macOS · Network & Internet
Set Up Screen Sharing & Remote Login on Mac
Screen Sharing lets you view and control another Mac's screen remotely (or let someone control yours), while Remote Login enables secure command-line (SSH) access to your Mac from another computer. Both are toggled independently under Sharing settings.
How to open Screen Sharing & Remote Login
- Open System Settings → General → Sharing.
- Turn on Screen Sharing and choose which users are allowed to connect.
- Turn on Remote Login separately if you need SSH command-line access, and restrict it to specific users.
- Turn either service off again once you no longer need remote access.
What you should know
- Screen Sharing can be limited to specific users or administrators only, rather than allowing all users access.
- A Mac being shared shows a small screen-sharing icon in the menu bar while a session is active.
- Remote Login uses the SSH protocol and can be restricted to specific user accounts rather than all accounts.
- Both features can be turned on temporarily for a single troubleshooting session and turned back off afterward.
Turning on Remote Login opens an SSH port that's reachable from your local network (and the wider internet if port-forwarded) — restrict it to specific users and turn it off when not actively needed.
Why it matters
Screen Sharing is one of the fastest ways to help a family member troubleshoot their Mac remotely, or to access your own Mac's full desktop from another Apple device without extra software. Remote Login gives more technical users command-line access for scripting, file transfers, or server-style administration tasks that don't need a full graphical session. Because both features open network-reachable services, understanding exactly who's allowed to connect — and turning them off when not in active use — is an important, often-overlooked security practice.
Best practices
- Restrict Screen Sharing and Remote Login to specific named users rather than 'All users' whenever possible.
- Turn off both services when you're not actively using them, rather than leaving them on indefinitely just in case.
- Use a strong, unique account password on any Mac with Remote Login enabled, since SSH access is only as secure as the account credentials behind it.
- Prefer a VPN or trusted network connection over exposing Remote Login directly to the open internet via port forwarding.
Common problems and fixes
- Can't connect to Screen Sharing from another device on the same network.
- Confirm Screen Sharing is turned on under Sharing settings and that the connecting user account is included in the allowed list, then try connecting via Finder → Network or by entering vnc://[Mac's IP address].
- SSH connection to Remote Login is refused.
- Verify Remote Login is toggled on in Sharing settings, that the specific user attempting to connect is allowed, and that no firewall rule elsewhere on the network is blocking port 22.
- Screen Sharing session is very laggy or low quality.
- Lower the display quality/color setting within the Screen Sharing app's preferences, and check that both Macs have a strong, stable network connection, since performance depends heavily on bandwidth.
Tips and tricks
- Connect to another Mac's Screen Sharing directly from Finder's sidebar under 'Network' by double-clicking its name and choosing 'Share Screen'.
- Use `ssh username@hostname.local` from Terminal on another Mac for quick Remote Login access without typing a full IP address.
Frequently asked questions
Is Screen Sharing the same as Messages screen sharing during a call?
No, this system-level Screen Sharing is a persistent service you turn on for ongoing remote access, while the screen-sharing option inside a FaceTime or Messages call is a temporary, session-based feature unrelated to this setting.
Do I need a static IP address to use Remote Login?
Not for local network access, since your Mac's local IP or hostname works fine; reaching it from outside your network requires either a static/reachable address, port forwarding, or a VPN into that network.
Can I limit Screen Sharing to just one specific person?
Yes, under Sharing settings you can choose 'Only these users' and add specific accounts instead of allowing every user on the Mac to initiate or receive a screen sharing session.
Related settings
- VPN & Network ProfilesVPN settings let you connect to a private network over an encrypted tunnel — common for remote work — while Network preferences let you manage multiple connection profiles, proxies, and advanced TCP/IP settings for different locations or services.
- App PermissionsBeyond camera and microphone, macOS tracks separate permissions for things like Full Disk Access, Files & Folders, Automation, Accessibility, and Local Network — each controlling exactly what a specific app is allowed to see or control on your Mac.
- Wi-Fi ConnectionWi-Fi settings let you join, manage, and prioritize wireless networks on your Mac, including hidden networks and networks that require a captive-portal sign-in.
More Network & Internet guides for macOS
- Bluetooth DevicesBluetooth settings let you pair and manage wireless accessories such as keyboards, trackpads, mice, headphones, and speakers with your Mac.
- AirDrop & HandoffAirDrop lets you wirelessly send files, photos, and links directly to nearby Apple devices without email or messaging apps, while Handoff lets you start something on one Apple device — like a browser tab or email draft — and pick it up instantly on your Mac.
- EthernetEthernet settings manage wired network connections through built-in Ethernet ports or USB and Thunderbolt adapters, including IP configuration, DNS, and connection priority relative to Wi-Fi.
- FirewallThe built-in Firewall controls which apps and services are allowed to accept incoming network connections, adding a layer of protection against unauthorized access while connected to any network.
- ProxiesProxy settings let you route web and other network traffic for a given network connection through a specified proxy server, either configured manually or automatically via a PAC file or auto-discovery protocol.
- Thunderbolt BridgeThunderbolt Bridge creates a direct, high-speed network connection between two Macs connected with a Thunderbolt cable, useful for fast file transfers or Target Disk Mode-style workflows without a router.