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Treadle

A button does nothing when I press it

Updated October 1, 2026

If a button runs but nothing visibly happens, the cause is usually a missing permission or an action that needs an app which isn't open. Run Diagnostics in the Mac app — it names the exact problem and how to fix it, then restarts the engine so the fix takes effect.

Start with Diagnostics

  1. On the Mac, click the Treadle icon in the menu bar.
  2. Open Diagnostics.
  3. It shows which permission is missing and the fix.

After you grant Accessibility, let the engine restart so the change takes effect. That restart is normal. For what each permission is for, see permissions.

Other causes

  • The app the action targets is not installed. Install it, or point the control at an app you have.
  • A helper tool the action needs is not installed.
  • The iPad or iPhone is disconnected. Check that it still reaches the Mac; see The iPad or iPhone can't find my Mac.
  • The engine has stopped. Open the menu-bar popover and choose Restart engine. See the concepts page for what the engine is.

For custom commands and Shortcuts

  • A custom command may fail if a tool it relies on is missing. Check it runs on its own in a terminal. See Write your own command.
  • A Shortcut may fail if it does not run on its own. Test it in Apple's Shortcuts app. See Use a Shortcut as an action.

If a button still does nothing after all of this, email support@gettreadle.ca.

Questions & answers

How do I know the press even arrived?
The device confirms the press visually. If it arrived but nothing happened, the problem is on the Mac side — Diagnostics will say what.
What does Diagnostics check?
The engine, the three permissions, pairing, the network and audio — the parts that usually go wrong — and it tells you which one failed.

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