Receive MacBook alarm alerts on your iPhone

Quick setup

1. Install the Mac app and iPhone Client.
2. Open Notifications and Set up new device on the Mac.
3. Scan the QR code with the Client.
4. Allow notifications, activate the Mac alarm, and test a trigger.

Pair the Mac with Unplug Alarm Client

The Mac app watches for the events. The iPhone Client receives the notifications. Install both apps so the device you want to monitor and the device you carry are part of the same setup.

Open Unplug Alarm from the Mac’s menu bar. In Notifications, choose Set up new device to display the pairing code. Open the Client on iPhone and scan the QR code. Check that your Mac appears in the Client’s device list before moving on.

The Client supports adding and monitoring multiple MacBooks. If you pair more than one, check the device name in the list and in a test alert so you know which computer generated the event. Pairing the wrong work or home Mac is easy to overlook until the first notification.

Select the events you want to hear about

On the Mac, choose Power Unplugged, Screen Closed, or both. These are the conditions that can trigger the alarm while it is active. Connect the charger first if you want to test power disconnection.

Choose your alarm actions too. You can use the Mac’s siren for a local response and the Client for remote awareness. If you enable photo capture, the app can send the captured picture in a notification. Verify the camera permission and the result during setup.

Remote alerts and photo notifications require the yearly plan. The lifetime purchase is for core Mac protection. Check the current purchase options inside the Mac app or its store listing when deciding which setup fits how you work.

Allow Critical Alerts on iPhone

Unplug Alarm Client supports Critical Alerts, which can sound even when your iPhone is muted or Do Not Disturb is enabled. You need to grant the relevant permission. A paired device alone does not establish that the notification will be audible under every setting.

Review the Client’s notification settings on your iPhone. Allow notifications and Critical Alerts if you want that behavior, then test with the phone in the mode you normally use. This is especially useful if you keep your phone silent while working.

Treat local sound, a delivered notification, and an audible Critical Alert as separate things to check. If the Mac siren works but the phone stays quiet, focus your troubleshooting on pairing, the plan, network access, and the iPhone notification permissions.

Test with a real trigger

Activate the Mac alarm and deliberately disconnect the charger or close the lid. Use a setting where the siren will not disturb anyone. Check that the iPhone receives the expected alert and identifies the correct MacBook.

If you selected photos, inspect the actual picture too. Camera position and lighting affect what it shows; a closed lid blocks the built-in camera. A successful notification test is more informative than a pairing screen alone.

Once the setup works, deactivate the alarm before your own unplugging or lid closing. Use it when you want those events brought to your attention, and keep the phone with you if it is your chosen alert device.

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