Remote Play Macbook Pro



Use this information to find out which MacBook Pro you have, and where it fits in the history of MacBook Pro. Your Mac provides several tools to help you identify it. The simplest is About This Mac, available by choosing About This Mac from the Apple menu in the upper-left corner of your screen. By placing your remote close enough on the Infrared Red sensor on your Imac/Macbook/Macbook Pro, hold on to Menu and Play/Pause key at the same time. Hold it on for 5 second or more. As soon everything is in the right place, you will suprisingly see one ‘chain’ icon and the apple remote appeared in the middle of the screen indicating that.

Remote access to Mac, anywhere

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Get Screens and work across multiple remote Macs.

While many countries are on a lockdown due to COVID-19, remote work is becoming a lifestyle. Remotely accessing a Mac is designed to be easy. Apple has spent a lot of time ensuring anyone can log in to their Macs — both desktop and laptop — from any other Mac device, anywhere. And, besides, there are a variety of third-party apps ready to help with that too.

Still, remotely managing their Mac sounds overly complicated to a lot of people. From how you connect to sharing files or screens to using your Apple device as a remote mouse, we want to demystify the process in the easy-to-follow guide below.

Best Remote Access Apps for Mac

Setapp sets you up with all the tools you need to access your computer remotely. Best utilities in one pack, give it a go!

How to access your Mac from another location

There're two ways: you can allow remote login to your Mac from another computer, or allow others to access your computer using Remote Desktop (it's available from the App Store).

Allow remote login to your Mac from another computer

For devices using the same macOS, you can allow remote Mac login using a Secure Shell (SSH). This enables Mac remote desktop access using a Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP).

To set up Remote Login:

  • Go to System Preferences > Sharing
  • Select Remote Login.
  • Choose which users you want to have remote access to or the ability to control your Mac.

You can either select All Users, which means any other device on your network, or any Mac you own, can access and connect, or click the plus sign to pick the exact users.

When you want to remotely log in to your Mac from another device, you need to know your username (the name that appears when you login) and your computer's IP address. Write them down and keep them safe, as allowing access to your Mac does make it potentially less secure, especially over cellular or public Wi-Fi networks.

Accessing, controlling, or viewing information on your Mac can be done with a built-in Terminal or any other SSH app using your username and IP address.

Allow others to access your computer using Apple Remote Desktop

With macOS remote Mac access, things are even easier. To set up it:

  • Go to Menu > System Preferences > Sharing
  • Select Remote Management - it should appear as a checkbox.
  • Now you can select who has remote desktop access. Either select, All Users, which means any other device on your network, or Mac you own, can access and connect, or click the Add button(+), which gives you the ability to select who can have remote access and/or control.

If you are using a VPN or VNC viewer and want to access your Mac remotely, you will need to set up a password first. It is also possible to use iOS devices, such as an iPhone and iPad, through Apple Remote Desktop, available from the App Store.

How to stay on the same page with Screens

Collaboration has become of utmost importance to today's workplaces. And with more and more people working remotely, being on the same screen (ahem, page) is a must.

Screens allows you to work remotely with any computer regardless of your location. Whether you are on a business trip or traveling, stay confident knowing you can access any file on your home computer at any time.

This robust screen sharing tool for Mac supports:

Apple remote macbook pro
  • Multiple displays
  • Drag-and-drop file sharing
  • Hiding your remote screen while accessing it
  • Accessing other computers (e.g. colleague's) as a guest
  • Alternative shortcuts (useful when connecting Mac to PC)
  • Custom actions in case of disconnection

To start using Screens, get the app from Setapp and configure the following:

  1. Remote login and remote management (as per the guide above)
  2. Install Screens Connect helper app and create a Screens ID on every machine you'd like to connect to in the future
  3. Use your Screens ID in the Screens app and it will automatically determine which of your computers are available for connection
Play

Remote desktop client for Mac

Control any computer remotely – a perfect way to access your Mac from anywhere without limitations.

Share files between devices

Today we have plenty of ways to send and share files. But ask someone to send something, and you are likely to get it through email. Due to the ubiquitousness of email, it's still the default method for file sharing, despite its obvious flaws and constraints.

Fortunately, there are much better ways:

Native macOS File Sharing

Few people know that their Mac has native file sharing functionality built-in. To use this feature, activate it in the Sharing pane of System Preferences by checking File Sharing. If you only want to share specific folders, add them to the Shared Folders list. If you only want specific users to access the folder, add them to its Users list. Otherwise, everyone will be able to access it.

AirDrop

Although not the most reliable solution, AirDrop works fine for occasional sharing a file between Apple devices. In the Finder, choose Go and then AirDrop on both the sending and receiving Mac. As soon as you see the receiver's user icon, drag the desired file onto it to send.

Read more about how to use AirDrop

Dropshare

If you don't want to send files Mac-to-Mac directly but rather through a cloud storage, there is no easier way than Dropshare. The app works with numerous cloud providers, from Dropbox to Google Drive, and saves your files for sharing by simply dragging them onto its menu bar icon.

File Transfer Protocol (FTP)

The most technical but also the most robust way to share files from your Mac is to use FTP, which you could do either through Terminal or an FTP Client, the latter being much more user friendly.

There are a few popular FTP clients one could choose from. The robust file managing app ForkLift covers most of the FTP functionality but takes it to the next level and could be a viable replacement for the Finder altogether with its quick search, instant previews, and file comparison.

DCommander is another full-featured file transfer app for Mac that combines speed and reliability, able to handle thousands of files, schedule backups, and even automate transfers.

At last, when it comes to sharing the same files on different devices, an app like ChronoSync Express becomes invaluable.

ChronoSync Express is a powerful tool for sharing and transferring files from Mac to Mac, or any other Apple device. With a feature called Synchronizer Document, you can select which files need to be automatically synchronized and shared between devices, just like that:

  1. Create a new synchronizer document for each folder synchronization you'd like to perform
  2. Name the synchronization
  3. Change the Operation to Synchronize Bidirectionally
  4. Select folders to sync on the left and right
  5. Test with a Trial Sync

Do you need to use a VPN (Virtual Private Network)?

Whether you are working on your Mac directly, logging into your Mac remotely, or sharing access with someone else, security should be on top of your mind.

As a rule of thumb, you should always use a VPN when connected to a public Wi-Fi network, as someone could log in and see the information you send just as easily as you do.

And with remote access — even in the View Only mode — someone can see every file and document on your Mac, except those that are password protected. Unfortunately, if you leave passwords in a visible document, you expose yourself to immense risks.

A secure VPN client for Mac like Shimo is well worth using to stop unwanted eyes from lurking around, especially if you are sharing sensitive files, financial records or customer data.

However, for extra peace of mind and security, consider firing up your VPN automatically on all networks you are not 100% sure about to keep your emails, bank accounts and personal documents safe.

Play

To share your Mac with someone else, download a remote Virtual Network Computing (VNC) app like Jump Desktop. With full remote access and Mac remote control, the other person — or yourself connecting to another Mac — can have the same level of control as the person using that device. Except for Admin level access, since it's password protected.

Starting with Jump Desktop is easy: either yourself (gaining access) or the person you are giving a remote view or control access to your Mac, needs to add details of the device and the password.

Secure your access with VPN

Get a VPN client for Mac to avoid privacy infringement while connecting remotely. It's secure and free to try.

Once permission is granted at the other end, remote Mac screen sharing or control (whereby you can use the iOS device as a remote mouse) becomes possible.

How to use your iOS device as a remote mouse

If your remote work starts on a patio hammock somewhere in east Asia, you should note that Apple iOS devices, such as an iPhone or iPad, can be used to control a Mac remotely, much like a mouse can control a desktop or laptop. Apps that make this possible work on VNC.

Remote Control For Macbook Pro

Remote Mouse is the easiest, most effective way to turn your iOS device into a wireless remote control for your Mac.

Although remote access through a local network would be most effective, since the closer you are to the device the quicker the connection, it's also possible from anywhere in the world, providing the network is secure and fast enough.

Setting up and granting access to the iOS device is the same process as when someone wants to access using a Mac. Except you need to give them a password. And make sure it is different from your primary Mac or iOS (App Store) one.

So working together or checking on your devices can be done from anywhere in the world and there are lots of ways to do that, from sharing screens and files to having complete access to a system set up far away. Setapp equips you with all the apps needed to remotely access any device you need and elevate your work to the global level.

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Optical media is a dying format, thanks largely in part to services such as iTunes and the App Store, so it's no surprise that Apple has been slowing phasing out a built-in drive from their Mac lineup, leaving just the entry-level 13' MacBook Pro unchanged.

While OS X is compatible with a wide range of USB optical drives (including Apple's own USB SuperDrive), it includes a built-in feature that allows it to share the optical drive of another Mac or PC on the same network, called Remote Disc.

A History of Remote Disc

When the original MacBook Air launched in 2008, it was the first Mac in over a decade designed without a built-in optical drive. Although the launch was only six years ago, neither the App Store or Mac App Store existed, and software was still most commonly distributed on CDs and DVDs.

For MacBook Air owners wanting to still install software from CDs and DVDs, many of whom need a way of installing Microsoft Office, Apple introduced a Remote Disc, providing local network access to another Mac or PC's optical drive.

Limitations

Despite it's supposed versatility, Remote Disc is rather limited. It can only really be used with data CDs and DVDs, such as software installers. The feature doesn't support audio CDs, video DVDs, OS installations and games that require constant disc access. Writing to CDs and DVDs is also not possible. To avoid these limitations, a USB optical drive would be needed.

Prerequisites

Remote Disc hasn't really changed since it was introduced, requiring at least Mac OS X 10.4.11 or above on the host Mac that's equipped with an optical drive. Indeed, the Windows software that provides this functionality from a PC hasn't even been updated since it was released, still sitting at v1.0.

How To Use Remote Play On Mac

If your Mac lacks a built-in optical drive as standard, Remote Disc will be available for you to use.

Setting Up Remote Disc

Remote Disc is rather straightforward to set up and, once configured, can be left on for continued access. It's important to note that Remote Disc isn't secure, data is not encrypted when transmitted over the network and access control is done by requesting permission.

Host Mac

To enable Remote Disc on your host Mac, open System Preferences and select Sharing.

Provided your Mac has either a built-in optical drive or an external one attached, the option DVD or CD Sharing will be the first in the list of sharing services that OS X can provide. Enabling it will provide access to your Mac's optical drive over the local network.

As you've probably noticed, the Mac I'm using as a host is a MacBook Air. This simply has a USB optical drive attached, allowing Remote Disc functionality.

As far as controlling access to your Mac's optical drive, you have the choice of requiring a remote user to ask for permission before accessing the optical drive. If you have a number of drive-less Macs within the home and a SuperDrive-equipped iMac, it makes sense to not need permission. For more public networks or work environments, requesting permission is advisable. For the purposes of this guide, enable the option so that our remote user needs to ask permission before using the optical drive.

Host PC

Nearly half of all Mac users are new to the platform, having switched to the Mac from a Windows PC. Providing the ability for new Mac users to be able to use their PC's optical drive is a smart way of ensuring that their transition is as seamless as possible.

To enable Remote Disc within Windows XP SP2 or above, you'll need to install the DVD or CD Sharing Update 1.0 for Windows.

Although the system requirements state it is compatible with either Windows XP or Vista, it is compatible with Windows 7 and 8.

Once the software is installed, launch DVD or CD Sharing from the Start Menu (or wherever the heck Windows 8 puts it). You'll see the same options that OS X provides, simply enabling or disabling the service and an option for requiring permission.

One common misconception is that, as Windows PCs cannot access files on a Mac-formatted drive, the same applies to a Mac software CD or DVD. This isn't the case and Windows can happily read Mac CDs or DVDs as both OS X and Windows use the same common filesystem for structuring data on an optical disc.

Remote Mac

Now that the service is enabled, we can now remotely access our host Mac's optical drive.

Your remote Mac should display an option within a Finder window's sidebar, under Devices, labelled Remote Disc. Ensure both Macs are running on the same local network and then select it.

As Remote Disc broadcasts its availability over the network, the host Mac should be seen within the window. Since it is also available on a Windows PC on the local network, it too will be displayed.

Double-click the Mac and, if you enabled the option to require permission before using, click the Ask to use... button.

A dialog box will appear on the host Mac detailing the user and Mac that is requesting permission to access its optical drive, giving you the ability to deny or allow access.

The same dialog box also appears when the request is sent to a Windows PC.

After clicking Accept, the remote Mac can now access the CD we have in the host computer's drive and will allow us to install software or copy files from the inserted disc.

Wrapping Up

Back when Remote Disc was introduced, it served a genuinely useful need that meant new MacBook Air owners could rest easy, knowing they could install software residing on DVDs with some degree of ease.

Macbook Pro Best Buy

Nowadays, Remote Disc is likely a feature of OS X you'll never need to use, though it's certainly useful to have in the event that you may need to copy files or install some software from an optical disc.

Remote Play Macbook Pro

But 3rd-party USB optical drives are so cheap that it's worth purchasing one just to have handy. As OS X natively supports USB optical drives, there really isn't any point in purchasing the Apple USB SuperDrive for anything other than aesthetic reasons. It's oddly limited to being compatible with Macs that don't feature a built-in optical drive, meaning it cannot be used on other Macs, such as ones with a broken SuperDrive, or PCs.

Macbook Pro India

I personally own a Samsung 8x USB DVD Writer that costs less than $30 and, although I've used it only a handful of times, it has been for uses where Remote Disc just wasn't an option. It's also far more versatile than Apple's own.

Apple Remote Macbook Pro

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