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How to operate Remote Desktop on a computer other than same network?

Giuanniello

Giuanniello

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Hello,

simple question, I want to be able to work onto a remote computer, I guess I need to know the IP assigned by the provider (please share how to) and to have the rights assigned in system preferences -> remote management (I am translating from Italian as that's my OS language), once I have the IP I should be able to initiate a Remote Desktop session, am I correct?

Grazie
 
Not exactly correct.

Knowing the IP only helps if the IP is publicly visible, which it probably isn’t.

There are ways of setting up your network to allow it - but it gets complicated. Much simpler to choose a commercial service for Remote Desktop (e.g. TeamViewer is one I’ve personally used, but there are several).
 
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Yes, the 2 best options:

• A VPN to the existing network, if it could be a company or employer
• A commercial product as mentioned

The reason is that most networks have safeguards that will not allow remote access. To safely and easily work around those security measures, the VPN puts your device on the same network so you can use remote tools as if you were in the office (depending how the VPN is configured). Commercial tools can do the same, once their software agenis t installed on the the compuer you want to remote into.

There is another posisiblity, if you want to connect to a fri'ends Mac, but they must be present to accept: Remote screen connection using Messages.
 
I use Tailscale to remote into my Windows Server via the Windows app when I'm not at home
It's pretty easy to configure, you just have to look up the IP address of the device you're trying to connect to on Tailscale's admin console
Capture d’écran 2026-01-19 à 09.51.08.png
 
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Giuanniello said:
simple question
Click to expand...
But not a simple answer.

TeamViewer or Jump Desktop. They both handle the tricks around network firewalls without compromising your security.

Otherwise Tailscale (not for a network newbie) and Remote Desktop. But that will be slower than either Jump or TeamViewer.

My personal preference is Jump Desktop, and often using Tailscale as well.
 
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Do you need more than screen sharing and remote control? If not, you can screen share with Messages. You need someone at the remote end to accept the screen share.
 
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A friend of mine who lives far away asked me to help update his computer, thought of doing a Remote Desktop session, if I manage to instruct him to add me as an administrator into his sharing settings what else do I need to be able to access and operate his iMac?

Grazie
 
I was going to suggest finding out the public IP (assuming IPv4) using, for example, https://whatismyipaddress.com and then setting port forwarding (usually port 3389). I've done this to remotely connect to an old Macbook running Ubuntu at home while I was travelling.

However, the two posts above about using iMessage (or FaceTime, it seems) to share the screen is so much easier!
 
adrianlondon said:
I was going to suggest finding out the public IP (assuming IPv4) using, for example, https://whatismyipaddress.com and then setting port forwarding (usually port 3389). I've done this to remotely connect to an old Macbook running Ubuntu at home while I was travelling.

However, the two posts above about using iMessage (or FaceTime, it seems) to share the screen is so much easier!
Click to expand...

That’s a really tired and true way of exposing your entire computer to hacking. You could at least change the default RDP port number. Geoblock foreign IPs. Setup your firewall with white list. Refuse multiple incorrect connection attempts.

Many routers have VPNs like Wireguard or OpenVPN built in or similar making it very easy to use. If not, you can always run the VPN host app on your computer. Tailscale also is good if your ISP blocks VPNs.

I’m not sure the messages app will work, if both computers are not Macs (not sure the scenario here). Plus, not sure you are offer screen sharing and indefinitely have a connection. If you disconnect how do you reinitiate.

I have a couple windows-based cctv servers that are windows based. I almost never have to login because the client software works seamlessly, even off network (remote access is baked in). But if I have to update Windows or whatever I use Windows Remote Desktop (Mac or PC) to login locally. If I’m away I use the VPN built into my UniFi routers, which I’m pretty sure is just Wireguard rebranded. One click of a button and I’m back on the network. And it’s much safer than port forwarding.
 
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For instance I have to access a remote Mac from my Mac, the guy on the other side is totally unaware how to operate it, the most I thought asking him was to guide him through control panel and add me as an administrator in the file sharing panel and then try and connect through iMessage but I don't think he has iMessage enabled on the computer
 
A.Goldberg said:
That’s a really tired and true way of exposing your entire computer to hacking. You could at least change the default RDP port number. Geoblock foreign IPs. Setup your firewall with white list. Refuse multiple incorrect connection attempts.
Click to expand...

I knew what IP address I was coming from (a fixed one) so I simply blocked everything else.
 
Giuanniello said:
but I don't think he has iMessage enabled on the computer
Click to expand...

Dealing with neophytes!

Recently some senior asked me how can she fly to Hot Spring Arkansas from Oakland, CA. First thing that came to my mind was "well you will have to ask each airline whether they go there" then it occurred to me we have AI now, we can just ask the question in plain English or Italian! so that is what I do these days, if I don't know the answer I just ask AI, write the question on my browser and bang! Often times AI needs more precise questions and it will tell you. You may have to have your friend on the phone for the session in order to authorize the connection, if doing Mac-to-Mac this sounds very simple with iMessage.

You said "update system". if this update, like update MacOS requires multiple reboots it may require that your friend be present for the entire session.

No matter what kind of update you are referring to, you have to be authorized by the target, either a once-off, or permanent which will require your friend's presence.
 
I think I will do it the old way, be on the phone, start and check which OS and which hardware it is, check for OS updates and have him manually do it then we'll figure it out, seems like too complicated even tho I thought add me as an user on file sharing would help but that too might be hard on the other end.

Thanks
 
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Another vote for Jump Desktop! I have been using it for YEARS and it's always been great, I just wish they would create a new logo, lol.
 
Our amateur radio club has been using RustDesk to remote into the computers at our different repeater sites.

I won't recommend Team Viewer. They will nag you and/or lock you out if you connect to a remote computer too often or connect to a few computers.

I had Team Viewer and only used it occasionally to connect to my W11 desktop and I kept getting nagged to upgrade to the paid version as they said I was using it too much.
 
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