Top 4 Mac Unattended Remote Access Tools

Importance of unattended remote access for Mac users

Imagine needing to access your Mac while you're miles away—perhaps for urgent work, retrieving important files, or troubleshooting an issue. This is where unattended remote access shines. It allows users to connect to their Mac devices anywhere, anytime, without requiring someone else to accept the connection. For Mac users, this capability can be a game-changer, enabling seamless remote connectivity and boosting productivity.

Benefits of Mac unattended remote access

What are the benefits of Mac unattended remote access? Here are some examples:

• 24/7 Accessibility: Unattended remote access ensures that your Mac is always accessible. You can log in anytime you need to travel or work from a different time zone.
• Remote Troubleshooting: IT professionals can quickly diagnose and fix issues on a Mac remotely, saving time and resources.
• Enhanced Productivity for Businesses: Unattended access streamlines operations by allowing employees to work remotely without interruptions or delays.

Best 4 tools for unattended remote access on Mac

To mirror the screen of an iPad or iPhone to a MacBook using a USB cable, you'll need to follow a few straightforward steps after connecting the device. Fortunately, there are five excellent tools available for this task. Keep reading to discover their features and step-by-step usage instructions.

Way 1. Access unattended Mac remotely via AnyViewer [Highly-recommended]

Accessing a Mac remotely when it’s unattended is simple and secure with AnyViewer. This powerful tool offers seamless remote desktop access, allowing you to control your Mac from anywhere, anytime, even if no one is physically present at the device.

Why AnyViewer is highly recommended:

• High Security: AnyViewer uses ECC-256-bit end-to-end encryption to keep your connection safe.
• Ease of Use: It’s simple to set up and easy to navigate, perfect for both beginners and advanced users.
• Cross-Platform Compatibility: Works seamlessly across various devices, including Mac, Windows, Android, and iOS.
• Reliable Performance: With low latency and high-quality video, AnyViewer ensures a smooth remote access experience.

Here’s how you can access an unattended Mac remotely from a Windows computer or another Mac:

Step 1. Begin by downloading AnyViewer on your unattended Mac. Install the app, then sign in or register. Ensure the Mac is set up correctly beforehand.

Step 2. On your Windows PC, download and log in to AnyViewer as well.

Step 3. Once logged in on both devices, navigate to the "Device" tab on your Windows PC. Your unattended Mac should appear in the list. Click on it and choose "One-click control" to gain remote access to the Mac.

★Tips: Upgrading to a Professional or Enterprise account unlocks advanced features such as:

Adding more users for unattended remote access.

Controlling unlimited Mac at the same time.

Higher image qualities for remote control and screen sharing.

Creating device groups to simplify the management of multiple Mac devices.

Setting roles and permissions to regulate user access effectively.

Way 2. Controlling a Mac via Apple Remote Desktop

Apple Remote Desktop is the Mac built-in remote access solution that is designed for remote management of multiple computers over a network. It enables tasks like file transfers, software updates, app execution, and scheduling automated processes. This tool is ideal for managing office macOS workstations from home or receiving tech support from your company's IT team in emergencies.

Essentially, Apple Remote Desktop serves as the macOS counterpart to Microsoft's Remote Desktop Connection client.

How to control a Mac via Apple Remote Desktop:

Step 1. Open the Apple Menu and navigate to "System Settings".

Step 2. In the sidebar, select "General", then scroll down to locate "Sharing".

Step 3. Check the box next to "Remote Management" to activate it, and customize the level of access in the authorized remote access section. Select the actions you want to permit, such as restarting the device, modifying settings, running apps, or copying files.

Step 4. Choose who can access the device: Select "All Users" for universal access or click the "Plus" icon under "Only these users" to specify a list of authorized users.

Step 5. Download the "Remote Desktop" app from the "App Store" and follow the installation guide to set it up on your device.

Step 6. If using a Task Server, input its address and click "Continue".

Step 7. Install the "Remote Desktop" client app on all computers (it's already included on macOS devices).

Step 8. Then follow the steps below to complete the process:

• Open the Apple Remote Desktop application on your administrator Mac.

• Click on "Scanner."

• Choose "Local Network."

• Select the computer(s) you wish to add.

• Drag the selected computers to "All Computers" or a specific group on the sidebar.

• Enter the standard username and password, then click "Add."

Step 9. Once the remote computers are added, select the one you want to control from the list and click the "Control" button.

Note: The Apple Remote Desktop app is not available for iPad or iPhone. Instead, install the Microsoft Remote Desktop client for iOS.

Way 3. Connect to a remote Mac with Screen Sharing

Mac's built-in Screen Sharing feature lets you access a Mac from another device on the same network. This is particularly helpful for users who want a simple method to connect two computers linked to the same iCloud account.

Note: You can also use Screen Sharing to remotely access your Mac from iPads, iPhones, Windows, or Linux devices.

How to Access a Mac via Screen Sharing:

Step 1. Open the "Apple Menu" and navigate to "System Settings > Sharing". Enable "Screen Sharing" by ticking the checkbox in the Service list.

Step 2. Under the "Allow access for" section, specify who can or cannot access your Mac. Note your Mac's IP address, which appears below the "Screen Sharing: On" indicator.

Step 3. For added security, click "Computer Settings" under the "Screen Sharing: On" indicator.

Step 4. Enter a password in the field next to "VNC viewers may control…" and click "OK".

Step 5. On another Mac, open "Finder", go to "Go > Connect to Server", and type your Mac's IP address into the text box. Request access by selecting "Permissions".

Step 6. For non-Mac devices, enter your Mac's IP address into a VNC app like "VNC Viewer". Ensure you use the same IP and computer name as listed.

Step 7. On the "Authentication" tab, log in using the password you set earlier.

Step 8. Click "Connect" to establish the connection.

Way 4. Accessing Mac remotely with Remote Login

Remote Login is a built-in macOS feature that allows secure remote access to a Mac using SSH (Secure Shell Protocol) or SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol). Follow these steps to enable it on your device.

Here’s how to access Mac remotely with Remote Login:

Step 1. Open the "Apple Menu" > "System Preferences" > "Sharing".

Step 2. Enable "Remote Login" by checking the box next to it. 

Step 3. Specify access permissions using the bullet list:

• Allow all users in your local network.
• Restrict access to specific users.

Step 4. Copy the "ssh username@hostname" command provided and share it with devices that need remote access to your Mac.

Conclusion

In conclusion, unattended remote access for Mac users provides significant convenience and flexibility, allowing for seamless connectivity from anywhere at any time. Whether for business or personal use, tools like AnyViewer offer secure and reliable solutions for managing Macs remotely. By enabling 24/7 access, troubleshooting, and enhanced productivity, unattended remote access is a game-changer for users who need to stay connected without being physically present.