Screens Connect may appear to be configured correctly while incoming connections to the computer still fail.
This usually means Screens Connect was able to configure or obtain the connection information, but something on the computer or network is preventing incoming connections from reaching it.
Restart the Computer and Router
If remote connections worked previously, start by restarting:
- The computer you want to connect to.
- The router at that location.
Once both have fully restarted, try connecting again.
Make Sure the Computer Is Ready for Connections
Mac
On a Mac, Screen Sharing or Remote Management must be enabled and properly configured.
Follow these instructions:
Prepare Your Mac for Screen Sharing
If Screen Sharing or Remote Management appears to be configured correctly but isn't responding, try resetting the service:
If you're using Secure Connection (SSH), make sure Remote Login is also enabled and that your Mac user is allowed to use it.
Windows
On Windows, make sure Screens Connect is installed and running and that the VNC server used by Screens Connect is available.
Follow these instructions:
Check for Software That May Block Connections
Firewalls, VPNs, security software, network filters, and similar software can prevent incoming connections even when Screens Connect appears to be configured correctly.
If you've recently installed or changed any networking, VPN, firewall, or security software, check its configuration or temporarily disable it to determine whether it's blocking the connection.
Check the Network
The network itself may prevent incoming connections.
This is particularly common with:
- Work, school, or other managed networks
- Some Internet service providers
- Networks using carrier-grade NAT (CGNAT)
- Double-NAT configurations
- Routers or firewalls that restrict incoming connections
If the computer is on a managed network, you may need to contact the person or organization responsible for that network.
Connecting from a Managed or Restricted Network
Test the Connection Directly
If you know the public hostname or IP address and port being used by Screens Connect, you can test whether the computer is reachable without involving Screens.
On a Mac, open Terminal and run:
nc -vz <hostname-or-ip> <port>For example:
nc -vz example.com 5900If you're using Secure Connection (SSH), test the SSH port instead.
If the test succeeds, the computer is reachable and the problem may require further investigation.
If the test times out or is refused, something outside of Screens is preventing the connection from reaching the computer.
Use Tailscale Instead
If you'd rather not investigate what's blocking incoming connections, Tailscale may be the easiest solution.
Tailscale is natively supported by Screens and doesn't require incoming port forwarding. You'll still use Screens normally — Tailscale simply provides the network connection between your devices.
Still Having Trouble?
If the direct connection test succeeds but Screens still cannot connect, reproduce the problem and send us a Screens Diagnostics Report from the device you're connecting from, immediately after the failed attempt:
Send a Screens Diagnostics Report
If the direct connection test fails, the issue is with the computer or network rather than Screens. You may need assistance from your Internet provider, network administrator, router manufacturer, or security software provider to determine what's blocking the connection.