Using a VPN with Screens 5 is a great way to secure your VNC connections to remote computers. A VPN makes your computer appear as if it’s on the same local network as the remote machine, allowing you to connect safely.

Disclaimer

Please note that these are generic instructions and the exact steps may vary depending on the VPN service you're using. We cannot guarantee compatibility with all VPN providers, and if you encounter issues, we recommend reaching out to your VPN provider for support.

Step 1: Set Up the VPN Connection

Ensure both your local machine (the one you're connecting from) and the remote machine are connected to the same VPN, which allows them to communicate securely over the VPN.

1. Install and configure the VPN software on both devices.
2. Make sure the VPN is running on the remote machine to establish a connection.
3. Confirm that both devices are able to communicate through the VPN.

Step 2: Enable LAN Access in the VPN Settings

Some VPNs block local network access by default. To let Screens 5 connect to the remote machine, make sure your VPN allows local network traffic.

1. Open the VPN software settings.
2. Enable LAN access (look for a setting like "Allow LAN traffic while connected").

This ensures the VPN does not block access to devices on the same network.

Step 3: Ensure the Remote Computer is Ready for Remote Access

Make sure a VNC server is running on the remote machine or that Remote Management is enabled on the remote Mac. For help with this, consult this section.

Step 4: Find the Remote Machine’s VPN IP Address

Once both devices are connected to the VPN, the remote machine will have a VPN-assigned IP address. You’ll need this IP to connect through Screens 5.

1. On the remote machine, open Terminal (macOS/Linux) or Command Prompt (Windows).
2. Run ifconfig (macOS/Linux) or ipconfig (Windows) to find the VPN-assigned IP address.
3. Take note of this IP address, as you’ll need it for Screens 5.

Step 5: Configure Screens 5 for VNC Connection

Now that you have the VPN IP address, open Screens 5 on your local machine and follow these steps:

1. Open Screens 5 and create a new connection under Custom Screens.
2. In the Hostname field, enter the VPN IP address of the remote machine.
3. Ensure that the Operating System is set to the correct OS.
4. Set the Authentication Method to the appropriate method.
5. If VNC is using a custom port (e.g., 5901), specify it in the Port field.

Step 6: Check Firewall and Router Settings

Ensure that there are no firewalls or security settings blocking the connection:

1. On the remote machine, ensure that the firewall allows incoming VNC connections on the correct port (usually 5900).
2. Verify that no security software or the router is blocking incoming VPN or VNC traffic.

Step 7: Verify VPN and VNC Connectivity

Once everything is configured, test your connection by attempting to connect via Screens 5:

1. Open Screens 5.
2. Connect to the remote machine by double-clicking or tapping your newly created connection.

If everything is configured correctly, you should now be able to connect securely via VNC over the VPN.

Troubleshooting

• Unable to Connect? Make sure the VPN connection is active on both machines and that the correct IP address is being used in Screens 5.
• VNC Port Issues: Ensure that the VNC server is listening on port 5900 or the specified port.
• Firewall: Ensure that no firewall is blocking the incoming VNC connection.

Following these steps will allow you to securely connect to remote machines using Screens 5 and a VPN.

Tailscale

Tailscale is a VPN solution that is fully compatible with Screens 5, allowing for secure remote connections. For more details and setup instructions, please refer to this article.