Grip Help

Grip is the missing remote control app for Ableton Live. Control Live from anywhere in your studio.

How it works

Grip for iPhone communicates over Wi-Fi to Grip on your Mac, which connects to Ableton Live.

Getting started

1. Install Grip on your Mac

1. Move to Applications — Drag Grip to your Applications folder
2. Open Grip — Launch Grip from Applications. macOS will prompt you to grant permissions. Grip Companion runs in the background to connect to Ableton Live
3. Enter your license — Click the Activate button. Enter your email and license key

2. Install Grip on your iPhone

1. Download from App Store — Install Grip on your iPhone
2. Get on the same Wi-Fi — Make sure your iPhone and Mac are on the same Wi-Fi network
3. Open Grip — Launch Grip on your iPhone. It will automatically discover and connect to your Mac

3. Set up Ableton Live

Grip is a control surface for Live, just like a keyboard, Push, or other MIDI controller.

1. Open Ableton Live — Launch Live on your Mac (Grip requires Ableton Live 11 or 12)
2. Open Live's MIDI settings — Choose Live → Settings (or press ⌘,)
3. Add Grip as Control Surface — In the Link, Tempo & MIDI tab, choose Grip as a Control Surface

Grip automatically installs the control script when you first launch the Mac app. If Grip doesn't appear in the Control Surface list, the app will guide you through manual installation.

Troubleshooting

iPhone can't find Mac

• Verify both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network
• Check that Grip Companion is running on your Mac
• Try restarting Grip on both devices

Can't see Live set name

Grip needs Automation permission to read the active Live set name.

1. Open System Settings → Privacy & Security → Automation
2. Enable Grip Companion → System Events
3. Restart Grip Companion

"Save" button doesn't work

Grip needs Accessibility permission to send keyboard shortcuts to Ableton Live.

1. Open System Settings → Privacy & Security → Accessibility
2. Enable Grip Companion
3. Restart Grip Companion

Grip doesn't appear in Ableton's Control Surface list

The control script is usually installed automatically. If manual installation is needed, Grip will guide you through the process in the app.

System requirements

• macOS 13.5 (Ventura) or later
• Ableton Live 11 or 12
• iOS 15 or later

Data and privacy

Grip operates entirely on your local network. No data is sent to external servers. Your Live set information and control commands remain private on your devices.