Remote (iOS)

With Remote, you can leave one device on your telescope and explore the sky from another in your hand. The device on your telescope takes care of capturing and plate solving the sky, while the one you’re holding shows where your telescope is pointing. Browse for something you’d like to see, then follow the directions as you move your telescope.

What You’ll Need

Two supported iPhones or iPads running AstroHelm on iOS 26 or iPadOS 26 or later. Open Remote in AstroHelm on each device to check whether it’s supported.
AstroHelm Pro on the device mounted on your telescope. You don’t need Pro on the device in your hand.
Both devices nearby so they can stay connected.

You can use Remote without an internet connection, including out at your observing spot.

Pair the Devices

First, introduce your devices to each other by pairing them. You only need to do this once for each pair.

On the telescope device, tap Remote in the menu bar and choose Use as Telescope Device.
Tap Pair a Device. If another device is already paired, use Pair a New Device under Paired Devices.
On the handheld device, open Remote → Connect to Telescope and tap Pair new device.
Follow the pairing prompts on both devices. When you see Device Paired, tap Done.

Start an Observing Session

Mount and align the telescope device using the mounting guide.
On that device, open Remote → Use as Telescope Device and tap Make This Device Available. The screen shows Ready to Connect.
On the handheld device, open Remote → Connect to Telescope.
Tap the telescope device’s name under Available Devices. A paired device appears here when it is nearby and available.
Once connected, the handheld device returns to the main view automatically.

Next time you’re out observing, you can start here — your devices will still be paired.

Explore from the Device in Your Hand

Once connected, the device in your hand shows where your telescope is pointing and plate solve status.

Choose an object you’d like to observe, then follow the onscreen guidance as you move the telescope by hand. Each device keeps its own selected target, so choosing an object on the handheld device won’t change the target on the telescope device.

When You’re Finished

To end your session, open Remote on either device and tap Disconnect.

Your devices stay paired for next time. If you’d like to remove a pairing, you can do that in your device’s Settings app.

Troubleshooting

Can’t find your telescope device?

Keep both devices nearby with AstroHelm open.
Check that you’ve finished pairing on both devices.
On the telescope device, tap Make This Device Available and look for Ready to Connect. You’ll need to do this even if the devices are already paired.

Having trouble staying connected?

Try bringing the devices closer together, with AstroHelm open and both screens unlocked. Open Remote on the telescope device and make it available if needed, then tap its name again on the handheld device. You usually won’t need to pair them again.

Seeing “Remote Isn’t Available”?

Check that both devices are running iOS 26 or iPadOS 26 or later. If you still see this message, that device doesn’t support Remote. This feature is available on supported iPhones and iPads; it isn’t available on Android.

Pointing stopped updating, or a solve failed?

Take a look at the camera view and solve status on your telescope device. It needs a clear view of enough stars to find its position. The plate solving troubleshooting guide can help you get it solving again.

Want to use AstroHelm with SkySafari, Stellarium, or other astronomy software? Head over to the External Control guide.