How to Set Up LinkFlick on Two Macs (Even With Different Apple IDs)

Setting up LinkFlick takes a couple of minutes. Install it on both Macs, allow Local Network access when macOS asks, link the two Macs with one click on each, and try a practice move. The Macs don't need to share an Apple ID, only a network.

Before you start

• Two (or more) Macs on the same Wi-Fi or wired network.
• A Magic Keyboard, Magic Mouse or Magic Trackpad paired with one of them.
• About two minutes.

Step 1: Install LinkFlick on both Macs

Download LinkFlick from linkflick.com and drag it to Applications on the first Mac. When you open it, a setup window appears. Its Welcome screen reminds you that LinkFlick needs to be on both Macs and gives you a link to send to the other one, by AirDrop, Messages, Mail or anything else. Open that link on the second Mac and the download starts.

Step 2: Allow Local Network access

The first time LinkFlick opens on each Mac, macOS asks whether it can find devices on your local network. Click Allow. That's how the two Macs find each other. If you clicked Don't Allow by mistake, turn it on later in System Settings → Privacy & Security → Local Network.

Step 3: Link your Macs

Open LinkFlick on the second Mac. Each Mac shows the other one as soon as it finds it, and setup moves on to the Link screen. Click Invite next to your other Mac, then click Accept on that Mac. You only link once. After that the Macs find each other by themselves, even after a restart.

Step 4: Try a practice move

Setup ends with a short practice round: send your devices to the other Mac with the shortcut or the on-screen button, then bring them back. It's only practice, and your devices don't actually move, so you can try it from either Mac without losing your keyboard halfway through.

Step 5: Move your devices for real

You now have three ways to switch:

• Move Devices Here (⌥⌘L by default) brings your keyboard, mouse and trackpad to the Mac you're on.
• Send Devices to Next Mac (⌥⌘; by default) sends them to the other Mac.
• Click the LinkFlick icon in the menu bar and pick devices by hand.

You can also trigger a switch from Raycast, Stream Deck or a mouse button, or have your devices move automatically when your MacBook goes to sleep. Turn on Open LinkFlick at login on both Macs so it's always ready.

Different Apple IDs? No problem

Many people with two Macs have a work Mac managed by their company and a personal Mac on their own Apple ID. Apple's Universal Control needs both Macs on the same Apple ID, and it shares a cursor rather than moving the Bluetooth devices themselves. LinkFlick links the Macs over your local network, so the Apple ID doesn't matter. More in Universal Control vs LinkFlick.

If the other Mac doesn't show up

• Both Macs are on the same Wi-Fi or network.
• LinkFlick is open on the other Mac.
• Local Network access is on for LinkFlick (System Settings → Privacy & Security → Local Network).
• A VPN or firewall isn't blocking local connections.

Still stuck? See troubleshooting.

Frequently asked questions