I heard a recent discussion on the MacGeekGab (#1142@49m) about remote access between the myriad of devices and platforms that are a part of today’s tech life.
I’ve played with various things over the years without complete satisfaction. That changed recently and what I have now is great. It just works.
Accessing and controlling your Apple devices from another Apple device
As an electronics and amateur radio hobbyist, I have multiple computers doing different things. Sometimes I require remote access from hundreds of kilometres away. Sometimes I’m too lazy to walk downstairs to flick a switch. So, the ability to access and control radios and computers is a necessity.
I have tried various things over the years. Apple’s inbuilt screen sharing is good but is limited. TeamViewer is good but eventually hits you up for a paid and expensive account. Then there are the paid services like Screens, JumpDesk and Log Me In.
There’s a better way than all of these. It requires a little more set up (like five minutes a machine but once you’re set up you’re done). And did I say it’s all free? I’m talking about using Tailscale and RustDesk.
In short, Tailscale creates your own private network (and it’s not scary) and RustDesk uses it to access and control your Apple devices (and Windows and other devices like a Synology DiskStation too if you want).
Tailscale and Rust Desk
From Tailscale: “RustDesk lets you remotely connect to another device’s desktop. Typically, RustDesk needs a server in the middle to help devices find each other and pass along the connection. You can use RustDesk’s public servers or set up your own at home, but running your own server requires additional setup.. Tailscale removes the need to use a RustDesk server entirely. When you install Tailscale on your devices, they can find and connect to each other directly as if they were on the same home network. This lets you use RustDesk without relying on external servers or managing your own. Your connections stay private and secure, and you have remote access without needing extra infrastructure.”
Here’s an explainer document and video from Tailscale.
It just works!
Accessing and or controlling Windows machines from Macs, iPhones and iPads
The Windows app for Apple is excellent. It was formerly called Microsoft Remote Desktop. It’s free and it just works.
Tip: Sign in with the ‘base’ address for your Microsoft account. For example, if your base Microsoft account address is joebloggs@outlook.com but you can also sign in with joebloggs@yahoo.com as an alias, sign in with the outlook.com address. You may also need “App password” from your Microsoft account. Download: Mac app or iOS and iPadOS .
23 May 2026