Connections get stuck at "Connecting...".

This usually indicates that a network routing problem is preventing Screens from contacting the remote computer.

The computer is in sleep mode, switched off or not connected to a power outlet

These articles will tell you more about how to enable your Mac or Windows PC for incoming connections:

• Let your Mac wake for incoming connections
• Enable your Windows PC for incoming connections](/en-GB/screens-5/how-to/wake-for-connections-win)

Problem with the firewall or the Remote Management Service

Some users reported that the integrated macOS firewall prevented incoming connections and switching off the firewall restored the connection. The workaround for this problem is to disable remote management (or screen sharing), re-enable the service and restart your Mac. This should reset the firewall rule and allow you to connect.

Also make sure that the firewall option "Automatically allow built-in software to receive incoming connections" is enabled. If this is already the case, try switching the option off and on again.

For more information, see this thread on discussions.apple.com.

Screens Connect

If you connect to a remote computer via the Internet, we strongly recommend that Screens Connect is installed on the remote Mac or Windows PC and that you are logged in to Screensƒ and Screens Connect with your Screens ID.

Virtual private networks (VPN)

Are you trying to connect via a VPN? If so, please note that many VPNs prevent Screensƒ from establishing a direct, bi-directional connection with other computers. We recommend using a secure/encrypted Screens connection instead of routing your connection via a VPN.

Dynamic routing

Dynamic routing prevents Screens from establishing direct, bidirectional connections. One possible solution is to request a static IP address from your Internet service provider.

• Look at the public IP address for a moment. If the address is something like 100.64.x.x, your address is part of a dynamic address pool managed by dynamic routing.
• Is your router's public IP address really what the Internet thinks it is? Here's how to find out:
• Using the computer you want to connect to, visit whatsmyip.org.
• Compare the IP address listed on this page with the public IP address you have previously recorded.
• If the IP addresses are different, Screens cannot establish a direct, bidirectional connection with the computer you want to connect to.

IP addresses in the local network

If you use a static local IP address for the computer you are connecting to, does it follow the same pattern as the gateway's internal (LAN) IP address? If this address is something like 192.168.0.1, the static address assigned to the computer you want to connect to should be something like 192.168.0.xxx.

The hostname

Check the local hostname listed in Screensƒ for the remote computer. Compare this with the list in Terminal.app when you enter the following command:

hostname

If the details are different, please read this Apple support document:

Change the name of your computer or the local hostname on the Mac

Check ports

Make sure that the gateway's public port is open for connections from the Internet:

1. visit https://canyouseeme.org.
2. enter your public IP address.
3. enter the public port number.
4. click on Check port.

If the port is not open:

• Check the firewall and other security settings of your Internet gateway/router and make sure there are no configuration issues that could affect Screens.
• If you are using a custom port forwarding rule for Screensƒ, make sure that the public port of the gateway is forwarded to the local network IP address of the remote computer and its port 5900 for remote administration or port 22 for remote logon.
• Check any network security or anti-malware applications installed on the remote computer to ensure that Screensƒ is not interfered with, such as the following (click on each application for help):
• macOS: Application Firewall Information
• Little Snitch](https://help.obdev.at/littlesnitch/#/lsc-edit-rules)
• Hands Off](https://www.oneperiodic.com/products/handsoff/tutorials/basics.html#configuration)
• Radio Silence](https://radiosilenceapp.com/faq)

If nothing has helped so far, please reproduce the problem and send a diagnostic report. We will be happy to check the information and offer you any help we can.