Screens automatically discovers compatible computers on your local network and displays them under Nearby.
If a computer doesn't appear, first make sure the computer is properly configured for remote access and that the device running Screens and the computer you want to connect to are connected to the same local network.
Make Sure the Computer Is Ready for Connections
Mac
On a Mac, Screen Sharing or Remote Management must be enabled and properly configured before Screens can discover and connect to it.
Follow these instructions:
Prepare Your Mac for Screen Sharing
Windows
On Windows, Screens Connect must be installed, configured, and running for the PC to be automatically discovered by Screens.
Follow these instructions:
Linux, Raspberry Pi, and Other Computers
Computers running Linux, Raspberry Pi OS, or other operating systems require a compatible VNC server.
Whether the computer automatically appears under Nearby depends on whether its VNC server advertises its presence on the local network.
If it doesn't, you can still create a connection manually using the computer's hostname or IP address.
Check Local Network Access
On iPhone and iPad, Screens requires permission to discover computers on your local network.
Open Settings > Privacy & Security > Local Network and make sure Screens is enabled.
If it's already enabled, try turning it off and back on, then reopen Screens.
For more information, see:
Allow Screens to Access Your Local Network
Make Sure Both Devices Are on the Same Network
Check that both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi or local network.
Some Wi-Fi networks prevent devices from communicating with each other even when they appear to be connected to the same network.
This is commonly the case with:
- Guest Wi-Fi networks
- Hotel or public Wi-Fi
- Work, school, or other managed networks
- Networks using client or device isolation
If possible, compare the Wi-Fi network with another device where Nearby discovery is working.
Check VPNs and Security Software
VPNs, firewalls, security software, configuration profiles, and other network tools can sometimes interfere with local network discovery.
If you're using any of these, temporarily disabling them can help determine whether they're preventing Screens from discovering the computer.
Restart Your Devices
If everything appears to be configured correctly:
- Restart the device running Screens.
- Restart the computer you want to connect to.
- Reopen Screens and check Nearby again.
Restarting your router may also help if local network discovery isn't working correctly.
If Another Device Can See the Computer
If the computer appears under Nearby on one device but not another, the remote computer is most likely configured correctly.
For example, if your iPhone can see and connect to your Mac under Nearby but your iPad cannot, focus on what's different about the iPad:
- Wi-Fi network
- Local Network permission
- VPN
- Security software
- Configuration profiles
- Other network restrictions
Connecting from Outside the Local Network
Computers under Nearby are discovered only while you're on the same local network.
If you're away from the computer, it normally won't appear under Nearby. You'll need to configure a remote access method such as Screens Connect, Tailscale, or NordVPN Meshnet instead.
Learn how to connect from anywhere
Still Having Trouble?
If both devices are on the same local network and the computer still doesn't appear under Nearby, send us a Screens Diagnostics Report from the device where the computer is missing from Nearby: