The KnobShift app can't find the Mac – troubleshooting

The KnobShift app says “No Connection” or keeps searching for the Mac? Work through these steps in order. They match the troubleshooting guide in the app under Connection & Help → Troubleshooting.

Quick check in three steps#

1. Is the Companion running? On the Mac, you should see the KnobShift icon with three small sliders at the top right of the menu bar.
2. Does the Companion list plugins? Click the icon. At least one KnobShift Bridge should appear under Plugins.
3. Is the app in the foreground? Keep the KnobShift app open and switch the connection type in the app once, for example from USB to Wi-Fi and back. Then tap Try Again.

No KnobShift icon in the menu bar?#

1. On the Mac, open the Applications folder and launch KnobShift Companion.
2. If the app is missing, install the KnobShift-….pkg package from the download page. See Install KnobShift on your Mac.
3. Then tap Try Again in the app.

USB connection#

• Trust confirmed? If the iPad asked “Trust This Computer?” when you plugged it in, you need to choose Trust. Unplug the cable, plug it back in and tap Trust.
• No prompt appeared? On the iPad, go to Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPad → Reset → Reset Location & Privacy, then plug the cable in again.
• Right cable? A charge-only cable doesn't transfer data. Try a different cable.
• USB selected? Tap the connection status at the top of the app → Connect → USB Cable → Connect via USB.
• Does the Companion show the USB connection? The Companion menu should say “Per USB verbunden” (connected via USB). If not, open the Companion menu, click Beenden (Quit) and launch the Companion again. Then tap Try Again in the app. If that doesn't help, restart the iPad and the Mac.

More in Connect your iPad via USB.

Wi-Fi connection#

• macOS 26.4 or later? Check under Apple menu → About This Mac. Older versions don't support MIDI 2.0 over Wi-Fi, so use USB.
• Network MIDI 2.0 session set up? In Audio MIDI Setup → Window → Show MIDI Network there must be an active session with the iPad connected.
• Same Wi-Fi? The Mac and iPad must be on the same network. Guest and school networks often block connections between devices.
• Network access allowed? On the iPad, turn on “KnobShift” under Settings → Privacy & Security → Local Network; on the Mac, turn on “KnobShift Companion” under System Settings → Privacy & Security → Local Network.

More in Connect your iPad via Wi-Fi.

Connected, but no controls?#

If the app says “Connected – no plug-in in focus”, the connection is fine but no plugin is selected:

1. Bridge inserted? In Logic, a track needs a KnobShift Bridge (guide). In Ableton Live, KnobShiftRemote must be active as a control surface (guide).
2. Bridge connected to the Companion? The top right of the bridge window should show “● Companion verbunden · MIDI 2.0” (Companion connected). The bridge reconnects every two seconds. If waiting doesn't help, quit Logic and open it again.
3. Plugin chosen? Click Plugin wählen (Choose plugin) at the top of the bridge window and load an instrument.
4. Track selected? Tap the track at the bottom of the app, or open or click the track's bridge window in Logic.

Controls move, but the plugin doesn't respond?#

• If the power icon at the top of the app is gray, the plugin is bypassed. Tap it to turn the plugin back on.
• If the track's automation in Logic is set to Read, existing automation overrides your moves. Set the mode to Touch or Latch, or delete the existing automation. See Record automation.

Still no connection?#

Post in the forum and describe what you've already tried. A screenshot of the Companion menu and one of the iPad help a lot in finding the cause.