Bitfocus Listener is a program that allows you to control a remote Mac or Windows machine using buttons. To use it, you need to download and install a small program on the machine you want to control and add the Bitfocus Listener connection to Buttons. You can download the listener from https://user.bitfocus.io/download.
Open the app
Launch Bitfocus Listener on the computer you want to control. The main window shows status and basic controls.
Confirm network settings
- Bind Interface: leave as `0.0.0.0` to accept connections from any network, or choose a specific interface if needed.
- Server Port: default is `12001`. Change only if required by your network.
Share the password securely
- Use the `Show` button to reveal the password, or `Copy` to place it on the clipboard.
- Give the password only to trusted devices or people.
- If the password is compromised, click `Generate New` to revoke access immediately.
Configure the connection
- Enter the IP for the machine you want to control
- If you have changed the port in the listener app you need to update that in the connection as well
- Enter the password from the listener and click on Save the top bar should turn green and say Connected to indicate that the listener is connected and working.
Control what remote devices can do
- Click `Edit Allowed Remote Actions` and uncheck anything you do not want remote devices to be able to do (for example: running shell commands or AppleScript).
- This will control what the connection in buttons are allowed to do on the remote computer
Edit Key Access Control
Click `Edit Key Access Control` to choose `Full Access` (all keys allowed) or `Restricted` (choose specific key categories or individual keys).
Example: Enable Function (if you need F-key control)
- Open `Edit Key Access Control`.
- Choose restricted
- enable the `Function` category.
- Save changes — they take effect immediately for new connections.
Use Activity Log
Click `Activity Log` to see recent connections and actions. The dialog shows the path to the on-disk audit log for deeper inspection.
Quick safety tips
- Only share the password with devices you trust.
- Turn off `Run Shell Command` and `AppleScript` if you do not need them.
- Regenerate the password to revoke access instantly.