If your session keeps cutting out, run through the steps below. Most dropped connections come down to one of two things: your Mac going to sleep or an unstable network on either end.
🔍 Check These First
Is your Mac going to sleep?
This is the most common cause of dropped sessions. If your Mac goes to sleep mid-session, Workbench will disconnect.
To prevent sleep:
Open Workbench on your Mac
Click the ... next to your computer name
Select Remote Access Settings
Make sure Prevent Sleep is turned on
Is your network stable on both ends?
As long as your Mac and your iPad or iPhone each have an internet connection, Workbench can connect from anywhere.
That said, an unstable or weak connection on either end can cause sessions to drop.
Try the following:
Move closer to your router or switch from WiFi to a wired Ethernet-to-router connection on your Mac if possible
Check that your iPad or iPhone has a strong WiFi or cellular signal
Restart your router if your connection has been unstable
Workbench does not require both devices to be on the same network, but it does require a stable connection on both ends.
Are you using a VPN?
VPNs can interfere with Workbench sessions if used on both devices at the same time. Try disabling your VPN temporarily to see if the drops stop.
Only one device can use a VPN at a time.
Is the Workbench app up to date?
Make sure you are running the latest version of Workbench on both your Mac and your iPad or iPhone.
Older versions can have connection stability issues that have since been fixed.
🔧 Still Dropping?
If you have checked everything above and sessions are still cutting out, try these steps:
Quit and reopen Workbench on both devices
Reboot both devices fully
Check that all required permissions are still granted on your Mac:
Accessibility
Screen Recording
Local Network
💡 If the disconnection issue keeps happening, write in to share details about your setup, your network type, and how often the drops are occurring. Our team is happy to help.