How to remote desktop on Mac Tom's Guide Skip to main content Tom's Guide is supported by its audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here's why you can trust us. How to remote desktop on Mac By David Crookes published 1 August 2022 Wondering how to remote desktop on Mac? You're about to find the solution may be easier than you imagined. (Image credit: Pixabay) There are many reasons for wanting to know how to remote desktop on Mac. For starters, if you have more than one computer, you may need to access some files or an app on the other Mac. Or if you know someone who needs a helping hand with a Mac problem, it can easier to just jump on their computer even if you're many miles away. With Screen Sharing - a tool built into all Macs - it's very easy to access a desktop remotely. All you need to know is the Apple ID or hostname of the other Mac. From that point on, it's simply a matter of accepting the approach on the other computer and deciding on which level of access is required. This will, however, mean that someone has to be in reach of the other Mac. In summary, these are the steps:Launch the Screen Sharing appEnter the hostname or Apple IDAccept the incoming request on the other MacClick Control My ScreenClose the window to end Read on to see detailed instructions. How to use Screen Sharing on a Mac 1. Launch the Screen Sharing app on the Mac you want to work from. You can do this via Spotlight Search if you press Command and Space on your keyboard – just type Screen Sharing. (Image credit: Future) 2. Enter the hostname or Apple ID that is associated with the other Mac. In other words, the Apple ID of the computer you want to access. Click Connect. You will now be informed that a response is needed on the other machine. (Image credit: Future) 3. A message will appear on the Mac that you are looking to connect with. For a connection to be made, whoever is using the computer (or yourself if it's nearby) will need to click Options and choose Accept. (Image credit: Future) 4. A Mac can be controlled entirely. For this to happen, somebody has to click Control My Screen on the Mac that is about to be accessed. Clicking Observe My Screen will not allow any apps to be opened or changes to be made to files. (Image credit: Future) 5. You will now be remotely accessing the other Mac, which will be presented within its own window. Simply close the window to stop the access. (Image credit: Future) And there you go! It's not the most elegant of solutions, primarily because it's quite laggy, so it's not exactly a joy to work with, but it will allow you to gain access to a second Mac desktop from your primary machine. If you are only looking to access files, however, then why not consider storing your folders and files in iCloud or one of the many other available options instead? It's certainly worth learning how to use Dropbox, OneDrive, Google Drive, or iCloud cloud storage solutions if only because they can give you a way to backup files. Your files and folders will also be accessible regardless of the computer or device you're using, and we've got a full list of options in our best cloud storage guide. For more Mac-themed guides, make sure you read how to AirDrop on Mac, how to right click on Mac, how to edit a PDF on Mac and how to clear cache on Mac.Today's best IDrive deals (opens in new tab)IDrive 10TB (opens in new tab)$3.98/year (opens in new tab)View Deal (opens in new tab)at iDrive (opens in new tab) Be In the Know Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. David Crookes David Crookes is a freelance writer, reporter, editor and author. He has written for technology and gaming magazines including Retro Gamer, Web User, Micro Mart, MagPi, Android, iCreate, Total PC Gaming, T3 and Macworld. He has also covered crime, history, politics, education, health, sport, film, music and more, and been a producer for BBC Radio 5 Live. Topics Apple Computers See all comments (0) No comments yet Comment from the forums MOST READMOST SHARED1Daily Quordle #258 - answers and hints for Sunday, October 92The best luxury mattress in 20223Rick and Morty season 6 episode 6 release date and time - How to watch online tonight, channel and more4House of the Dragon episode 8 release date and time - how to watch online tonight5MLB Playoffs live stream 2022: How to watch Wild Card baseball online right now1Amazon Prime Early Access Sale - best deals right now2Daily Quordle #258 - answers and hints for Sunday, October 93The best luxury mattress in 20224Rick and Morty season 6 episode 6 release date and time - How to watch online tonight, channel and more5House of the Dragon episode 8 release date and time - how to watch online tonight