How to Use the Built-In Screen Sharing App in macOS for Remote Support

The Hidden Alternative to TeamViewer

When you need to help a family member fix a computer problem, or collaborate with a colleague on a design project, remote desktop software is essential. Most users immediately turn to third-party applications like TeamViewer, AnyDesk, or Zoom screen sharing.

However, if both you and the person you are assisting are using Mac computers, downloading third-party software is entirely unnecessary. Apple includes a powerful, deeply integrated Screen Sharing application natively within macOS. It provides high-quality video streaming, integrated voice chat, and full remote-control capabilities.

Step 1: Open the Screen Sharing App

The Screen Sharing app is somewhat hidden inside macOS, as it does not appear in the standard Applications folder or the Launchpad.

1. Press Command + Space to open Spotlight Search.
2. Type Screen Sharing and press Enter.
3. A small dialog box will appear asking for a “Connect To” address.

Note: You can also find the physical app file by navigating to Macintosh HD > System > Library > CoreServices > Applications.

Step 2: Connect via Apple ID

You do not need to know IP addresses or configure port forwarding to use this app. The easiest way to connect to another Mac over the internet is by using the remote user’s Apple ID.

1. In the “Connect To” box, type the Apple ID email address (or the iCloud phone number) of the person you want to assist.
2. Click Connect.

On the receiving end, the other user will see a macOS notification pop up on their screen stating that you are requesting to view their screen. They simply need to click Accept.

Step 3: Requesting Control

By default, when the connection is established, you are only in “Observe” mode. You can see their screen and talk to them, but you cannot click anything.

To take control of their mouse and keyboard:

1. Look at the top left corner of the Screen Sharing window on your Mac.
2. Click the icon that looks like a mouse pointer (Control Mode).
3. The remote user will receive another prompt asking them to grant you permission to control their screen. Once they accept, you will have full control over their Mac.

To relinquish control, simply click the binoculars icon (Observe Mode) next to the mouse icon.

Connecting over a Local Network

If you are trying to manage a headless Mac Mini server sitting in the next room on the same Wi-Fi network, you don’t even need an Apple ID.

First, ensure Screen Sharing is enabled on the target Mac:

1. Open System Settings > General > Sharing.
2. Toggle the switch for Screen Sharing to the “On” position.

Now, on your primary Mac, open a Finder window. Look at the left sidebar under the “Network” section. You will see the name of the target Mac (e.g., “Mac-Mini”). Click on it, and then click the Share Screen… button in the top right corner of the Finder window. You will be prompted to enter the administrator username and password for that specific Mac, and you will instantly be connected.