# Set up your Mac for remote access from an iPad > How to prepare your Mac for remote desktop from an iPad: Screen Sharing, permissions, sleep, network and security – step by step. Source: https://padtailor.app/en/guides/set-up-mac-for-remote-access/ · Updated: 2026-10-17 · Author: Remo Adams-Schönfeld ## In short - For remote access your Mac needs either built-in Screen Sharing (System Settings → General → Sharing) or your remote app’s helper. - Third-party helpers need the Screen Recording and Accessibility permissions – otherwise the picture stays black or can’t be controlled. - To keep the Mac reachable: prevent automatic sleep while the display is off and turn on “Wake for network access”. - With FileVault, the Mac must be unlocked in person after a restart before any remote app can reach it. Before you can connect from your iPad, your Mac has to accept connections, be allowed to stream its screen, and stay awake. This guide walks through every step. Names are from macOS 14 Sonoma and later; they may differ slightly between versions. ## 1. Decide how the iPad connects There are two ways to share your Mac: - **Built-in Screen Sharing (VNC):** part of macOS and free. On the iPad you need an app that speaks VNC, such as Screens, RealVNC Viewer or Jump Desktop. - **The app vendor’s helper:** Jump Desktop Connect, Screens Connect, RealVNC Server or Chrome Remote Desktop install their own service on the Mac. They often add convenience such as easier remote access, their own protocols or automatic setup. Both work. Use whatever your iPad app recommends. Overview of the apps: [Set up a remote desktop app on your iPad](https://padtailor.app/en/guides/set-up-remote-desktop-app-on-ipad/). ## 2. Turn on Screen Sharing (for VNC apps) 1. Open **System Settings → General → Sharing**. 2. Turn on **Screen Sharing**. 3. Click the info button **(i)** next to it. Under “Allow access for”, choose which users may connect. 4. Some VNC apps require a separate password: then turn on **“VNC viewers may control screen with password”** and set a long, unique password. 5. Note the Mac’s address shown there (such as `vnc://192.168.1.20`, or the device name ending in `.local`). Some apps, such as Screens, also use **Remote Login** (SSH) for an encrypted connection. You’ll find it in the same Sharing section. ## 3. Grant permissions to helpers If your remote app uses its own helper, it needs two macOS permissions. Without them you get a black screen or view-only access: 1. **Screen Recording:** System Settings → Privacy & Security → **Screen & System Audio Recording** → turn the helper on. 2. **Accessibility:** System Settings → Privacy & Security → **Accessibility** → turn the helper on. This lets it control mouse and keyboard. You can only grant these permissions at the Mac itself, not remotely. Do it before you leave. macOS occasionally asks again for some apps – confirm the prompt at the Mac when it appears. ## 4. Keep the Mac awake and reachable A sleeping Mac won’t accept connections. To keep it reachable: - **Desktop Mac** (Mac mini, Mac Studio, iMac): System Settings → **Energy** → turn on **“Prevent automatic sleeping when the display is off”**. - **MacBook:** System Settings → **Battery → Options** → turn on the option that prevents sleep on power adapter. Keep the MacBook plugged in. - Turn on **“Wake for network access”** in the same place so the Mac wakes briefly for incoming connections. The display can still turn off. Apple notes that these settings may increase power use. ## 5. Network: at home and away - **On the same Wi-Fi**, the iPad app usually finds the Mac by name. Give the Mac a fixed IP address in your router if the app sometimes can’t find it. - **While away**, you need a secure way into your home network: your remote app’s relay service or a VPN such as Tailscale. **Don’t** simply forward VNC port 5900 to the internet. Details: [Control your Mac from your iPad while away](https://padtailor.app/en/guides/control-mac-from-ipad-remotely/). ## 6. Plan for restarts and FileVault With FileVault turned on – the default on modern Macs – the Mac starts up locked after a restart. Screen Sharing and helpers only run once someone enters the password at the Mac. Schedule updates and restarts for when you’re back at the Mac, or simply leave it running while you’re away. ## 7. Optional: prepare the desktop at iPad size Once everything is set up, the iPad first shows your Mac’s monitor – often small and letterboxed. With [PadTailor](https://padtailor.app/en/) you turn on “iPad display” in the menu bar before the session. The Mac desktop then has your iPad’s shape and Retina resolution, and the remote app streams a picture that fits exactly. Switch it off again afterwards. ## Checklist - Screen Sharing or the helper is on - Screen Recording and Accessibility allowed (for helpers) - Sleep prevented while the display is off, “Wake for network access” on - Strong password, no open port 5900 on the router - Mac unlocked in person once since its last restart ## Frequently asked questions ### Where do I turn on Screen Sharing on my Mac? In System Settings under General → Sharing → Screen Sharing. The info button next to it lets you choose who may connect and set a separate password for VNC apps. ### Why do I only see a black screen when I connect from my iPad? Usually the remote app’s helper is missing the Screen Recording permission. Grant it under System Settings → Privacy & Security → Screen & System Audio Recording and restart the helper. ### How do I stop my Mac from going to sleep and becoming unreachable? On a desktop Mac, turn on “Prevent automatic sleeping when the display is off” under System Settings → Energy. On a MacBook, use the matching power adapter option under Battery → Options. Also turn on “Wake for network access”. ### Is Screen Sharing secure? On your own network with a strong password it works well. But don’t expose VNC port 5900 to the internet with port forwarding. For remote use, a VPN such as Tailscale or your remote app’s encrypted relay is the better choice.