Emily Stewart •Oct 8, 2023
Emily StewartOct 8, 2023
4min read
Mac remote management has streamlined remotely accessing your MacBook from far away. This enables IT professionals to conveniently and swiftly connect and control any Mac device out there for troubleshooting and fixing certain issues. Moreover, you can rely on it for remotely working on your Mac when traveling.
In this article, we have explained the term remote management Mac and the detailed guides on setting it up, disabling it, and more. Dive in to begin the journey of exploration!
Part 1. What Does Remote Management Mean on Mac?
As more companies embrace Mac remote administration, the term "Apple Remote Management” has become a hot Google keyword. So, if you are one of those curious folks, we have covered you!
In short, remote management Mac is one of the innovative settings features in your MacBook. You can enable or disable it to allow or deny access to your MacBook remotely via the default Microsoft Remote Desktop client for Mac or other remote access platforms, like Avica.
With Mac remote administration, organizations ensure to keep all the organization’s software up to date, ensure every monitor is working to its best, and detect and resolve any Mac issue at an earlier stage to prevent it from worsening and affecting the rest of the connected devices.
The best part? It also helps erase your device's sensitive or confidential corporate data if it gets stolen or lost. How amazing is that? We must admit that remote working has revolutionized the concept of remote management, and now you know why!
Part 2. How to Setup Remote Management on Mac?
The remote management feature is enabled by default. However, if it's not set up on your device or you have ever disabled it, you can turn it back ON in two different ways. Below, we will explain both methods; you can choose the one you find convenient.
Method 1: UsingSettings to Enable Apple Remote Management Service Mac
Here is how you can enable macOS remote management through Settings:
- Turn your MacBook ON, navigate to System Preferences, and access the Sharing option on the Apple menu.
- Check mark the box beside Remote Management to reveal a pop-up menu.
- This menu lets you decide what remote users can do on your device, i.e., observe or just control.
- Next, make an entire list of users whom you want to allow access to your device. By default, the setting is set to All users – meaning the device can be accessed by any user on your Wi-Fi network. Alternatively, you can specify users, like only users of your Mac can access your device.
Method 2: Run Command Line to Enable Remote Management Mac
Alternatively, you can rely on the Mac terminal's specific purpose command line utility kickstart. Type in the following command in the Terminal app to activate it:
sudo/System/Library/CoreServices/RemoteManagement/ARDAgent.app/Contents/Resources/kickstart -configure -allowAccessFor -allUsers -privs -all
Part 3. How to Disable Mac Remote Management?
No doubt, enabled remote management Mac doesn't breach your security in any way. No one can access your device without your consent; you will be asked if you want to accept or reject the request for remote access. However, we still recommend turning OFF the feature when you are not using it.
Method 1: Disabling Mac Remote Management via Settings
Hop onto the below guide for disabling the feature via Settings!
- Go back to the System Preferences and select the sharing option.
- Ensure the checkbox beside Remote Management is unticked to disable it.
Though this method can turn OFF Remote Management, it will auto-enable once you restart your device. So, it's better to rely on the other method to skip this auto-enabling.
Method 2: Disabling Mac Remote Management Via Command Line
Here is how you can use the command line for this purpose:
- Launch the Terminal app by pressing the F4 key or using the shortcut Cmd + Space Bar and entering the word "Terminal."
- Once the app has launched, run the following command in it:sudo/System/Library/CoreServices/RemoteManagement/ARDAgent.app/Contents/Resources/kickstart -deactivate -stop
- End the process by entering the Password of your device’s admin account.
Part 4. Limitations of Apple Remote Desktop
Though the built-in feature is pretty convenient and reliable, it has several limitations. These include:
Limited Support – Apple Remote Desktop application is only compatible with Mac. So, if you are looking to access your Mac device via Android, iOS, or any other device, this wouldn't be the best option to rely on.
Outdated UI – Most non-tech savvy find its user interface outdated. It can be confusing to navigate, and multiple features are not supported. In short, the app needs significant improvement.
Slowed Performance – Several users have reported lagging performance of the app, mainly when multiple remote connections are established. However, you can't consider this app the best bet for organizations.
Wondering what should you use for remote management, then? Hop on below to discover!
Part 5. Avica Remote Desktop – An easier way to remote access on Mac
If the above cons have left you looking for alternatives to the Apple Remote Desktop application, you must check out Avica Remote Desktop! This amazing platform is foreseen as an emerging software with ultra compatibility across the platforms: Mac, Windows, iOS and Android.
That's not all! Avica comes with a plethora of more innovative features, described in the section below.
Free Download
Salient Features of Avica Remote Desktop Software
Let’s take a look at some of the salient features of Avica Remote Desktop Software!
Robust Security – If you are concerned about how secure the connections are. Worry not, as Avica’s end-to-end AES-256 encryption and privacy mode offer fool-proof security, ensuring no loopholes in privacy.
Voice Sync – It enables transferring audio from the master computer to the ones under its administration.
Simplified Interface – It features a straightforward interface with easy-to-navigate features. There's no need to look for how-to guides!
Quick Responsive Support Team – If you have any queries related to the performance or connection establishment, their quick responsive support team will assist you quicker.
Low Latency – It offers a streaming protocol for stabilizing connections between devices in the weekly network.
Group Monitoring – With it, you can conveniently monitor multiple remote devices via one Master computer.
Ease of File Transfer – It enables easy and high-speed file sharing with the simple drag-and-drop feature.
How to Use Avica: Step-by-Step Guide
Feel free to download Avica software by clicking the button below. If you're seeking additional information about Avica product downloads, you can visit the Avica download page. Rest assured, Avica guarantees the safety and virus-free nature of all products obtained from the official website or app store.
Free Download
Let’s now take a look at the step-by-step usage guide!
- Install the Avica on the devices you want to connect via remote establishment.
- Once you are done with the installation, launch the software.
- On the main interface, you will spot two main sections, one featuring your device ID and password, and another featuring a box to enter the device ID of the device that you want to connect to.
- Ask your team to share their ID and Password details with you; you can connect with all of them using the credentials.
Conclusion
That was all about Mac remote management and how to set it up or disable it. Though you might find Apple Remote Desktop your go-to application as a beginner, over time, you will need to replace it with some more advanced option, like Avica.
Just use it once, and you will be stunned by its comprehensive features and intuitive UI. Hope you found this info helpful. Stay tuned for more!
