Quick answer
📡 Want faster, more stable performance? Peer-to-Peer lets your Mac and iPad connect directly without going through your router, reducing lag and improving stability. Available for Mac-to-iPad connections only.
💡 Key benefits:
Direct connection: Devices talk directly to each other, no router needed
Better performance: Faster speeds and more stable connection
Reduced interference: Avoids busy Wi-Fi networks and router limitations
Simple setup: Easy to enable in connection settings
What is Peer-to-Peer?
🔗 Direct Device Connection
How it works:
Direct communication: Your Mac and iPad connect directly to each other
No router required: Bypasses your home or office router entirely
Wi-Fi antenna used: Still uses Wi-Fi technology but not your network
Traditional Wi-Fi vs Peer-to-Peer:
Traditional: Mac → Router → iPad (router is middleman)
Peer-to-Peer: Mac ↔ iPad (direct connection)
Performance benefits:
Reduced latency: Eliminates router processing delays
Better stability: Less interference from other network devices
Improved speeds: Direct connection often faster than router-mediated
✅ Compatibility Requirements
Software versions:
Astropad Studio: Version 5.3 or later
Mac: macOS 10.15 Catalina or later
iPad: iPadOS 13 or later
Connection limitations:
Mac-to-iPad only: Currently works only for Mac-to-iPad connections
Wi-Fi required: Wi-Fi must be enabled on both devices (antenna needed)
❌ Not available for: Windows PC connections or Mac-to-Mac connections
📱 Setting Up Peer-to-Peer
Before Connecting
Choose Peer-to-Peer before establishing connection:
On iPad (Astropad Studio app)
On iPad (Astropad Studio app)
Open discovery screen: Launch Astropad Studio on iPad
Tap network preferences: Find icon in top left corner of discovery screen
Choose Peer-to-Peer: Select from wireless connection options
Check availability: Option will be grayed out if devices aren't compatible
🔄 Changing Connection While Connected
From iPad (while connected)
From iPad (while connected)
Open sidebar: Access Astropad Studio sidebar
Tap connection button: Find connection settings
Switch methods: Toggle between Wi-Fi and Peer-to-Peer
From Mac (while connected)
From Mac (while connected)
Open Astropad Studio menu: Click on the Astropad Studio menu, typically at the top of your Mac's desktop (also called Stargate)
Find Connection dropdown: Locate connection settings
Choose method: Select preferred connection type
🔧 If Peer-to-Peer Isn't Working
Option grayed out or unavailable:
Check requirements: Verify both devices meet system requirements
Enable Wi-Fi: Ensure Wi-Fi is turned on both devices
Update software: Confirm Astropad Studio 5.3+ on both devices
Restart devices: Try restarting both Mac and iPad
Performance issues:
Check compatibility: Ensure devices support Peer-to-Peer
Switch USB ports: If using USB backup, try different ports
Verify versions: Confirm macOS 10.15+ and iPadOS 13+
When to Use Peer-to-Peer
🚀 Ideal Scenarios
Best for:
Busy networks: Environments with lots of Wi-Fi interference
Router limitations: When router causes performance bottlenecks
Latency sensitive work: Drawing, design work requiring immediate response
Network isolation: When you want connection independent of network infrastructure
Performance expectations:
Often fastest: Usually the fastest wireless connection method
Most reliable: More stable than router-dependent connections
Consistent: Performance doesn't depend on network traffic
💡 Optimization Tips
For best results:
Keep devices close: Maintain reasonable distance between Mac and iPad
Clear interference: Minimize obstacles between devices
Update regularly: Keep both devices and apps updated
Test performance: Compare with Wi-Fi to see improvement
❓ Need Help?
If you're still experiencing issues with Peer-to-Peer connections, contact our support team with details about your device models and software versions.