When you click Continue with Apple on a remote Mac while connected via screen sharing, the Sign in with Apple window may not appear in your remote session.
This behavior is controlled by macOS and isn't an issue with Screens.
Why This Happens
macOS prevents some authentication interfaces from being captured or displayed through screen sharing. The Sign in with Apple window appears normally on the remote Mac's physical display but is hidden from the remote session.
As a result, when you select Continue with Apple during a remote session:
- The current window may dim, but the Sign in with Apple window won't appear.
- The Sign in with Apple window is actually displayed on the remote Mac.
- The window isn't visible through the remote connection.
- The same behavior occurs with Apple's built-in Screen Sharing app and other remote desktop apps.
- The Sign in with Apple window is also excluded from screenshots and screen recordings taken on the Mac.
Although the window isn't visible remotely, it may still respond to keyboard input.
Completing Sign in with Apple Remotely
If the remote Mac doesn't support Touch ID, or if Touch ID isn't currently available, you may still be able to complete the authentication remotely:
- Click Continue with Apple.
- Wait for the current window to dim. This indicates that the hidden Sign in with Apple window has appeared.
- Press Return on your keyboard.
- The Sign in with Apple will then appear.
- Enter the password for the user account on the remote Mac.
- Press Return again if necessary to complete the authentication.
Even though you can't initially see the Sign in with Apple window, it can still respond to your keyboard input.
When Touch ID Is Available
This workaround doesn't appear to work when macOS offers Touch ID for authentication, such as when:
- Using a MacBook with its built-in Touch ID sensor available.
- Using a Magic Keyboard with Touch ID.
A MacBook being used in clamshell mode may allow the password workaround if its built-in Touch ID sensor isn't available.
If Touch ID is available and the workaround above doesn't work, you'll need physical access to the Mac to complete Sign in with Apple.
Completing Sign in with Apple Locally
If you're unable to complete the process remotely:
- Access the Mac physically.
- Click Continue with Apple.
- Complete the Sign in with Apple process normally.
- Once signed in, you can resume using Screens remotely.
This limitation comes from macOS and cannot be changed by Screens.