Remote Control For Mac

Jun 06, 2016 The best way to remote-access a Mac from an iPad (including the new iPad Pro) is to use a free program called Google Chrome Remote. With Google Chrome Remote you can remotely use Mac OS X programs. 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.

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.

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.

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).

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!

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: Video editing software for mac free.

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.

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.

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Update information

Main features of the (PS4 Remote Play) version 3.0 update:

Stability during use of some features has been improved.

Getting ready

You'll need the following to use (PS4 Remote Play).

Computer^*
PS4™ system^*
DUALSHOCK™4 wireless controller
USB cable or DUALSHOCK™4 USB wireless adaptor
By using a wireless adaptor, you can use the controller wirelessly.
Account for PlayStation™Network
High-speed Internet connection
For best performance, we recommend a high-speed connection with upload and download speeds of at least 15 Mbps.

*See also 'System requirements'.

To use voice chat, you'll need a microphone. You can use your computer's built-in microphone if you'd like.

Initial setup

Installing the application

1.Click one of the links below to download the installation file for (PS4 Remote Play).
Save the file to your desktop or other location.
2.Run the installation file.
An installation dialog box appears. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the application.
During the installation, you might see a request to download additional software that's needed to use (PS4 Remote Play). To download this software, follow the on-screen instructions.

Setting up your PS4™ system

Before using this application, you'll need to do the following on your PS4™ system.

Enable Remote Play. Select (Settings) > [Remote Play Connection Settings], and then select the checkbox for [Enable Remote Play].
Activate the system as your primary PS4™ system. Select (Settings) > [Account Management] > [Activate as Your Primary PS4] > [Activate].
To start Remote Play while your PS4™ system is in rest mode, select (Settings) > [Power Save Settings] > [Set Features Available in Rest Mode]. Then select the checkboxes for [Stay Connected to the Internet] and [Enable Turning On PS4 from Network].

Using Remote Play

1.Turn on your PS4™ system or put it into rest mode.
2.Connect a controller to your computer with a USB cable, or pair it using a DUALSHOCK™4 USB wireless adaptor.
3.Launch (PS4 Remote Play) on your computer, and then click [Start].
4.Sign in with your account for PlayStation™Network.

You'll need to pair your PS4™ system and computer manually if you haven't activated your PS4™ system as your primary system, or if this application can't find your PS4™ system. Connect your computer and PS4™ system over the same network, and then follow the on-screen instructions.
Some games do not support Remote Play.
Some or all video content might not be displayed on your device depending on the game or video service.
For details on audio input and output during Remote Play, visit the customer support website for your country or region.

When Remote Play is not available

Refer to the following information if Remote Play is not available, or if you experience stability issues.

Generally, a high-speed connection with upload and download speeds of at least 5 Mbps is required.
To view the estimated connection speed for your PS4™ system, select (Settings) > [Network] > [Test Internet Connection].
We recommend a wired Internet connection for both your PS4™ system and computer.
If you are using a Wi-Fi (wireless) connection, move your PS4™ system closer to the access point or router. Make sure there are no obstructions between them.
Other devices on your network might be using a large amount of bandwidth. Wait until they are idle before using Remote Play.
Select [Settings] > [Video Quality for Remote Play] on the (PS4 Remote Play) start screen. Configure these settings:
- For [Resolution], choose either [Standard (540p)] or [Low (360p)].
- For [Frame Rate], choose [Standard].

The connection speed varies depending on your network environment. For details, contact your Internet service provider.

System requirements

PS4™ system

System software version 7.00 or later

Always update your PS4™ system to the latest version of the system software.

Windows PC

A computer with either of the following operating systems.
- Windows 8.1 (32-bit or 64-bit)
- Windows 10 (32-bit or 64-bit)
Intel® Core™ i5-560M Processor 2.67 GHz or faster
Intel Core i5-2450M Processor 2.50 GHz or faster
When setting [Video Quality for Remote Play] > [Resolution] to [Best (1080p)] and [Frame Rate] to [High] on a PS4™ system (CUH-7000 series).
100 MB or more of available storage
2 GB or more of RAM
1024 × 768 or higher display resolution
Sound card
USB port

Uninstalling the application

Folder and command names might vary depending on your OS version.