While many countries are on a lockdown due to COVID-19, remote work is becoming a lifestyle. Remotely accessing a Mac is designed to be easy. Apple has spent a lot of time ensuring anyone can log in to their Macs — both desktop and laptop — from any other Mac device, anywhere. And, besides, there are a variety of third-party apps ready to help with that too.
To keep the TeamViewer windows service running with Service Protector: Download and install Service Protector, if necessary. Start Service Protector. Select Protector Add to open the Add Protector window:. On the General tab, select the TeamViewer service from the Service to protect pull-down list. Since we have installed TeamViewer 9.0 on our machine, this is called TeamViewer 9. And macOS 10.15 (Catalina) has strengthened the security and privacy even further and requires additional permissions to be given to TeamViewer in order to control your Mac. Without this access, TeamViewer users connecting to macOS 10.14 or higher will only be able to view the screen but not control it with their mouse or keyboard.
Still, remotely managing their Mac sounds overly complicated to a lot of people. From how you connect to sharing files or screens to using your Apple device as a remote mouse, we want to demystify the process in the easy-to-follow guide below.
Best Remote Access Apps for Mac
There are times when you want to access your Mac remotely, and there are many different solutions to remote access your Mac. Best utilities in one pack, give it a go!
How to access your Mac from another location
There're two ways: you can allow remote login to your Mac from another computer, or allow others to access your computer using Remote Desktop (it's available from the App Store).
Allow remote login to your Mac from another computer
For devices using the same macOS, you can allow remote Mac login using a Secure Shell (SSH). This enables Mac remote desktop access using a Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP).
To set up Remote Login:
Go to System Preferences > Sharing
Select Remote Login.
Choose which users you want to have remote access or the ability to control your Mac.
You can either select All Users, which means any other device on your network, or any Mac you own, can access and connect, or click the plus sign to pick the exact users.
When you want to remotely log in to your Mac from another device, you need to know your username (the name that appears when you login) and your computer's IP address. Write them down and keep them safe, as allowing access to your Mac does make it potentially less secure, especially over cellular or public Wi-Fi networks.
Accessing, controlling, or viewing information on your Mac can be done with a built-in Terminal or any other SSH app using your username and IP address.
Allow others to access your computer using Apple Remote Desktop
With macOS Sierra remote Mac access and control is even easier. To set up it:
Go to Menu > System Preferences > Sharing
Select Remote Management - it should appear as a checkbox.
Now you can select who has remote desktop access. Either select, All Users, which means any other device on your network, or Mac you own, can access and connect, or click the Add button(+), which gives you the ability to select who can have remote access and/or control.
If you are using a VPN or VNC viewer and want to access your Mac remotely, you will need to setup a password first. It is also possible to use iOS devices, such as an iPhone and iPad, through Apple Remote Desktop, available from the App Store.
How to stay on the same page with Screens
Collaboration has become of utmost importance to today's workplaces. And with more and more people working remotely, being on the same screen (ahem, page) is a must.
Screens allows you to work remotely with any computer regardless of your location. Whether you are on a business trip or traveling, stay confident knowing you can access any file on your home computer at any time.
This robust screen sharing tool for Mac supports:
Multiple displays
Drag-and-drop file sharing
Hiding your remote screen while accessing it
Accessing other computers (e.g. colleague's) as a guest
Alternative shortcuts (useful when connecting Mac to PC)
Custom actions in case of disconnection
To start using Screens, get the app from Setapp and configure the following:
Remote login and remote management (as per the guide above)
Install Screens Connect helper app and create a Screens ID on every machine you'd like to connect to in the future
Use your Screens ID in the Screens app and it will automatically determine which of your computers are available for connection
Remote desktop client for Mac
Control any computer remotely – a perfect way to access your Mac from anywhere without limitations.
Share files between devices
Today we have plenty of ways to send and share files. But ask someone to send something, and you are likely to get it through email. Due to the ubiquitousness of email, it's still the default method for file sharing, despite its obvious flaws and constraints.
Fortunately, there are much better ways:
Native macOS File Sharing
Few people know that their Mac has native file sharing functionality built in. To use this feature, activate it in the Sharing pane of System Preferences by checking File Sharing. If you only want to share specific folders, add them to the Shared Folders list. If you only want specific users to access the folder, add them to its Users list. Otherwise, everyone will be able to access it.
AirDrop
Although not the most reliable solution, AirDrop works fine for occasional sharing a file between Apple devices. In the Finder, choose Go and then AirDrop on both the sending and receiving Mac. As soon as you see the receiver's user icon, drag the desired file onto it to send.
Dropshare
If you don't want to send files Mac-to-Mac directly but rather through a cloud storage, there is no easier way than Dropshare. The app works with numerous cloud providers, from Dropbox to Google Drive, and saves your files for sharing by simply dragging them onto its menu bar icon.
File Transfer Protocol (FTP)
The most technical but also the most robust way to share files from your mac is to use FTP, which you could do either through Terminal or an FTP Client, the latter being much more user friendly.
There are a few popular FTP clients one could choose from. The robust file managing app ForkLift covers most of the FTP functionality but takes it to the next level and could be a viable replacement for the Finder altogether with its quick search, instant previews, and file comparison.
DCommander is another full-featured file transfer app for Mac that combines speed and reliability, able to handle thousands of files, schedule backups, and even automate transfers.
At last, when it comes to sharing the same files on different devices, an app like ChronoSync Express becomes invaluable.
ChronoSync Express is powerful tool for sharing and transferring files from Mac to Mac, or any another Apple device. With a feature called Synchronizer Document, you can select which files need to be automatically synchronized and shared between devices, just like that:
Create a new synchronizer document for each folder synchronization you'd like to perform
Name the synchronization
Change the Operation to Synchronize Bidirectional
Select folders to sync on the left and right
Test with a Trial Sync
Do you need to use a VPN (Virtual Private Network)?
Whether you are working on your Mac directly, logging into your Mac remotely, or sharing access with someone else, security should be on top of your mind.
As a rule of thumb, you should always use a VPN when connected to a public Wi-Fi network, as someone could log in and see the information you send just as easily as you do.
And with remote access — even in the View Only mode — someone can see every file and document on your Mac, except those that are password protected. Unfortunately, if you leave passwords in a visible document, you expose yourself to immense risks.
A secure VPN client for Mac like Shimo is well worth using to stop unwanted eyes from lurking around, especially if you are sharing sensitive files, financial records or customer data.
However, for extra peace of mind and security, consider firing up your VPN automatically on all networks you are not 100% sure about to keep your emails, bank accounts and personal documents safe.
Setup Teamviewer To Log Into Mac Laptop
To share your Mac with someone else, download a remote Virtual Network Computing (VNC) app like Jump Desktop. With full remote access and Mac remote control, the other person — or yourself connecting to another Mac — can have the same level of control as the person using that device. Except for Admin level access, since it's password protected.
Starting with Jump Desktop is easy: either yourself (gaining access) or the person you are giving a remote view or control access to your Mac, needs to add details of the device and the password.
Secure your access with VPN
Get a VPN client for Mac to avoid privacy infringement while connecting remotely. It's secure and free to try.
Once permission is granted at the other end, remote Mac screen sharing or control (whereby you can use the iOS device as a remote mouse) becomes possible.
How to use your iOS device as a remote mouse
If your remote work starts on a patio hammock somewhere in east Asia, you should note that Apple iOS devices, such as an iPhone or iPad, can be used to control a Mac remotely, much like a mouse can control a desktop or laptop. Apps that make this possible work on VNC.
Remote Mouse is the easiest, most effective way to turn your iOS device into a wireless remote control for your Mac.
Although remote access through a local network would be most effective, since the closer you are to the device the quicker the connection, it's also possible from anywhere in the world, providing the network is secure and fast enough.
Setting up and granting access to the iOS device is the same process as when someone wants to access using a Mac. Except you need to give them a password. And make sure it is different from your primary Mac or iOS (App Store) one.
So working together or checking on your devices can be done from anywhere in the world and there are lots of ways to do that, from sharing screens and files to having complete access to a system set up far away. Setapp equips you with all the apps needed to remotely access any device you need and elevate your work to the global level.
These might also interest you:
Make the most of our comprehensive user manuals to start TeamViewer off the right way.
How TeamViewer Works: A Complete Guide
TeamViewer is a fast and secure all-in-one solution for gaining access to computers and networks remotely. With a range of powerful remote access features that make light work of remote control, meetings and maintaining a cloud-based service desk, there is a host of resources showing you exactly how to harness the full power of TeamViewer. With helpful user manuals, first step documents and general how-to guides available, you will learn exactly how to use TeamViewer to the fullest. Whether using the all-in-one solution as an IT department or a managed service provider, intuitive functions such as Wake-on-LAN, unattended access and ticket assigning are all at your disposal.
The initial TeamViewer setup couldn’t be easier: simply install the software, indicate whether you want to use it for commercial or private use, create a name and password for your computer, and make note of it for future reference. Once the installation process is complete, you will then be taken to the main TeamViewer interface, which is divided up into two tabs: remote control and meeting. From here, you can navigate to the various features outlined below.
How to Set Up TeamViewer Remote Control
In order to make a start with TeamViewer’s remote control functions, navigate to the Remote Control tab of the main interface. Here, you will find your TeamViewer ID and your temporary password, which you can change at any point. With this information, you can allow a partner remote control of your computer.
Setup Teamviewer To Log Into Mac Pro
In order to do this in reverse and control another computer remotely, you simply enter the partner computer ID and choose between various connection modes such as remote control, file transfer or VPN. Additionally, as soon as one or more remote connections have been established, each session will be displayed in the title bar of the Remote Control window. For more information on how to establish a remote control connection, see the TeamViewer manual for remote control.
TeamViewer Guide to Meeting
The other section of your main TeamViewer interface is the second tab labelled Meeting. This section is divided up into two main areas: host meetings and join meetings. In order to start a TeamViewer meeting, choose between the following options: a presentation, a video call or a phone call. You can also schedule and manage meetings from here.
When joining a meeting, enter your name and the meeting ID, which you will receive from the person inviting you to the meeting. Alternatively, you may receive an invitation message with a link that will automatically connect you to the meeting. Some meetings may require a password, depending on the preferences of the initiator of the meeting. For more information on how to navigate the meeting tab of your interface, see the TeamViewer manual for meetings.
TeamViewer: Getting Started with Its Comprehensive Features
From within the intuitive and easy-to-use TeamViewer interface, a wealth of different features are at your fingertips. The remote control section of the dashboard is the entryway to various device management options such as Wake-On-LAN or unattended access – for which we have in depth user manuals. Known for its cross compatibility options, many users may take advantage of mobile connections, and TeamViewer’s step-by-step guide to accessing computers from a mobile device.
The Meetings area of the interface offers you the chance to start and host instant meetings with colleagues or clients and is ideal for taking a look at collaborative projects together. For meetings planned in advance, TeamViewer provides a scheduling function which allows you to set up TeamViewer meetings with various participants and arrange a date and time that best suits you – the time or day of scheduled meetings can be changed at any point.
How to Use TeamViewer servicecamp
TeamViewer servicecamp is a seamlessly integrated service desk solution that is ideal for IT technicians and managed service providers. The cloud-based platform enables you to provide customer service management alongside remote tech support. As well as automating certain tasks, servicecamp allows you to add staff, create inboxes, assign tickets, and create and sort topics. Using TeamViewer’s multifunctional capabilities and servicecamp’s smooth service management means a more attentive technical support experience for your customers, better streamlined processes for your employees, and greater overall productivity for your business. Combine all this with TeamViewer Remote Management, our comprehensive IT management tool for a long-term and proactive approach to IT support, and you have yourself a winning formula.
Manual for remote control
All details about how to use TeamViewer for remote control
Manual for Management Console
All details about how to use the TeamViewer Management Console
Manual for TeamViewer Remote Management
All details about TeamViewer Remote Management
Manual for meetings
All details about how to use TeamViewer for meetings
Manual for Wake-on-LAN
All information about how to configure Wake-on-LAN with TeamViewer
First Steps
Select an application case, and we’ll show you how you can establish a connection in three easy steps
Spontaneous Support
Control the computer of a partner as if you were sitting right in front of it
Instant meetings
Instant online meetings with several participants
Computers & Contacts
Manage your computers and contacts conveniently and connect to them with a click
Unattended Access
Control unattended computers/servers or set up your home office