Screens Connect is the simplest way to make your computer accessible from outside its local network. But if Screens Connect isn't an option for you, there's another way to connect to your computer from anywhere on the Internet.
We recommend using Tailscale, a secure VPN service that creates a private network, allowing your devices to connect directly through encrypted tunnels. Tailscale makes it easy to access your systems remotely, without complicated network setups. Please note that Tailscale requires macOS 11 or later.
With Screens 5.3 and later, Tailscale is built right into the app:
Step 1: Install Tailscale
Important: Before you start, ensure Remote Management is enabled on your Mac, or that a VNC server is installed on your PC. You can find detailed instructions in our Getting Started guide.
- Sign up for a Tailscale account if you don’t already have one.
- On each computer you want to connect to, download and install Tailscale using the links for Mac, Windows, or Linux/Raspberry Pi.
- On your Apple devices you'll be connecting from, download and set up Tailscale using the links for Mac and iPhone, iPad, Vision Pro.
Step 2: Link Your Tailscale Account
- Go to Tailscale.com > Settings > General to find your Organization Name. Write it down.
- Visit Tailscale.com > Settings > OAuth Clients.
- Click Generate OAuth Client….
- Enter a description (e.g., Screens 5).
- Under Devices, choose Read.
- Generate the client.
- Write down the Client Secret.
- Open Screens 5 and go to the Tailscale section.
- Click or tap Link Account… and enter the Organization Name and Client Secret (starting with tskey-client-...).
- You should now see your devices. Screens will keep them in sync.
Tips:
- You need to link your Tailscale account on every device where Screens is installed.
- Supported devices include Macs, Windows PCs, Linux PCs, and Raspberry Pi.