How to Use the macOS Screen Sharing App for Remote Desktop Access

Whether you need to assist a family member with a confusing software update or log into your office iMac while working from home, macOS includes a powerful, built-in VNC client and server called Screen Sharing. You do not need to purchase expensive third-party software like TeamViewer or AnyDesk to remotely control another Mac on your network (or over a VPN).

Step 1: Enable Screen Sharing on the Target Mac

Before you can connect to a Mac, you must explicitly give it permission to accept incoming remote desktop connections.

1. On the Mac you want to control (the “Target” Mac), open System Settings (or System Preferences on older OS versions).
2. Navigate to General > Sharing.
3. Toggle the switch next to Screen Sharing to turn it On.
4. Click the small “Info” (i) button next to the toggle to view the configuration.
5. Notice the address provided (e.g., vnc://192.168.1.15 or vnc://Imac-Pro.local). Write this down; you will need it to connect.
6. Under “Allow access for,” ensure it is set to All users (or restrict it to specific administrator accounts for better security).

Step 2: Connect from the Client Mac

Now, move to the Mac you are physically sitting at (the “Client” Mac).

Method 1: Using Spotlight

1. Press Cmd + Space to open Spotlight Search.
2. Type Screen Sharing and press Enter to launch the hidden application.
3. A small dialog box will appear. Type the VNC address you wrote down in Step 1 (e.g., 192.168.1.15) and press Enter.

Method 2: Using Safari or Finder

1. Open Finder.
2. From the top menu bar, click Go > Connect to Server… (or press Cmd + K).
3. Type the full VNC address: vnc://192.168.1.15 and click Connect.

Step 3: Authenticate

You will be prompted to log in to the remote machine.

• If you select Registered User, you must enter the exact username and password of an account that exists on the Target Mac.
• If you select By asking for permission, a prompt will appear on the Target Mac’s screen asking the person sitting there to click “Accept.” (This is ideal for tech support).

Once authenticated, a new window will open displaying the desktop of the remote Mac. You can move the mouse, type on the keyboard, and open applications exactly as if you were sitting in front of it.

Step 4: Useful Screen Sharing Features

The Screen Sharing app has several hidden features located in the top menu bar while you are connected:

• Clipboard Sharing: Go to Edit > Use Shared Clipboard. This allows you to copy text on your local Mac and paste it directly into a document on the remote Mac.
• File Transfers: You don’t need to configure file sharing. Simply drag a file from your local desktop and drop it directly onto the Screen Sharing window. The file will transfer to the remote Mac instantly.
• Scaling: Go to View > Turn Scaling On/Off. If the remote Mac has a massive 5K display and you are using a 13-inch laptop, turning scaling ON will shrink the remote desktop to fit your screen. Turning it OFF will show the remote screen at its native resolution, requiring you to scroll around.