Download and Launch Screens Assist
- Begin by downloading Screens Assist (compatible with macOS 10.13 High Sierra or later) on the target Mac.
- Once downloaded, launch Screens Assist—accessible directly from your Downloads folder.
Required Service and Settings Validation
Screens Assist performs a check to ensure that necessary settings are correctly configured. If not, follow the steps below based on your macOS version:
macOS 12.3 or later
Starting from macOS 12.3, Apple mandates manual activation of the Screen Sharing service. Should Screens Assist identify the need for configuration, it will prompt you accordingly. Here are the steps required:
Click this link to access System Settings and enable Screen Sharing.
Tap the ℹ️ button and activate “Anyone may request permission to control the screen.”
macOS 10.13 to macOS 12.2
Screens Assist will automatically validate and prompt if changes are required. Grant permission for Screens Assist to make necessary adjustments. The app will restore settings to their original state upon closure.
Sharable Link
Upon successful validation, Screens Assist generates a unique link. Share this link with the individual who intends to connect to your Mac.
Copy the link or use the Share button for additional options:
Incoming Connection
After the recipient receives the link, they can open it using Screens. Until a connection is established, Screens Assist remains in waiting mode. When an incoming connection is detected, you'll receive a prompt to permit the remote guest connection. Click "Share Screen" to authorize the connection.
At this point, the connected individual gains access to your Mac as if physically present in front of it.
Closing the Connection
To terminate the connection, you have two options: either Quit the app entirely or click the Close button if you wish to end the current connection but keep Screens Assist running.
If you choose to close the connection, the app will request your permission before executing this action.
Troubleshooting
1. Make Sure Screens Assist Is Running
Screens Assist operates exclusively while actively running and does not function in the background. If Screens Assist is closed, your sharable link becomes invalid until you relaunch the app.
2. Internet Connection
Ensure that your Mac is connected to a network with Internet access.
3. Grant Screens Assist Permission
Upon prompts from Screens Assist, enter your password to authorize temporary changes. Rest assured, Screens Assist never acquires your user credentials; it only confirms your permission to execute specific operations.
4. Accept Screen Sharing Requests
When prompted, click "Share Screen" to allow the connection to proceed.
5. Configure Your Router Properly
Screens Assist necessitates opening a public port on your router for remote accessibility, achieved through UPnP or NAT Port Mapping.
To enable UPnP for Screens Assist on your router, access the router's settings either through a web browser by entering its IP address in the address bar or using a router companion app if provided by the manufacturer. Once logged in, navigate to the "Port Forwarding" or "UPnP" section and enable UPnP if available. This allows Screens Assist to seamlessly configure port forwarding for remote access.