Hi,
I’m relatively new to Mac and need remote access from my Mac to another to assist my parents and transfer various documents and images. Is this achievable with a native Mac option, or should I consider third-party software? If opting for the latter, could you share the tools you use for this purpose and comment on their security?
As far as I know, built-in options like screen sharing work only if both Macs are on the same Apple ID or network, which is often impractical. For helping your parents, you might want something free and simple. HelpWire is a good option; it requires no registration and allows quick file transfers. AnyDesk could also be helpful.
The basic way is to run a DynDNS service on the remote mac, which will give you a hostname that directs to the remote mac’s public IP (which can rotate, so the service will update the pointer automatically). Then set up Mac File Sharing like usual on the remote machine, set up port forwarding on your router, so requests to file sharing ports are forwarded to the right mac within that network. And then on your computer you can just use finder to mount that share.
Otherwise, TeamViewer is easy and free (I think the personal plan has file transfers for free).
I use Real VPN you get 5 free connections works well even from my phone
My micromanaging, geriatric boss uses a program called AnyDesk to connect and mirror our computers where she has access to our desktop and can use her cursor to do anything she may need. It’s pretty efficient and allows you to explain things and demonstrate at the same time.
Anydesk, Parsec, or Zerotier (on both). There is no native way to do it in OSX.
If the router at the house has port forwarding you could enable ssh on the remote machine the ssh into it via the public ip with username and password.
I would opt for a simpler solution then consider Supremo. There is a free version.
Google Chrome Remote Desktop is free and a snap to use! It works on Windows & Macintosh. No need for DNS, nor Port Forwarding, nor static IP addresses, etc…
For users new to Mac looking for a simple and secure remote access solution to help family or friends, Supremo is an excellent option for its ease of use and functionality.
I use a package called Screens from Edovia. (Screens - Seamlessly control your computer from your iPhone, iPad, Mac or Vision Pro - Edovia)
Apple’s method, TeamViewer, Jump Desktop (what I currently use), Anydesk, Chrome Remote Desktop, Splashtop or Parsec for Remote Desktop.
Use NordVPN Meshnet for file access / transfer, it’s free, easy to set up and easy to use. Alternatively there’s LogMeIn Hamachi but I haven’t used it in almost a decade, so can’t give you much there other than it worked fine for us back then.
Try screen sharing in messages which is built in. Share your screen using Messages on Mac - Apple Support
Zoom or Teams you can share screens
AnyDesk, reliable, not port forward necessary, free for personal use, works through VPN, no DynDNS or similar required, …
I’m using JumpDesktop. It works really well… enough that I can edit video in FCP on my home computer from my iPad when I’m on the road. I wouldn’t go super complicated with my edits doing this, but it can handle quite a bit!
is it possible to use AnyDesk or TeamViewer for remote access on macOS?
TeamViewer, AnyDesk, RustDesk, Chrome remote desktop all support remote access on MacOS. Parsec, SplashTop also, but they are likely not free.
AnyDesk, TeamViewer, Apple RD, or Scalefusion Remote access software for Mac can be options you seek.
You can send a screen share request through the Messages app if you have a thread open with the person. From there, they must approve the request. But if they do, you can see their screen and control it if they also grant you access to do that.