TL;DR
Here the simple steps for how to remotely access your Mac:
- Open a Finder window on the Mac you’ll use for control.
- Click Go in the menu bar and select Network.
- Locate the target Mac in the Network view.
- Click the Mac’s name to initiate a connection.
- Enter the username and password for the target Mac.
- Once logged in, the Screen Sharing tool will open, displaying the target Mac’s desktop.
Tried and Tested ✅: The methods and steps mentioned in this article have been tried and tested firsthand by Ojash Yadav on his MacBook Pro M3 and rechecked for errors on Hashir’s MacBook Air M2.
In today’s world, staying tied to one spot isn’t practical. With remote access, you can use your Mac from anywhere—whether on a beach in Bali or a café in Paris. This guide will show you how. Let’s get started!
How to Allow Remote Access on Your Mac
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macOS provides several ways to remotely access your Mac. In the next section, I’ll walk you through each method step by step. Let’s get started!
1. Via Screen Sharing
Macs with OS X 10.5 or newer include Screen Sharing for easy remote access within the same network. It’s also VNC-compatible, allowing connections from any VNC-enabled device. Here’s how to use it:
- Click the Apple icon and select System Settings.
- Click General and select Sharing.
- Toggle on the Screen Sharing switch.
- Enter your username and password and click Modify Settings.
- Click the small i button next to Screen Sharing.
- In the Allow access for section, select the users you’d like to grant access to.
- Make a note of your Mac’s name and IP address for reference.
- On the secondary Mac, launch a Finder window. Then, from the top menu, choose Go > Connect to Server.
- Input the IP address of the primary Mac and hit Connect..
2. Using Apple Remote Desktop
Apple Remote Desktop (ARD) is a powerful tool for remotely managing one or multiple Macs, anywhere in the world. Here’s how to set it up and use it to remotely access your Mac:
- Buy and install Apple Remote Desktop from the Mac App Store.
- To set it up on the host Mac, go to System Settings.
- Click General and select Sharing.
- Toggle on the Remote Management switch.
- Click the small i button next to Remote Management.
- Choose which users you want to grant remote access to or select All Users.
- Click the Options… button on the next window.
- A new window will appear. Check the boxes next to the tasks that remote users are allowed to perform, such as controlling the screen, viewing files, or restarting the device. Click OK.
- To connect from another Mac, open Apple Remote Desktop on the secondary Mac.
- In the sidebar, your host Mac should appear. If not, click the + icon and add it using its IP address or network name.
- Double-click the desired Mac, and when prompted, enter the username and password for one of the allowed users.
- Once connected, you can control the remote Mac as if sitting in front of it. ARD also offers features like file transfer, software installation, and detailed system reports.
How to Control Your Mac From Another Mac
With Screen Sharing enabled, managing one Mac from another on the same network is easy via Finder. Here’s how:
- Launch a Finder window.
- In the menu bar, click Go and select Network.
- If your Mac is on the same network, it will appear in this Network view.
- To initiate a remote connection, click the desired MacBook name.
- You’ll be prompted to enter your username and password. Remember, these are the same details you use when starting your Mac.
- After inputting your credentials, the Screen Sharing tool will launch, displaying the desktop of the Mac you’re accessing.
How to Remote Access Your Mac From a Windows PC
Accessing your Mac from a Windows PC is simple with the right tools. Here’s how:
- Enable Screen Sharing on your Mac by going to the Apple menu and selecting System Settings.
- Click General and select Sharing.
- Toggle on the Screen Sharing switch.
- Click the small i button next to Screen Sharing.
- Make a note of your Mac’s name and IP address.
Set up a VNC viewer like RealVNC, TightVNC, or UltraVNC on your Windows PC. After installation, follow these steps:
- Launch the VNC viewer and enter the IP address of your Mac.
- You’ll be prompted to enter the username and password of your Mac.
- Once the credentials are entered, click Connect or the equivalent button.
- You should now see your Mac’s screen on your Windows PC and be able to control it remotely.
Best Remote Access Tools for Mac
Here are the best tools to remotely access your Mac, tailored for individuals, small businesses, and enterprises alike.
1. Apple Remote Desktop
Apple Remote Desktop (ARD) is Apple’s remote management tool for Macs. It offers screen sharing, software distribution, and system reports, making it ideal for managing multiple devices.
Use Case: Ideal for businesses or educational institutions where centralized control and monitoring of Macs are required.
2. TeamViewer
TeamViewer works across platforms, enabling remote access, file transfer, and secure connections. It’s perfect for IT support and remote collaboration.
Use Case: Perfect for IT support teams, collaboration between teams, or individuals needing to access their devices from anywhere.
3. macOS Screen Sharing
macOS Screen Sharing allows you to view and control your Mac from another Mac without additional software.
Use Case: Ideal for individuals or small teams needing basic remote access without additional features.
4. Google Chrome Remote Desktop
A tool by Google, Chrome Remote Desktop is a free, browser-based tool for easy remote access. It’s quick to set up and secure.
Use Case: Suitable for individuals or businesses on a budget, needing a quick and easy remote access solution.
5. macOS Remote Login
macOS Remote Login enables secure, SSH-based control for advanced users familiar with the command line.
Use Case: Best for IT professionals or advanced users who need to run specific commands or scripts remotely.
Remotely Access Your Mac From Any Device
Accessing your Mac remotely is a game-changer. With these tools, you can use your Mac’s resources from anywhere. Here are more tips to enhance your digital workspace:
- Screen sharing on a Mac fosters real-time collaboration, allowing you to view and discuss content with teammates.
- If you have important files on your phone that you want to access on your computer, you can AirDrop from iPhone to Mac.
- You can safely transfer files from Mac to Mac using Migration Assistant, AirDrop, iMessage, Bluetooth, iCloud, Email, and File Sharing.
