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Pairing

How a new Mac is admitted, and why EdgeFlow uses a visible number comparison for this instead of a typed code.

Why pairing is necessary

A new Mac can only connect after confirmation on both sides. Only once you pair it does EdgeFlow remember this device and admit it in future without asking again.

The procedure

You do not have to open anything for this. As long as EdgeFlow’s setup window is open — by itself on first launch, or via “Add Mac…” in the EdgeFlow menu — EdgeFlow is ready to pair.

  1. Open EdgeFlow on both Macs. The setup window shows the same six-digit number on both.
  2. Compare the number: if it matches on both screens, click “They match” on both Macs.
  3. If it does not match, or you are not sure: “They don’t match”. EdgeFlow then does not pair, and it does not ask again by itself. It only continues once you click “Try again”.

From then on EdgeFlow no longer asks about this Mac. It is known permanently.

If you close the setup window, the readiness to pair ends as well. Unknown Macs are no longer admitted.

Why compare a number instead of typing a code

You do not type a code, and no secret travels over the connection. The number is derived from the running, encrypted connection between the two Macs. A man in the middle trying to place himself between the two Macs would have to run two separate connections at the same time and would inevitably get two different numbers. The comparison exposes exactly that.

When the role changes

If you choose “Control from this Mac…”, another Mac takes over control. Up to then, each Mac is paired only with the controlling Mac, not the controlled Macs with each other. That is why the Mac that was in control passes the pairings on when switching, over the connections that are already paired. You do not have to compare a new number for that.

Removing a Mac again

Under “Paired Devices” in the EdgeFlow menu you can select a Mac and remove it, for example because you sold it. It can no longer connect afterwards. If it should belong again, you simply pair it anew.

If pairing does not work

  • A Mac whose key has changed, for example after a fresh installation of macOS, is treated like an unknown device. Without an open setup window it is rejected and never re-paired automatically. It is admitted again only through a deliberate pairing on both sides: “Add Mac…”, compare the number, done.
  • The other Mac can be seen, but no number appears? Then the setup window is closed over there. Choose “Add Mac…” in the EdgeFlow menu on that Mac.