Apple Screen Sharing is macOS’ built-in remote desktop — based on VNC with Apple extensions. If you want to stay Apple-native (perfect from Mac to Mac) or you don’t like AnyDesk, this is the standard alternative. With us it’s active by default for emergency access.
Active by default with us
We ship Macs with Screen Sharing enabled — as backup access in case AnyDesk ever hangs.
You can get on immediately:
- On your Mac: Finder → Go → Connect to Server (
Cmd+K) - URL:
vnc://<your-mac-ip> - Login: the
macOS user passwordfrom our setup mail
Careful: This is a direct connection over open port 5900 — unencrypted. Fine for an emergency; for regular use, take the SSH tunnel from the Security section below.
Configuration on the Mac
If you want to check or adjust Screen Sharing:
System Settings → General → Sharing → Screen Sharing.
Options:
- Active: yes (our default)
- Allow access for: “All users” or specific accounts
- VNC viewers may connect with password: an additional VNC-specific password (useful for cross-platform clients)
Connecting from a Mac
The standard way on a Mac:
- Finder → Go → Connect to Server (
Cmd+K) - Enter:
vnc://<your-mac-ip> - Click Connect
- Login dialog: macOS username + password
- You see the Mac desktop in a window
Apple Screen Sharing uses CoreGraphics-based VNC with Apple optimizations:
- Faster than generic VNC
- Audio support
- Clipboard sync
- Drag and drop
Performance on Mac-to-Mac connections: usually smoother than AnyDesk.
Connecting from iPad / iPhone
Apple-native app: there’s no official standard solution from Apple. Third-party apps:
- Screens 5 (commercial, very good)
- Jump Desktop (commercial, very good)
- Splashtop (limited)
Setup is analogous: server IP + macOS login.
More in Other remote tools.
Connecting from Windows / Linux
Generic VNC clients:
- TigerVNC (free, Windows + Linux)
- RealVNC Viewer (free for personal use)
- TightVNC (Windows, free)
Setup:
- Server:
<your-mac-ip>:5900 - Authentication: clients use different modes
Important: on the Mac, enable the VNC viewer password under Screen Sharing → Computer Settings so cross-platform clients can connect.
Security
VNC without TLS is plain text. Connecting over the open internet is a security risk.
Solutions:
Option 1: SSH tunnel
On your computer:
ssh -L 5900:localhost:5900 user@<your-mac-ip>Then connect your VNC client to localhost:5900 — the traffic is tunneled through SSH, i.e. TLS-encrypted.
Option 2: VPN
Set up WireGuard or Tailscale between your computer and the Mac. Then use VNC inside the VPN network.
Option 3: Apple Screen Sharing between Macs
Apple Screen Sharing between Macs automatically uses an encrypted connection (via the Apple cloud, if you’ve linked Apple IDs — via iCloud, for instance).
Default: don’t use it in plain text
Recommendation: only use it through an SSH tunnel or VPN, never directly over open port 5900.
Performance tips
Screen Sharing can feel sluggish with:
- High resolutions (4K, 5K)
- Wallpaper animations
- Transparency effects
Tuning steps:
- Reduce the Mac’s resolution:
System Settings → Displays → pick the resolution manually(e.g. 1080p instead of 4K) - Reduce motion:
System Settings → Accessibility → Display → Reduce motion - Static wallpaper
- Dock animation off
For administrative emergencies only
With us, Screen Sharing is always active as an emergency backup. Recommendation:
- Daily work: AnyDesk or another remote tool, optimized for latency/performance
- Emergency: Apple Screen Sharing when AnyDesk hangs
Audio transmission
Apple Screen Sharing can transmit audio too — the Mac’s sound arrives on your computer.
Enable it: Screen Sharing toolbar at the top → audio icon.
Handy for: audio tests, video calls on the Mac, music workflows.
File transfer
Limited directly. Workarounds:
- AirDrop: easy between Macs on the same Apple ID
- SCP over SSH: for scripts
- Drag and drop in the Screen Sharing window works partially
Multiple parallel sessions
Apple Screen Sharing supports multi-user access:
- User A connects → their own session
- User B connects → their own session (macOS Fast User Switching)
For pair programming: both log into the same user account, both see the same screen.
Combining it with AnyDesk
Running both in parallel is possible:
- Apple Screen Sharing for Mac-to-Mac (from your MacBook)
- AnyDesk for cross-platform (from a Windows PC, iPad, etc.)
Performance barely suffers — both services are light on resources.
Typical pitfalls
”Connect to Server” can’t find the Mac
- IP correct?
ping <your-mac-ip> - Is Screen Sharing actually active? Check in System Settings on the Mac (via AnyDesk)
- Firewall blocking port 5900? On the Mac:
System Settings → Network → Firewall → Options → allow Screen Sharing
Login fails despite the correct password
- Use the macOS username (not the email address)
- The password contains special characters the VNC client doesn’t pass through — test with a simple password
- Try a VNC client with a different auth mode
Very slow from a Windows client
The Apple VNC optimizations only work Mac-to-Mac. Windows VNC clients will look slow.
Solution: AnyDesk for cross-platform, Apple Screen Sharing for Mac-to-Mac.
Display resolution doesn’t match the Mac’s screen
On a headless Mac (no physical monitor): macOS starts with a default resolution, often 1080p or smaller.
Solution: tools like BetterDisplay simulate virtual displays.
Frequently asked questions
Does Apple Screen Sharing cost anything? Nothing. It’s part of macOS, no license surcharge.
Does it work in lock-screen mode too? No. macOS has to be “logged in” for you to see the desktop. On the lock screen, you only see the login prompt.
Can I restart the Mac via Screen Sharing? Yes. Apple menu → Restart. The Mac reboots, Screen Sharing comes back after 30–60 seconds (as soon as the login screen is reachable).
What if I forget the Mac password? Via AnyDesk on the lock screen, use “Reset password using Apple ID” — if that’s set up. Otherwise open a ticket with us.
Security: can someone log in without a password? Standard setup: password required. We additionally recommend the VNC viewer password as a second layer.
Can I use Screen Sharing for recording (screen capture)? On your side: yes, with local screen recording tools. On the Mac side: macOS’ own screen recording works over Screen Sharing too.
Does Sidecar / Universal Control work over Screen Sharing? No, those are separate Apple features that need local device proximity.
Performance for 4K editing over Apple Screen Sharing? Not really. Even with a good connection, remote 4K video editing is a challenge. Local hardware is better for video workflows.
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.
Configuring AnyDesk in depth
Set up AnyDesk on the Mac so it works securely and reliably as a permanent connection. Unattended access, 2FA, security settings.
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.