Simple PostgreSQL

Remote PostgreSQL connections

Connect to a Remote PostgreSQL Database on Mac

Use a PostgreSQL connection string, SSL settings, and a desktop client to connect to remote Postgres databases from macOS.

Download for Mac Understand the URI

Heroku, Supabase, Neon, local servers, and standard remote PostgreSQL hosts

Remote PostgreSQL connection form on Mac with URI import and SSL settings
Add a remote PostgreSQL database with a URI or individual host, port, database, user, and password fields.

Connecting to remote PostgreSQL from a Mac usually means collecting the right host, port, database, username, password, and SSL setting. Once those details are saved in a desktop client, day-to-day database work becomes much faster.

Simple PostgreSQL lets you paste a PostgreSQL URI or enter each field manually, then browse tables, run SQL, and switch between local, staging, and production databases from one sidebar.

What You Need to Connect Remotely

HostThe database server hostname, such as a managed provider endpoint.
PortPostgreSQL commonly uses port 5432, though providers may use another port.
Database nameThe specific database you want to open.
User and passwordThe role credentials allowed to connect from outside the server.
SSL settingMost managed PostgreSQL providers require SSL for external connections.
Network accessFirewalls, IP allowlists, or provider settings must permit your Mac to connect.

PostgreSQL Connection String Format

Many providers give you a URI that looks like this: 

postgres://user:password@host:5432/database

Some providers use postgresql:// instead of postgres://. Both are common PostgreSQL URI formats. A connection string may also include SSL or pooler parameters depending on the provider.

PartExampleMeaning
Protocolpostgres://Identifies the URI as a PostgreSQL connection.
UseruserThe database role used to authenticate.
PasswordpasswordThe password for the database role.
HosthostThe remote server address.
Port5432The network port for PostgreSQL.
DatabasedatabaseThe database to open after connecting.

How to Connect With a PostgreSQL GUI

  1. 1

    Copy the connection details

    Get the URI or host, port, database, user, and password from your database provider.

  2. 2

    Open Simple PostgreSQL

    Create a new PostgreSQL connection from the app.

  3. 3

    Paste the URI or fill fields manually

    Use whichever format your provider gives you.

  4. 4

    Enable SSL when required

    Most hosted databases require SSL connections from external clients.

  5. 5

    Test and save

    After the test succeeds, save the connection and start browsing schemas, tables, and rows.

Mac PostgreSQL GUI for connecting to a remote database using URI import
URI import is the fastest way to add most hosted PostgreSQL connections.

Hosted PostgreSQL Providers

The same basic connection flow applies across most managed PostgreSQL providers. The main differences are where you copy credentials and whether you use a direct connection or a pooler endpoint.

Heroku Postgres

Copy the database URI from Heroku and keep SSL enabled. See the Heroku Postgres GUI guide.

Supabase

Use the direct or pooler PostgreSQL connection details from Project Settings. See the Supabase GUI guide.

Neon

Copy a connection string for the project branch and role you want to inspect. See the Neon Postgres GUI guide.

Other hosts

Use standard PostgreSQL host, port, database, user, password, and SSL settings.

Troubleshooting Remote PostgreSQL Connections

01

Authentication failed

Check the username, password, database name, and whether credentials were rotated.

02

Connection timed out

Confirm the host, port, firewall, IP allowlist, VPN, and provider network settings.

03

SSL error

Enable SSL for hosted providers unless the provider documentation says otherwise.

04

Wrong database opens

Verify the database name in the URI or manual connection fields.

Remote PostgreSQL database table opened in a Mac database client
Once connected, open schemas and tables from the sidebar.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I connect to remote PostgreSQL on Mac?

Use a PostgreSQL client such as Simple PostgreSQL, paste your connection string or enter host, port, database, user, and password manually, enable SSL if required, then test and save the connection.

What is the default PostgreSQL port?

The default PostgreSQL port is 5432, but managed providers may use a different port or a pooler endpoint.

Do I need SSL for remote PostgreSQL?

Many hosted PostgreSQL services require SSL for external connections. Keep SSL enabled unless your provider explicitly says it is not needed.

Can I save multiple remote PostgreSQL databases?

Yes. Simple PostgreSQL lets you save multiple local and remote connections and switch between them from the sidebar.

Connect to remote PostgreSQL without rebuilding commands.

Save your PostgreSQL connections, browse tables, and run SQL from one desktop app.

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