Windows Reconnect Helper
Make your PC reconnect to Simple Remote automatically every time you open the app. No more forgetting and re-pairing your iPhone.
Download the Reconnect Helper
Install once and forget about it. It runs quietly by the clock and fixes the connection for you.
Download for WindowsSimpleRemoteHelper.exe · 75 MBWindows will show a warning. That's expected. The helper is new and not yet code-signed. When you open it, click More info then Run anyway. See exactly what to click.
SHA-256: 1f23c956172c657447efd172f77217ea0106fa4217615a60320b9557b382f71c
Reconnect in your browser
Rather not install anything? Use Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome on your PC to reconnect whenever Windows gets stuck. It takes about three clicks.
Open browser reconnectYou'll need to do this each time it happens. The helper does it for you automatically.
What it does
- Spots when Simple Remote is open on your paired iPhone
- If Windows hasn't reconnected within a few seconds, it prompts Windows to reconnect
- Never pairs, unpairs or changes your Bluetooth settings
- Doesn't use the internet, collect data or need admin rights
Why Windows stops reconnecting
A normal Bluetooth keyboard is always a keyboard. Your iPhone is only a keyboard while Simple Remote is open. If Windows checks your iPhone while the app is closed (after you swipe it away, an app update or a phone restart), it decides the keyboard has been removed and stops trying to reconnect, even when you open the app again.
Macs handle this on their own. Windows needs a nudge. The Reconnect Helper gives Windows that nudge automatically: as soon as it sees Simple Remote open on your iPhone, it asks Windows to look again, and Windows reconnects as normal. No re-pairing, no forgetting devices.
Tip: you don't need to close Simple Remote on your iPhone. Leaving it in the background avoids most disconnections in the first place.
How to install (and get past the warnings)
Windows is cautious about new apps from independent developers. You'll see one or two warnings. Here's exactly what to click.
-
Download the file
Click Download for Windows. If your browser says the file "isn't commonly downloaded":
- Microsoft Edge: hover over the download, click the … menu, choose Keep, then Show more → Keep anyway.
- Google Chrome: click Keep (or Download unverified file).
Illustration of the Edge download warning. Your screen may look slightly different.
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Open it and click "More info" → "Run anyway"
Open SimpleRemoteHelper.exe from your Downloads. A blue Windows protected your PC box appears. Click More info, check the app name says SimpleRemoteHelper.exe, then click Run anyway.
Illustration of the SmartScreen box after clicking "More info".
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That's it
A message confirms it's installed. Look for the Simple Remote icon by the clock (it may be under the ^ arrow). It starts automatically with Windows, so you never need to open it again.
Next time you open Simple Remote on your iPhone, your PC reconnects on its own within a few seconds, and you'll see a small "Reconnected" notification.
Why does Windows warn me?
Windows shows these warnings for apps that aren't yet code-signed or downloaded by many people. It isn't a sign that anything is wrong with the helper. Simple Remote is a small independent app, and a signed version is on the way.
The helper does
Listen for Bluetooth signals from Simple Remote on phones already paired with your PC, and ask Windows to reconnect. It keeps a small log on your PC for troubleshooting.
The helper never
Connects to the internet, collects or sends data, needs admin rights, installs drivers, or changes your Bluetooth pairings or settings.
Check your download (optional)
To confirm the file is exactly what we published, open PowerShell in your Downloads folder and run:
Get-FileHash .\SimpleRemoteHelper.exe
The result should match: 1F23C956172C657447EFD172F77217EA0106FA4217615A60320B9557B382F71C
"Smart App Control blocked an app"
Some Windows 11 PCs have Smart App Control turned on, which blocks all unsigned apps with no option to run them. If you see this, use the browser reconnect instead for now. We don't recommend turning Smart App Control off.
Using the helper
There's nothing to do: it works in the background. If you want to check on it, right-click the Simple Remote icon by the clock:
| Status | Shows what it's doing, such as "Watching for Simple Remote" or when it last reconnected. |
|---|---|
| Open log | Opens a simple text log. Useful if you contact support. |
| Start with Windows | On by default. Untick to stop it starting when you sign in. |
| Remove from this PC | Uninstalls the helper completely. |
| Quit | Stops it until you next sign in. |
To update, just download and open the latest version. It replaces the old one automatically.
How to remove it
Right-click the Simple Remote icon by the clock and choose Remove from this PC. This stops it starting with Windows and deletes its files. Your Bluetooth pairing isn't affected.
If the icon isn't showing, open Settings → Apps → Startup and turn off SimpleRemoteHelper, then delete the folder %LOCALAPPDATA%\SimpleRemoteHelper.
Common questions
It still didn't reconnect
- Make sure Simple Remote is open and on screen on your iPhone, and Bluetooth is on for both devices.
- Check the helper's icon is by the clock. If not, open it again from the Start menu or your Downloads.
- Wait up to 20 seconds. The helper gives Windows a few seconds to reconnect on its own first.
- Still stuck? Right-click the icon → Open log and send it to jamiefaulkner@live.com.
The helper only works once your iPhone has been paired with the PC. For first-time setup, follow the pairing guide in the app.
Can I reconnect without installing anything?
Yes. Open the browser reconnect page in Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome on your PC, keep the app open on your iPhone and click Reconnect. You need to do this each time Windows gets stuck; the helper does it automatically.
Does the helper need administrator rights?
No. It installs for your Windows user account only, in your local app data folder, and starts when you sign in.
Will it affect my other Bluetooth devices?
No. It only acts on a phone that's paired with your PC and currently running Simple Remote. Headphones, mice and other devices are ignored.
Do I need it on a Mac?
No. Macs reconnect to Simple Remote by themselves. The helper is for Windows only.
Does it work on Windows on ARM?
This version is built for 64-bit Intel and AMD PCs. Windows on ARM can usually run it through emulation. If you have problems, use the browser reconnect.
Don't have Simple Remote yet?
Turn your iPhone or iPad into a mouse and keyboard for your PC. Free on the App Store.