Teleport Mouse & Keyboard Across Macs: How It Works

Teleport is a macOS utility that lets you share one mouse and keyboard across multiple Macs on the same network, so you can move the cursor from one screen to another and type on whichever Mac the cursor is over. You install it on each Mac, and it works without a central server or paid subscription—it uses your local network and your Apple ID for discovery. This article explains how Teleport works, how to set it up, what to do when it doesn’t connect, and how it compares to other KVM software.

What Teleport Does

Teleport is a free, open-source application that turns your Macs into one virtual workspace. With it, you can:

• Move the mouse pointer to the edge of one Mac’s screen and have it appear on the next Mac’s screen.
• Type on any Mac using the keyboard attached to the “primary” Mac.
• Copy and paste text and images between Macs (the clipboard is shared).
• Drag and drop files from one Mac to another in some setups.

It’s similar to Synergy or ShareMouse, but it’s Mac-only and relies on your local network rather than a cloud relay. That means it works even if your Macs are offline from the internet, as long as they’re on the same Wi-Fi or Ethernet network.

How Teleport Works

Teleport uses Apple’s Bonjour (also called mDNS) to discover other Macs on the same subnet. Each Mac runs a small background service that listens for connections. When you move the cursor to the edge of a screen, Teleport sends a message to the neighboring Mac, which then “takes over” the mouse and keyboard input. The actual input events are forwarded over TCP/IP, so both Macs need to be reachable on the network.

For the clipboard and file drag-and-drop, Teleport uses a separate channel to transfer data. The implementation is lightweight—it doesn’t stream video or require a high-bandwidth connection. A typical home Wi-Fi network is more than enough.

Setting Up Teleport

Here’s a step-by-step guide to get Teleport running on two Macs:

1. Download Teleport from its official GitHub releases page (search “Teleport GitHub” if you’re unsure).
2. Open the downloaded .dmg and drag the Teleport app to your Applications folder.
3. Launch Teleport on the first Mac. It will ask for Accessibility permission—go to System Settings > Privacy & Security > Accessibility and enable Teleport.
4. Repeat the same on the second Mac.
5. On the first Mac, open Teleport’s menu bar icon and select “Preferences.” You’ll see a list of discovered Macs. Click the one you want to connect to.
6. On the second Mac, accept the incoming connection request (a pop-up will appear).
7. Arrange the screens in Teleport’s preferences by dragging the Mac icons to match your physical layout (e.g., left/right/above).

That’s it. You should now be able to move your cursor across the boundary. If it doesn’t work immediately, check that both Macs are on the same network and that no firewall is blocking incoming connections.

Common Problems and Fixes

Teleport is generally reliable, but issues do arise. Here are the most frequent ones and how to solve them:

• Macs don’t see each other: Ensure both are on the same subnet (e.g., both on 192.168.1.x). If you have a guest network, put both on the same one. Also check that the firewall (System Settings > Network > Firewall) isn’t blocking Teleport—add it to the allowed list.
• Cursor moves but keyboard doesn’t type: This usually means the Accessibility permission wasn’t granted on the receiving Mac. Re-check System Settings > Privacy & Security > Accessibility and make sure Teleport is toggled on.
• Clipboard sharing stops working: Try restarting Teleport on both Macs. Also, if you’re copying large files, it may take a few seconds—be patient.
• Connection drops frequently: This can happen on Wi-Fi if there’s interference. Try using Ethernet for at least one Mac, or move closer to the router.
• Screen arrangement is wrong: In Teleport’s preferences, drag the Mac icons to match your physical monitor placement. If you have a MacBook and an external display, remember the orientation.

Teleport vs. Other Solutions

Teleport is not the only way to share a mouse and keyboard. Here’s a quick comparison:

• Synergy (now Keymapp): Cross-platform (Windows, Mac, Linux), but the free version is limited and the paid version costs money. Teleport is free and Mac-only.
• ShareMouse: Windows and Mac, but the free version only works for two computers and has a nag screen. Teleport has no such limits.
• Universal Control (Apple): Built into macOS Monterey and later. It works seamlessly with iPads and Macs, but it requires iCloud and is less configurable than Teleport. Also, it only works with Apple devices.
• Hardware KVM switch: A physical device that connects multiple computers to one monitor, keyboard, and mouse. It’s reliable but costs money and requires cables.

If you’re strictly in the Apple ecosystem, Universal Control is a strong alternative. But Teleport offers more control over screen arrangement and works with older macOS versions.

Cost and Safety

Teleport is completely free and open-source. You can download it from GitHub without paying anything. The source code is public, so you can inspect it if you’re concerned about security. It uses your local network only—no data is sent to external servers. However, like any network tool, it’s not immune to vulnerabilities. Make sure you download Teleport only from the official GitHub repository, not from third-party sites that might bundle malware.

One thing to note: Teleport requires Accessibility access, which is a sensitive permission. Only grant it if you trust the app. Since it’s open-source, the community has reviewed the code, but you should still be cautious.

Alternatives to Teleport

If Teleport doesn’t meet your needs, consider these alternatives:

• Universal Control: Free, built-in, and works with Macs and iPads. Requires macOS Monterey or later and an iCloud account.
• Synergy: Cross-platform, but the free version is limited to 1-hour sessions (then it disconnects). The paid version is around $30.
• ShareMouse: Free for two computers, paid for more. Works with Windows and Mac.
• Input Director: Windows-only, so not relevant for Mac users.
• Hardware KVM: If you need to share a monitor too, a KVM switch is a solid choice.

Each has its trade-offs. Teleport is the best free option for Mac-only setups.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Teleport work over the internet?

No, Teleport is designed for local networks. It uses Bonjour, which doesn’t cross subnets or the internet. If you need remote access, consider using a VPN to create a virtual local network, or use a different tool like Synergy with a relay server.

Can I share a mouse and keyboard between a Mac and a Windows PC?

No, Teleport is Mac-only. For cross-platform sharing, look at Synergy or ShareMouse.

Is Teleport safe to use?

Yes, it’s open-source and doesn’t send data to external servers. However, you should only download it from the official GitHub repository. Granting Accessibility permission is normal for input-sharing tools, but always verify the source.

Does Teleport support file drag-and-drop?

Yes, in recent versions you can drag files between Macs, but it depends on the network speed. Large files may take a while. If it doesn’t work, check that both Macs have the same version of Teleport.

Why is my cursor not moving to the other Mac?

First, check that both Macs are on the same network and that Teleport is running on both. Then, verify the screen arrangement in Teleport’s preferences—if the Macs are arranged incorrectly, the cursor won’t cross. Also, ensure you’ve accepted the connection request on the second Mac.

Can I use Teleport with more than two Macs?

Yes, Teleport supports multiple Macs. You can arrange them in a grid in the preferences, and the cursor will move between them as long as they’re all on the same network.

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