Default AnyDesk works right away. For a permanent connection with security and comfort, the deeper settings are worth it — your own password, 2FA, auto-reconnect, performance tuning. Here are the most important settings on the Mac side.
Your own password instead of the default
We ship with a random AnyDesk password. You should change it at first login.
On the Mac
Open the AnyDesk app → Settings (gear icon at the top) → Security:
- Enable unattended access: on (otherwise someone has to click “Accept” for every connection — and nobody is sitting at the Mac)
- Set password: a strong password (at least 12 characters, mixed)
- Store the password: in the password manager on your computer
Takes effect immediately. Existing connections have to log in again.
Two-factor authentication
We strongly recommend this for production Macs.
In AnyDesk → Security → Two-factor authentication:
- TOTP code via an authenticator app (Google Authenticator, Authy, 1Password, Bitwarden)
- AnyDesk shows a QR code, scan it with the app
- Every connection attempt additionally asks for a code
Print the recovery codes and store them safely — losing your smartphone can otherwise lock you out.
Connection permissions
AnyDesk → Settings → Security → Permissions per connection:
| Permission | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Control mouse/keyboard | yes (otherwise you can’t do anything) |
| Sync clipboard | yes (copy-paste between devices) |
| File manager | yes (file transfer) |
| Transmit audio | optional (for video calls on the Mac) |
| Forward print jobs | usually no |
| Allow recording | no (privacy) |
| Show lock screen | yes (lock the Mac on disconnect) |
Configurable per connection type (direct login vs. requests).
IP whitelist (optional)
If you’re the only one accessing the Mac:
AnyDesk → Security → Access control → Whitelist:
- Enter your own IP (static)
- Or a VPN IP range
AnyDesk then rejects connections from outside the whitelist — even if someone had your password.
Careful: with a dynamic IP (home DSL), you’ll have to adjust the whitelist regularly.
Auto-start at Mac boot
AnyDesk has to be running for you to connect. We install it as a service that starts automatically when the Mac boots.
Check: System Settings → General → Login Items → AnyDesk should be listed.
If not (e.g. after a reinstall):
sudo launchctl load /Library/LaunchDaemons/com.anydesk.AnyDesk.plistAuto-reconnect after a dropped connection
AnyDesk client (on your side) → Settings → Connection:
- Enable reconnect on connection loss
- Pause before reconnecting: 5 seconds
Handy when your home Wi-Fi drops for a moment — AnyDesk reconnects automatically.
Optimizing image quality
AnyDesk client → Display:
- Mode: “Best quality” for image/video work, “Responsive” for code editing
- Displays: with multiple displays, view only the one you need
- Quality levels: reduce them on a slow connection
For very slow connections (5 Mbit/s and below): “Responsive” + reduce the resolution.
Multiple displays (Mac with several virtual displays)
If the Mac in our rack has two or more virtual displays (sometimes detected automatically):
AnyDesk toolbar → monitor icon → single display or both.
Two displays in parallel: twice the bandwidth. For mobile use, better stick to one.
File transfer
In the AnyDesk toolbar → file manager icon.
Two-column view:
- Left: your computer
- Right: the Mac
Drag and drop or toolbar actions for file transfer.
Handy for:
- Code from local to the Mac
- Downloading build artifacts from the Mac
- Exchanging config files
Performance: 50–200 MB/s depending on your connection.
Session recording (optional)
For audit / compliance you can record sessions:
AnyDesk toolbar → Record.
Saves the video locally. Note: if the Mac-side permission is “Allow recording: no”, this won’t work.
Mobile use — iPhone / iPad
AnyDesk has a usable mobile app:
- iPad: full touch mode, virtual keyboard, Apple Pencil support
- iPhone: small screen, more for emergencies
Setup as on desktop: ID + password.
For intensive mobile use: iPad with an external keyboard or Magic Keyboard.
Checking security logs
AnyDesk → Settings → Diagnostics → Logs:
- Connection attempts
- Successful / failed logins
- IP addresses
On suspicious activity: change the password immediately, tighten the IP whitelist if needed.
Updating to a newer AnyDesk version
The AnyDesk client (on your side) has auto-update enabled by default.
On the Mac (server side): we take care of updates to the AnyDesk service. We announce major version changes in advance.
When AnyDesk suddenly stops working
Diagnostic steps:
- AnyDesk status on the Mac: log in via Apple Screen Sharing / SSH, check whether the AnyDesk process is running
- The Mac’s internet connection:
ping 8.8.8.8via SSH - Firewall on the Mac:
System Settings → Network → Firewall— AnyDesk must be allowed - AnyDesk server status: status.anydesk.com
- Reset command: via SSH
sudo launchctl unload /Library/LaunchDaemons/com.anydesk.AnyDesk.plist
sudo launchctl load /Library/LaunchDaemons/com.anydesk.AnyDesk.plistIf the problem keeps coming back: open a ticket with us.
Frequently asked questions
AnyDesk Free vs. Pro — a licensing thing? Free is for non-commercial use. If you use the Mac for business: buy an AnyDesk license (Solo from ~€15/month). That’s between you and AnyDesk — we only provide the installation.
How secure is AnyDesk, really? TLS 1.2/1.3, RSA-2048 key exchange, ECDSA signatures. Audit logs. With 2FA: a high level of security. For top-tier security requirements: prefer SSH with public-key auth.
AnyDesk and VPN in parallel — conflict? No conflict. AnyDesk goes through AnyDesk’s cloud servers, the VPN handles other traffic separately.
My Mac is behind your firewall — does AnyDesk get through? AnyDesk is outbound-only. No firewall openings needed. Extremely restrictive corporate firewalls (the kind that do TLS MITM) can cause trouble — open a ticket with us.
Audio transmission — does it work? Bidirectional, yes. macOS audio reaches the client, the client’s microphone can reach the Mac. Configurable in the AnyDesk settings.
A multi-monitor setup on the Mac, remotely? You can simulate virtual displays with tools like BetterDisplay or DisplayLink. Handy if you normally work with two monitors and the Mac only has “virtual” ones.
What if the AnyDesk cloud is compromised? A theoretical risk. Mitigations: 2FA + IP whitelist + strong password. For the highest requirements: set up an SSH tunnel as a fallback.
Better performance via direct connection instead of the AnyDesk cloud? AnyDesk Pro has a “LAN mode” for direct connections. Faster on the same network. Over the internet between different locations, it’s usually the same.
What’s next
First login with AnyDesk
What you get after ordering your Mac mini and how the first AnyDesk session works. A default setup that works right away.
Enabling and using Apple Screen Sharing (VNC)
macOS' built-in remote desktop. When AnyDesk isn't the right fit: enable Screen Sharing, connect from Mac/iPad/Windows, performance tuning.
SSH and headless workflows
Controlling your Mac via SSH: public-key auth, tmux sessions, Xcode builds from the command line, GitHub Actions runners. When you don't need a desktop.
Other remote tools for the Mac mini
When AnyDesk isn't the right fit: RustDesk, Jump Desktop, Splashtop, Microsoft Remote Desktop, TeamViewer, Parsec. What makes sense when.