How to Use Back to My Mac

Confirm that you have at least two Mac computers running OS X v10.7.5 or later., Use a compatible Internet router or AirPort base station., Verify that your Internet connection delivers upload and download speeds of at least 300 kbps., Use a...

23 Steps 2 min read Advanced

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Step 1: Confirm that you have at least two Mac computers running OS X v10.7.5 or later.

    Back To My Mac is not available or compatible with earlier versions of OS X.
  2. Step 2: Use a compatible Internet router or AirPort base station.

    Back To My Mac is compatible with Internet routers that support UPnP or NAT-PMP, and with AirPort Extreme, AirPort Express, or AirPort Time Capsule.

    Download and install Airport Utility
    6.3 or later from Apple’s website at https://support.apple.com/kb/DL1664?locale=en_US if using an AirPort base station.

    This application allows you to set up, manage, and use the base station with your Mac. , This is the recommended speed for file sharing and screen sharing using Back To My Mac. , Otherwise, you might run into problems making remote connections with Back To My Mac due to firewall settings and restrictions.,,, If you don’t have an Apple ID, select the option to create an Apple account. ,, This feature is usually turned off by default in OS X, and is required to use Back to My Mac. , This service only works if all computers are logged into the same iCloud account and have Back To My Mac enabled.,,,, You can now view and copy these files to the computer you’re currently using. , This feature is useful when you want to show other users how to perform certain tasks from a remote location.Select the computer you want to control under “Devices” in Finder, then click “Share Screen” at the top right corner.

    This opens the display of the other Mac in a new window, which can now be controlled remotely using your own computer., This helps resolve compatibility problems with iCloud and your current version of OS X.

    Click on the Apple menu, select “App Store,” then select the option to install the newest version of OS X. ,, Disabling and re-enabling the feature is sometimes effective at establishing a remote connection. , Macs in sleep mode cannot be accessed remotely. , These ports must be open to use the feature.

    Contact your Internet service provider for help with opening these ports, if applicable. , Most routers have a reset button you can press using your finger or a paper clip., This means Apple is experiencing server problems preventing you from accessing all iCloud features, including Back To My Mac.
  3. Step 3: Verify that your Internet connection delivers upload and download speeds of at least 300 kbps.

  4. Step 4: Use a firewall service that allows remote connections.

  5. Step 5: Click on the Apple menu and select “System Preferences.”

  6. Step 6: Select “iCloud” in the System Preferences window.

  7. Step 7: Sign into iCloud using your Apple ID and password.

  8. Step 8: Scroll down and place a checkmark next to “Back To My Mac.” This enables the feature

  9. Step 9: and remotely connects your computer with other computers using Back To My Mac under the same iCloud account.

  10. Step 10: Click on “Open Sharing” and select “Internet Sharing” when prompted to enable file sharing.

  11. Step 11: Repeat steps #1 through #5 on every computer you want remotely connected.

  12. Step 12: Open a new Finder window on any computer with Back To My Mac enabled.

  13. Step 13: Locate other computers you can access remotely under “Devices” in the left sidebar.

  14. Step 14: Click on the name of the computer you want accessed.

  15. Step 15: Use Finder to navigate to the files and folders you want accessed.

  16. Step 16: Control other screens remotely using Back To My Mac.

  17. Step 17: Try updating OS X to the latest version if you experience problems using Back to My Mac.

  18. Step 18: Verify all computers are logged into iCloud using the same Apple ID if they’re not showing up under “Devices.” Back To My Mac only works when all computers are connected to the same account.

  19. Step 19: Try toggling the “Back To My Mac” feature in iCloud if you still can’t connect remotely.

  20. Step 20: Confirm sleep mode is disabled on other Macs if you can’t connect to them remotely.

  21. Step 21: Make sure the TCP or UDP ports are open on your firewall if you’re unable to use Back to My Mac.

  22. Step 22: Try resetting your Internet router to default settings if you suspect customized settings are preventing you from using Back To My Mac.

  23. Step 23: Try using Back To My Mac later on if you receive errors associated with iCloud servers.

Detailed Guide

Back To My Mac is not available or compatible with earlier versions of OS X.

Back To My Mac is compatible with Internet routers that support UPnP or NAT-PMP, and with AirPort Extreme, AirPort Express, or AirPort Time Capsule.

Download and install Airport Utility
6.3 or later from Apple’s website at https://support.apple.com/kb/DL1664?locale=en_US if using an AirPort base station.

This application allows you to set up, manage, and use the base station with your Mac. , This is the recommended speed for file sharing and screen sharing using Back To My Mac. , Otherwise, you might run into problems making remote connections with Back To My Mac due to firewall settings and restrictions.,,, If you don’t have an Apple ID, select the option to create an Apple account. ,, This feature is usually turned off by default in OS X, and is required to use Back to My Mac. , This service only works if all computers are logged into the same iCloud account and have Back To My Mac enabled.,,,, You can now view and copy these files to the computer you’re currently using. , This feature is useful when you want to show other users how to perform certain tasks from a remote location.Select the computer you want to control under “Devices” in Finder, then click “Share Screen” at the top right corner.

This opens the display of the other Mac in a new window, which can now be controlled remotely using your own computer., This helps resolve compatibility problems with iCloud and your current version of OS X.

Click on the Apple menu, select “App Store,” then select the option to install the newest version of OS X. ,, Disabling and re-enabling the feature is sometimes effective at establishing a remote connection. , Macs in sleep mode cannot be accessed remotely. , These ports must be open to use the feature.

Contact your Internet service provider for help with opening these ports, if applicable. , Most routers have a reset button you can press using your finger or a paper clip., This means Apple is experiencing server problems preventing you from accessing all iCloud features, including Back To My Mac.

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Nicole Hughes

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