Set up Remoted for your first connection

Before you start

You need Remoted on an iPhone or iPad running iOS or iPadOS 26.5 or later, and a Mac you own or have permission to control. Put both devices on the same trusted network for your first connection. Keep the Mac awake and online.

Remoted is the client on your iPhone or iPad. Your Mac uses its built-in Screen Sharing service; you do not need to install a Remoted server on it. Remote connections require access to Remoted Complete.

1. Enable Screen Sharing on your Mac

Use a Mac account that is allowed to share the screen. Its username and password are separate from your Apple account. On a managed Mac, ask the administrator to configure access.

1. Open System Settings → General → Sharing on the Mac.
2. Enable Screen Sharing and open its information panel. If Remote Management is enabled, follow Apple’s instructions before changing services.
3. Allow access for the Mac account you will use. Limit access to the users who need it.
4. Note the Mac’s network name or local IP address for the connection.

• Apple’s Screen Sharing instructions

2. Add your Mac in Remoted

Allow Remoted’s local network permission when prompted. Nearby discovery is useful on the same network; you can also add the computer manually.

1. Choose a nearby computer, add a computer using its network name or IP address, or use Quick Connect.
2. Use the configured Screen Sharing port, normally 5900. Start with Standard mode.
3. Enter the permitted Mac account’s username and password. Remembering credentials is optional; saved credentials stay in the Keychain on this device.
4. Connect and choose the desktop you are allowed to use if the Mac offers a session choice.

3. Connect away from home

Your Mac’s local address usually works only on its local network. To connect from elsewhere, your device needs a route to that Mac. Tailscale can provide a private network between them.

Follow our Tailscale guide to install it on both devices and connect to the Mac’s Tailscale address. You do not need to expose Screen Sharing through your router.

• Control your Mac remotely with Tailscale

If the first connection fails

Standard screen-sharing image traffic is not encrypted after authentication. Use a trusted network or a VPN you control. See the privacy policy for connection protections and their limits.

1. Check that the Mac is awake, connected and running Screen Sharing.
2. Confirm that the Mac account is permitted to share the screen and the password is correct.
3. Try the Mac’s IP address and Standard mode. Check Remoted’s local network permission in your device settings.
4. Guest Wi-Fi can isolate devices even when they use the same Wi-Fi name. Check the network and firewall settings with the administrator.

• Remoted privacy policy

Need a hand?

Use Settings → About → Report a problem in Remoted, or email remoted.dev@gmail.com. Include the app version and build, your device and OS, the Mac’s OS, connection mode, the error and the steps that led to it.

Do not send passwords, private network addresses or desktop content. You can review and edit the app’s email draft before sending it.