Screen Sharing lets one Mac view or control another Mac remotely. It is useful for helping someone troubleshoot, controlling a Mac in another room, or accessing your own machine on the same network.
Both Macs need to be reachable and the host Mac must have Screen Sharing enabled.
Does This Affect You?
Use Screen Sharing when talking someone through a fix is harder than seeing their screen directly, or when you need remote control of another Mac you own.
Enable Screen Sharing and Connect Locally
- On the Mac to be controlled, open System Settings > General > Sharing.
- Turn on Screen Sharing.
- Open its info/options button and choose whether all users can request access or only selected users.
- Note the Mac name or address shown in Sharing settings.
- On the other Mac, open Finder and choose Go > Connect to Server.
- Enter vnc:// followed by the host Mac name or address.
- Sign in with the host Mac account when prompted and choose the available sharing/control option.
Share a Screen Through Messages
- Open Messages and start a conversation with the person.
- Open the conversation details or click their name.
- Choose the Screen Sharing option.
- Select whether to invite them to view your screen or ask to view theirs.
- After permission is granted, use the session and audio call to work through the issue.
- End the session from the Screen Sharing icon in the menu bar.
Screen Sharing Notes
Across the Internet
Finder’s Shared section normally finds local Macs only. For different networks, Messages is the simpler built-in route. Direct VNC over the internet requires router setup and carries security risk, so a VPN or Messages is safer for most people.
Firewall and Network Checks
If connection fails, confirm Screen Sharing is enabled on the host Mac, both Macs are on the expected network for local sharing, and the firewall is not blocking incoming Screen Sharing.
See Who Is Connected
The host Mac shows a Screen Sharing icon during a session. Use it to see the connection or disconnect, or turn Screen Sharing off in Sharing settings.
Sources
- Apple Support: Use Screen Sharing on Mac
- Apple Support: Share your screen during a Messages conversation on Mac
- Apple Support: Turn on Screen Sharing on Mac