Cross-device clipboard · 2024

ClipClop

Share text and images between a Mac and Android phone over local Wi-Fi.

Download Mac + Android View source

Python · Java
Working prototype

MacClipboardText & images

Automatic

One tap to send

AndroidClipboardText & images

Mac-to-Android transfers are automatic. Sending from Android takes one tap.

Pairing and reconnection

Pairing: Scan the Mac’s QR code to share its device identity and a fresh encryption key with Android.
Encrypted transport: Text and images travel over TCP. Each message uses AES-256-GCM with a fresh nonce.
Rediscovery: Bonjour/mDNS, a UDP beacon, and manual IP provide discovery options. The saved device ID lets the phone find its Mac after an IP address change.

Clipboard access

The Mac app checks NSPasteboard’s change counter and reads content only when it changes.

An Android foreground service receives clips and maintains the connection. Sending is user-triggered because Android restricts background clipboard reads.