How to Set Up ScreenSpy: Monitor Your Mac or PC from iPhone (Step-by-Step)

This guide walks you through setting up ScreenSpy from scratch. By the end, you’ll be able to see your computer’s screen from your phone at any time.

Time needed: About 3 minutes.

What You’ll Need

• An iPhone or Android phone (to view screenshots)
• A Windows PC or Mac (the computer you want to monitor)
• An internet connection on both devices

Step 1: Install the ScreenSpy App on Your Phone

Download ScreenSpy from your phone’s app store:

• iPhone: Download from App Store
• Android: Download from Google Play

Open the app after installing. You’ll see the main screen with a prompt to connect a computer.

Step 2: Install the Agent on the Computer

On the computer you want to monitor, open a web browser and go to:

screenspy.app/download_agent

Download and install the agent:

• Windows: Download the .exe file and run it. Follow the installer prompts.
• Mac: Download the .dmg file, open it, and drag ScreenSpy to Applications.

Once installed, launch the ScreenSpy agent. It will show a QR code on screen.

macOS: Grant Screen Recording Permission

On Mac, you’ll be asked to grant Screen Recording permission the first time. Go to System Settings > Privacy & Security > Screen Recording and enable ScreenSpy. You may need to restart the agent.

Windows: Allow Through Firewall

Windows may ask if you want to allow ScreenSpy through the firewall. Click Allow — this is needed for the connection to your phone.

Step 3: Scan the QR Code

Open the ScreenSpy app on your phone and tap “Add Computer” (or the QR scan button). Point your phone’s camera at the QR code displayed on the computer screen.

The app will confirm the connection. Your computer now appears in the ScreenSpy app.

Step 4: Take Your First Screenshot

Tap the computer name in the app, then tap “Take Screenshot”. Within a few seconds, you’ll see a live capture of the computer’s screen on your phone.

You can pinch to zoom, and swipe through previous screenshots.

Tips for Best Results

• Keep the agent running. The agent needs to be running for screenshots to work. Set it to launch on startup so it’s always available.
• Multiple computers. You can connect multiple PCs and Macs to a single phone. Just repeat the agent installation on each computer.
• Screenshots over mobile data. ScreenSpy works over any internet connection — WiFi, cellular, anywhere in the world.

Troubleshooting

The QR code won’t scan
Make sure your phone’s camera can see the full QR code. Move closer or adjust the screen brightness on the computer.

Screenshots fail or time out
Check that both devices have an internet connection. If the computer is asleep, it won’t respond — make sure it’s awake and the agent is running.

Agent doesn’t appear on Mac
Check System Settings > Privacy & Security > Screen Recording and ensure ScreenSpy is listed and enabled.

What’s Next?

You’re all set. Check in on the computer screen whenever you want. ScreenSpy stores your recent screenshots so you can review them later.

You get 5 free screenshots to try everything out. To continue with unlimited screenshots, subscribe for just $1.99/month.