space

These are especially useful for forms and editors, and become even more effective when combined with Text actions (snippets).

– [Text]

Sends the specified string as typed input.

• [Text to Send]: Enter the text you want to send.

This is useful for code snippets, templates, email addresses, and other frequently used text.

– [Special]

Configures key actions that cannot be expressed as normal shortcuts.

* Depending on your macOS settings and environment, some actions may not work.

– [Category]

• [System]: OS control keys (Kana/Eisu)

• [Media]: Media controls (volume, mute, etc.)

– [Key]

Select a key based on the chosen category.

Examples (System)

• [Kana]

• [Eisu]

• [Brightness Up]

• [Brightness Down]

• [Next]

• [Prev]

Examples (Media)

These media keys tend to work reliably on macOS.

• [Volume Up]

• [Volume Down]

• [Mute]

• [Play/Pause]

– [Key Name]

Sets the label shown on the key. If left empty, an automatic name will be shown based on the assigned action.

– [Clear Assignment]

Clears the current key configuration and returns it to an unassigned state. Use this if you assigned something by mistake or want to start over.