How do I disable remote access on a Mac?

Remote access might seem like a tech-savvy concept, but it's surprisingly common in our daily lives. It enables you to connect to your Mac from another device, whether for work tasks or personal needs.

But have you ever questioned if someone could be accessing your desktop without your consent? To safeguard your privacy and prevent unauthorized access, you can restrict remote access by disabling specific privileges. This guide will show you how to turn off remote access on your Mac, ensuring your system stays secure.

How to disable remote access on Mac [2 ways]

Remote Management is part of Apple Remote Desktop (ARD), and it lets remote administrators view your screen, install software, run reports, and manage client Macs. This is the built-in method for accessing a Mac remotely. Here's how to disable remote access on Mac in the following two ways.

Way 1. Graphical method to disable Remote Management

To disable the Remote Management feature using the graphical method, follow the steps below:

Step 1. Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and select "System Preferences."

Step 2. In the System Preferences window, click on "Sharing." This is where you can adjust your remote access settings.

Step 3. Uncheck the "Remote Management" box. This will immediately block remote access to your Mac. You can always return to this option later if you decide to enable remote access again.

Note: Some changes may require you to sign in with an administrator account.

Way 2. Terminal method to disable Remote Management

Here's how to disable remote access on a Macbook using the Terminal method:

Step 1. Use Finder to locate and open the "Remote Desktop" app. This is where you can manage desktop connections, both incoming and outgoing.

Step 2. Launch Terminal and enter the following command:

/System/Library/CoreServices/RemoteManagement/ARDAgent.app/Contents/Resources/kickstart -deactivate

Once executed, this command will block remote access and terminate any previously established connections. If needed, you can always revisit System Preferences to re-enable remote access.

Bonus tip: Secure remote access software for Mac - AnyViewer

For secure and controlled remote access to your Mac, AnyViewer is an excellent option. It offers strong security features, such as encrypted connections and multi-layered protection, ensuring that unauthorized access is always blocked. This makes AnyViewer a reliable choice for both personal and professional use.

In addition to its security, AnyViewer offers several advantages over Mac's built-in remote access solutions. It supports a wide range of devices, including Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. Whether you're working on your Mac or need to connect from your phone or tablet, AnyViewer ensures seamless access across different platforms.

Here's how to secure remote access to your Mac with AnyViewer:

• Disable Unattended Remote Access: Disable the option Allow logged-in devices to connect with one click to prevent others from accessing your Mac without your consent.

• Disable Remote Control Requests: Turn off Allow to accept remote control to stop others from sending remote control requests to your device.

• Lock AnyViewer: Enable both of these options to add an extra layer of security to your software. This will ensure that only authorized users can access your Mac remotely.

Conclusion

In conclusion, knowing how to disable remote access on Mac is essential for protecting your privacy and preventing unauthorized access. By using either the graphical method through System Preferences or the Terminal method, you can easily block remote connections.

For enhanced security, consider using AnyViewer, which offers encrypted connections and robust protection features. With AnyViewer, you can secure your Mac from unauthorized access, ensuring only authorized users can connect remotely. This makes it an ideal solution for both personal and professional use.