Screen Sharing lets you see and control one Mac from another Mac over your network or the internet. It is built into macOS, needs no extra software, and works for helping a family member, grabbing a file from your other Mac, or running a headless Mac Mini across the room. Here is how to turn it on and connect, plus how to share your screen live in Messages and FaceTime.
1. Turn on Screen Sharing (on the Mac you want to reach)
On the Mac you want to control from a distance:
- Open System Settings > General > Sharing.
- Turn on Screen Sharing.
- Click the info (i) button next to it to choose who may connect: All users, or Only these users (safer). Add specific accounts so random users on the network cannot log in.
That same panel shows the address other Macs use to reach this one, for example vnc://192.168.1.25 or a name like Johns-MacBook.local. Jot it down.
Note: if Remote Management (used by Apple Remote Desktop) is already on, it takes over the screen-sharing port. You do not need both. For everyday personal use, plain Screen Sharing is all you want.
2. Connect from the other Mac
You have three easy ways in:
Finder (same network)
Open a Finder window. Under Locations in the sidebar, the other Mac usually appears by name. Click it, then click Share Screen… in the top-right. Sign in with an account that exists on that Mac.
The Screen Sharing app (type any address)
Open Spotlight (Command-Space), type Screen Sharing, and press Return. Enter the address from step 1 (an IP like 192.168.1.25, a .local name, or an Apple ID). Great for connecting by IP or over the internet.
By Apple ID (across networks)
If both Macs are signed into the same Apple ID (or you are in each other Contacts with Apple ID email), you can request to share the screen without knowing the IP address. In the Screen Sharing app, enter the Apple ID email instead of an IP.
3. Control vs. observe
Once connected, use the toolbar at the top of the Screen Sharing window to switch modes:
- Control mode — your keyboard and mouse drive the remote Mac. Use this to fix something or run an app.
- Observe mode — you watch only; the other person keeps control. Handy when you are guiding someone by phone.
You can also drag files between the two Macs and share a common clipboard from the same toolbar.
4. Share your screen live in Messages or FaceTime
For quick help without turning on Sharing at all:
- Messages: open a conversation, click the Details button (or the person name at the top), then the screen-share icon, and choose Invite to Share My Screen or Ask to Share Screen. The other person can request control.
- FaceTime (SharePlay): during a call, click the Share button in the FaceTime controls and pick Window or Screen to show what you are doing. This is view-only, ideal for demos.
5. If it will not connect
- Nothing shows in Finder? Both Macs must be on the same Wi-Fi/network, and Screen Sharing must be ON on the target Mac. Try the IP address directly in the Screen Sharing app.
- Blocked by the firewall? In System Settings > Network > Firewall > Options, make sure Screen Sharing is allowed (it usually is automatically once you enable Sharing).
- Wrong password? Use an account and password that exist on the remote Mac, not on the Mac you are sitting at.
- Connecting over the internet? You need the remote network router to forward the VNC port (5900) or, more simply, use the same Apple ID on both Macs so it routes for you.
- Sleeping Mac? The target Mac must be awake, or have Wake for network access enabled in System Settings > Displays > Advanced (or Energy settings on desktops).
Is your Mac too old for smooth screen sharing?
Screen Sharing works on any modern Mac, but an older Intel machine can feel laggy over the network and struggle once you are running several apps remotely. If your everyday Mac is aging, a clean Apple-silicon MacBook makes both ends of a screen-sharing session far snappier. Our refurbished Apple-silicon MacBook Airs start at $569.99, and you can see current deals on the Apple clearance page. Every Mac we sell is tested and covered by our own warranty, so you are ready to help family or work remotely out of the box.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to install anything to screen share between two Macs?
No. Screen Sharing is built into macOS. Turn it on in System Settings > General > Sharing on one Mac, then connect from the other through Finder or the Screen Sharing app.
Can I control a Mac from an iPhone or iPad?
Not with the built-in Screen Sharing, which is Mac-to-Mac. For iPhone or iPad control you would use a third-party remote-desktop app. Mac to Mac needs nothing extra.
What is the difference between Screen Sharing and Remote Management?
Screen Sharing is the simple personal feature. Remote Management is the version used by Apple Remote Desktop for managing many Macs at once. Enabling Remote Management disables plain Screen Sharing because they share the same port. For home use, pick Screen Sharing.
Can someone control my screen without permission?
No. You choose exactly which accounts may connect in the Screen Sharing info panel, and any connection requires a valid username and password for your Mac. For Messages and FaceTime sharing, you approve each request.
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