Mac mini features the Apple T2 Security Chip — second-generation custom Mac silicon designed by Apple to make Mac mini even more secure. The T2 Security Chip consolidates several controllers into one, and includes a Secure Enclave coprocessor that provides the foundation for encrypted storage and secure boot capabilities.
Apple’s Mac mini is a machine that’s well-loved by many consumers for its versatility and relatively low price point
- VNC, Generally Speaking Mac OS X comes preinstalled with a remote control package called VNC (for Virtual Network Computing). In a just-out-of-the-box Mac Mini this feature is disabled, but since you need a way of connecting to your server to set it up, MacStadium has already enabled the screen sharing feature in the Sharing preferences panel.
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- If the remote Mac is connected to an AirPort Express, or use a Time Capsule, or if there's an Apple TV on the network, then it can go into sleep mode and will be woken on demand when you connect.
- Apple’s free Remote ( ) application is a great way to play media stored in the mini’s iTunes library.Just pair the iPhone or iPod touch with the mini’s copy of iTunes, and you can control.
Because of that, the Mac mini has become a favorite for people setting up servers, home media hubs, or another secondary device.
Of course, in those use scenarios, it’s not worth connecting a Mac mini to a computer monitor and other accessories all of the time. What you need is a quick, easy way to use your Mac mini without a display.
Luckily, Apple has a couple options that will let you do so — including a handy feature called Screen Sharing.
Contents
- 1 What is Screen Sharing in macOS?
- 2 Remote Management: An Alternative Option
What is Screen Sharing in macOS?
Basically, Screen Sharing is a simple method baked into macOS that lets users remotely control a Mac from another computer.
When you have Screen Sharing enabled, you can connect to, say, a Mac mini and start up a session on that computer.
From there, the Mac mini’s desktop will become visible and you can use the machine as if it’s actually connected to your monitor.
This, of course, is very handy so you can manage and tweak your Mac mini’s settings without needing to connect it to a mouse, keyboard and display first.
Here’s how to use it.
First, Configure Your Mac
Before you’re able to set up a Mac mini for use without a computer monitor or other peripherals, you’ll need a monitor (and a keyboard and mouse) to set it up.
Just plug all of your peripherals into your new Mac mini. Then, power it on and run through the standard macOS set up process.
How to Enable Screen Sharing
- Open System Preferences.
- Click on Sharing.
- Write down the text next to Computer Name. You’ll need the name to connect remotely to your Mac mini.
- You can also take note of the address, for an alternative method of connecting to your Mac mini.
- Ensure that Screen Sharing is enabled by clicking on Screen Sharing in the left-hand menu. You should see the toggle in the middle turn green.
If you only want certain users to have access to connect to your Mac mini, look to the Allow access for box.
Either select All Users, or click the box next to Only these users: and add the specified users from there via the + add icon.
- You can add users from Users & Groups, which includes users on your Mac.
- Network Users or Network Groups includes users and groups with network server accounts.
You can also turn on Anyone may request permission to control screen. This lets another user request permission before Screen Sharing can commence — you have to explicitly accept them, but it doesn’t require a password.
Lastly, if you’d like to remotely connect to your Mac mini from a Windows PC or another non-macOS machine, you’ll need to carry out a few additional steps.
- Click on Computer Settings.
- Check the box next to VNC Viewers may control screen with a password.
- Set a password for a non-Mac machine to use when connecting — be sure to write it down somewhere safe.
- When you’re done, click on OK.
From there, you can use a VNC viewer app to remotely access the Mac mini on an iPad or another computer. You just need the password.
Using Screen Sharing
Once it’s configured, you can easily access Screen Sharing through the native Finder app.
Do note that both computers must be on the same Wi-Fi or internet network for this to work. It’s also helpful to have both computers signed into the same Apple ID — otherwise, you’ll need to enter the Apple ID and password of an authorized user.
- Open the Finder app.
- Under the Locations subheading, click on Network.
- Double click on the Computer Name that you took note of or wrote down earlier.
- Click on Share Screen.
- If prompted, enter your User Name and Password.
- Click on Sign In.
Alternatively, you can open Finder, click on Go > Connect to Server, and enter the address of the Mac you’d like to Screen Share.
Adjusting Some Settings
When you’re using Screen Sharing, you can also set various preferences that could be helpful.
On your Mac mini, just click on the Screen Sharing menu in the top bar and select Preferences. You’ll find various options for scaling the shared screen, changing its quality on network conditions, and blocking certain users.
You can find a similar suite of settings on the Mac you’re shared to by clicking on the View tab.
Remote Management: An Alternative Option
It’s worth noting that there’s another system built into macOS that offers similar capabilities: Remote Management.
But Remote Management is aimed at system administrators and IT people because it allows for finer controls and configuring capabilities on several Mac devices from a single point.
While it’s great for that purpose, Screen Sharing is recommended for the average user.
Keep in mind that only one of the two features may be enabled at one time. You’ll have to disable one to turn on another.
Mike is a freelance journalist from San Diego, California.
While he primarily covers Apple and consumer technology, he has past experience writing about public safety, local government, and education for a variety of publications.
He’s worn quite a few hats in the journalism field, including writer, editor, and news designer.
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There are many ways to connect to a remote Mac Mini or Mac Pro. When Mac Mini Vault deploys a Mac running macOS, Screen Sharing (Apple’s version of VNC) and SSH are running by default. How you initially connect will depend on what OS you’re running on your computer.
Connecting from macOS
When connecting from a computer running macOS, the quickest way to connect is using the Connect to Server function. To access it in Finder, click Go -> Connect to Server…
In the Server Address bar, you can connect to a hostname or an IP address in this format: vnc://demo.macminivault.com
A login prompt will be displayed – enter the username and password to connect. Once connected, the credentials may need to be entered one more time at a login screen, at which point the macOS desktop will be displayed.
Connecting from Windows
When connecting from a computer running Windows, we recommend using Remotix for Windows. After Remotix is installed, open it up and create a new connection by clicking File -> New Connection -> VNC
Enter an optional name for the new connection, and enter the hostname. For example, demo.macminivault.com. All of the other defaults can be used. Click Save.
Control Mac Mini With Iphone
In the Remotix computer list, double click the connection that was just created, and a login prompt will appear. Enter the username and password and click Connect.
Upon connecting, the login credentials may need to be entered one more time at a login screen, at which point the macOS desktop will be displayed.
Other Options
Once you are connected to the remote Mac, there are other options that can be installed and used to connect in future remote sessions.
TeamViewer is a popular remote desktop app that offers a free version. An agent application is installed on the remote Mac and the local computer
NuoRDS is a Remote Desktop (RDP) server that can be installed on the remote Mac. It allows users to connect using the remote desktop application built into Windows.
Apple Remote For Mac Mini
NoMachine offers a free remote desktop application that can be installed on a remote Mac.