Remote access to Mac, anywhere
Get Screens and work across multiple remote Macs.
![Osx logs Osx logs](https://appletoolbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Remove-App-Store-cache-files-on-macOS-Catalina.jpg)
On a macOS device, use the following IntuneAppUtil command within the Intune App Wrapping Tool for Mac to extract the detected parameters and version for the created.intunemac file: IntuneAppUtil -r -v Check whether the Detection.xml file contains the package version. Here is an example of the Detection.xml file. IMazing lets you transfer music, files, messages, apps and more from any iPhone, iPad, or iPod to a computer, Mac or PC. Manage and backup your iOS device simply without iTunes.
While many countries are on a lockdown due to COVID-19, remote work is becoming a lifestyle. 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.
Best Remote Access Apps for Mac
Setapp sets you up with all the tools you need to access your computer remotely. Best utilities in one pack, give it a go!
What is remote desktop connection for Mac?
Remote access can mean many things, so let’s ensure we’re on the same page here. You can access specific files on your Mac remotely using shared folders — for example, Google Drive, shared Notes, etc. — or using FTP. Screen sharing can also be considered remote connection because you can view Mac’s screen when someone shares it with you through Zoom, Slack, or similar tools. However, you can’t control it.
In this guide, we’ll focus on the types of remote connection that let you control your Mac when it’s not physically there. Mainly, we’ll talk about remote control with mobile apps and remote desktop access — it’s when you can access folders, edit files, and basically complete any task on your remote Mac.
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).
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 to 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 remote Mac access, things are 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.
Mac Error Log
If you are using a VPN or VNC viewer and want to access your Mac remotely, you will need to set up 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:
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.
Read more about how to use AirDrop
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 a powerful tool for sharing and transferring files from Mac to Mac, or any other 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 Bidirectionally
- 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.
Best VPN app
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.
FAQ on Mac remote access
We’ll finish up answering some of the most common questions you might have about remote Mac access.
How do I set up Microsoft remote desktop on Mac?
It’s possible to access Windows apps or any resources on a Windows computer from your Mac. Here’s how it works:
- Find Microsoft Remote Desktop client on the Mac App Store and install it on your Mac
- On a Windows computer, allow remote connections
- Add your remote desktop connection and enjoy quick access to the PC.
How do I send Ctrl+Alt+Del to a remote computer?
If you use a Mac to control a PC, one of the most essential commands you should get a grip of is Ctrl+Alt+Del. It will allow you to get access to Force Quit options. To Ctrl+Alt+Del, go to your Remote Desktop Client > Actions > Ctrl+Alt+Del.
How do I uninstall Microsoft Remote Desktop from Mac?
It’s not enough to just move the Microsoft Remote Desktop client to the Trash, you’ll have to get rid of all user names, passwords, and system files generated since you’ve been using the client for remote access. The easiest way is to completely uninstall Remote Desktop with CleanMyMac X — it will delete all the associated files, too.
Or, you can uninstall the client manually:
- Mote Remote Desktop client to the Trash
- In Finder > Go > Go to Folder > private/var/db/ and remove the RemoteManager folder
- In Finder > Go > Go to Folder > /Library/Containers/ and remove the com.apple.RemoteDesktop folder
- In Finder > Go > Go to Folder > /Library/Application Support/Apple/Remote Desktop/ and remove the client, settings, and task server folders
- In Finder > Go > Go to Folder > /Library/Preferences/ and remove the com.apple.RemoteDesktop.plist file
- In Finder > Go > Go to Folder > /Library/Widgets/ and remove the Remote Desktop.wdgt file.
How do I copy files from Windows Remote Desktop to Mac?
The easiest way is to copy from admin to client computers:
- Open Remote Desktop and choose your remote computer from the computer list in the left sidebar
- Choose Manage > Copy Items
- Add and remove items you want to copy using the plus and minus buttons
- Once you’re ready, click Copy.
If you want to learn about more ways to transfer files between Mac and PC — for example, you can do it with drag and drop — read this Apple Support article.
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-->Use the information in this article to help you add macOS line-of-business apps to Microsoft Intune. You must download an external tool to pre-process your .pkg files before you can upload your line-of-business file to Microsoft Intune. The pre-processing of your .pkg files must take place on a macOS device.
Note
Osx System Logs
Starting with the release of macOS Catalina 10.15, prior to adding your apps to Intune, check to make sure your macOS LOB apps are notarized. If the developers of your LOB apps did not notarize their apps, the apps will fail to run on your users' macOS devices. For more information about how to check if an app is notarized, visit Notarize your macOS apps to prepare for macOS Catalina.
macOS LOB apps have a maximum size limit of 2 GB per app.
While users of macOS devices can remove some of the built-in macOS apps like Stocks, and Maps, you cannot use Intune to redeploy those apps. If end users delete these apps, they must go to the app store, and manually re install them.
Before your start
You must download an external tool, mark the downloaded tool as an executable, and pre-process your .pkg files with the tool before you can upload your line-of-business file to Microsoft Intune. The pre-processing of your .pkg files must take place on a macOS device. Use the Intune App Wrapping Tool for Mac to enable Mac apps to be managed by Microsoft Intune.
Log Files For Mac App Store Free
Important
The .pkg file must be signed using 'Developer ID Installer' certificate, obtained from an Apple Developer account. Only .pkg files may be used to upload macOS LOB apps to Microsoft Intune. However, conversion of other formats, such as .dmg to .pkg is supported. For more information about converting non-pkg application types, see How to deploy DMG or APP-format apps to Intune-managed Macs.
- Download the Intune App Wrapping Tool for Mac.NoteThe Intune App Wrapping Tool for Mac must be run on a macOS machine.
- Mark the downloaded tool as an executable:
- Start the terminal app.
- Change the directory to the location where
IntuneAppUtil
is located. - Run the following command to make the tool executable:
chmod +x IntuneAppUtil
- Use the
IntuneAppUtil
command within the Intune App Wrapping Tool for Mac to wrap .pkg LOB app file from a .intunemac file.Sample commands to use for the Microsoft Intune App Wrapping Tool for macOS:ImportantEnsure that the argument<source_file>
does not contain spaces before running theIntuneAppUtil
commands.IntuneAppUtil -h
This command will show usage information for the tool.IntuneAppUtil -c <source_file> -o <output_directory_path> [-v]
This command will wrap the .pkg LOB app file provided in<source_file>
to a .intunemac file of the same name and place it in the folder pointed to by<output_directory_path>
.IntuneAppUtil -r <filename.intunemac> [-v]
This command will extract the detected parameters and version for the created .intunemac file.
Select the app type
- Sign in to the Microsoft Endpoint Manager admin center.
- Select Apps > All apps > Add.
- In the Select app type pane, under the Other app types, select Line-of-business app.
- Click Select. The Add app steps are displayed.
Step 1 - App information
Select the app package file
- In the Add app pane, click Select app package file.
- In the App package file pane, select the browse button. Then, select an macOS installation file with the extension .intunemac.The app details will be displayed.
- When you're finished, select OK on the App package file pane to add the app.
Set app information
- In the App information page, add the details for your app. Depending on the app that you chose, some of the values in this pane might be automatically filled in.
- Name: Enter the name of the app as it appears in the company portal. Make sure all app names that you use are unique. If the same app name exists twice, only one of the apps appears in the company portal.
- Description: Enter the description of the app. The description appears in the company portal.
- Publisher: Enter the name of the publisher of the app.
- Minimum Operating System: From the list, choose the minimum operating system version on which the app can be installed. If you assign the app to a device with an earlier operating system, it will not be installed.
- Ignore app version: Select Yes to install the app if the app is not already installed on the device. Select No to only install the app when it is not already installed on the device, or if the deploying app's version number does not match the version that's already installed on the device.
- Install as managed: Select Yes to install the Mac LOB app as a managed app on supported devices (macOS 11 and higher). A macOS LOB app can only be installed as managed when the app distributable contains a single app without any nested packages and installs to the /Applications directory. Managed line-of-business apps will be able to be removed using the uninstall assignment type on supported devices (macOS 11 and higher). In addition, removing the MDM profile removes all managed apps from the device. The default value is No.
- Included apps: Review and edit the apps that are contained in the uploaded file. Included app bundle IDs and build numbers are used for detecting and monitoring app installation status of the uploaded file. Included apps list should only contain the application(s) installed by the uploaded file in Applications folder on Macs. Any other type of file that is not an application or an application that is not installed to Applications folder should be removed from the Included apps list. If Included apps list contains files that are not applications or if all the listed apps are not installed, app installation status does not report success.
Mac Terminal can be used to lookup and confirm the included app details of an installed app.
For example, to look up the bundle ID and build number of Company Portal, run the following:
defaults read /Applications/Company Portal.app/Contents/Info CFBundleIdentifier
Then, run the following:
defaults read /Applications/Company Portal.app/Contents/Info CFBundleVersion - Category: Select one or more of the built-in app categories, or select a category that you created. Categories make it easier for users to find the app when they browse through the company portal.
- Show this as a featured app in the Company Portal: Display the app prominently on the main page of the company portal when users browse for apps.
- Information URL: Optionally, enter the URL of a website that contains information about this app. The URL appears in the company portal.
- Privacy URL: Optionally, enter the URL of a website that contains privacy information for this app. The URL appears in the company portal.
- Developer: Optionally, enter the name of the app developer.
- Owner: Optionally, enter a name for the owner of this app. An example is HR department.
- Notes: Enter any notes that you want to associate with this app.
- Logo: Upload an icon that is associated with the app. This icon is displayed with the app when users browse through the company portal.
- Click Next to display the Scope tags page.
Step 2 - Select scope tags (optional)
You can use scope tags to determine who can see client app information in Intune. For full details about scope tags, see Use role-based access control and scope tags for distributed IT.
Mac Event Logs
- Click Select scope tags to optionally add scope tags for the app.
- Click Next to display the Assignments page.
Step 3 - Assignments
- Select the Required, Available for enrolled devices, or Uninstall group assignments for the app. For more information, see Add groups to organize users and devices and Assign apps to groups with Microsoft Intune.
- Click Next to display the Review + create page.
Step 4 - Review + create
- X4 foundations custom logo. Review the values and settings you entered for the app.
- When you are done, click Create to add the app to Intune.The Overview blade for the line-of-business app is displayed.
The app you have created appears in the apps list where you can assign it to the groups you choose. For help, see How to assign apps to groups.
Note
If the .pkg file contains multiple apps or app installers, then Microsoft Intune will only report that the app is successfully installed when all installed apps are detected on the device.
Update a line-of-business app
- Sign in to the Microsoft Endpoint Manager admin center.
- Select Apps > All apps.
- Find and select your app from the list of apps.
- Select Properties under Manage from the app pane.
- Select Edit next to App information.
- Click on the listed file next to Select file to update. The App package file pane is displayed.
- Select the folder icon and browse to the location of your updated app file. Select Open. The app information is updated with the package information.
- Verify that App version reflects the updated app package.
Note
For the Intune service to successfully deploy a new .pkg file to the device you must increment the package
version
and CFBundleVersion
string in the packageinfo file in your .pkg package.Next steps
- The app you have created is displayed in the apps list. You can now assign it to the groups you choose. For help, see How to assign apps to groups.
- Learn more about the ways in which you can monitor the properties and assignment of your app. For more information, see How to monitor app information and assignments.
- Learn more about the context of your app in Intune. For more information, see Overview of device and app lifecycles