David Strait

Q: Remote Access: Computer no longer listed as “Shared”

I am out of town an need to access my MacPro from my Mac Laptop. I have done this for many years with no problem, but previously my Mac Pro has always been listed under the “Shared” area on the Finder window. I would simply select my Mac Pro, then either “login” or “Share Screen.” However, for some reason my Mac Pro is not listed in the Finder window. I’m certain the Mac Pro still has sharing enabled, but I’m unsure of how to access the computer if it’s not listed in the “Shared” area of the Finder.

 

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks, Dave

Posted on Mar 31, 2015 6:47 PM

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Q: Remote Access: Computer no longer listed as “Shared”

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  • by David Strait,

    David Strait David Strait Mar 31, 2015 6:54 PM in response to David Strait
    Level 2 (216 points)
    Photography
    Mar 31, 2015 6:54 PM in response to David Strait

    Two other points:

    The Mac Pro is connected directly to an Airport router (with ethernet), which has a shared disk attached. I can access this disk so I know the network is available..

    The computer has video camera attached that can be access via the iOS app "iCam", so I know the computer is on and functional.

  • by Drew Reece,

    Drew Reece Drew Reece Mar 31, 2015 7:12 PM in response to David Strait
    Level 5 (7,490 points)
    Notebooks
    Mar 31, 2015 7:12 PM in response to David Strait

    Remote access is intended for local networking, when outside your network the router will be blocking the repaired ports.

    You need to either use a VPN or SSH tunnel to get into your network or use something like Back To My Mac.

     

    Obviously you need to set this up before you leave the network.

  • by David Strait,

    David Strait David Strait Mar 31, 2015 9:24 PM in response to Drew Reece
    Level 2 (216 points)
    Photography
    Mar 31, 2015 9:24 PM in response to Drew Reece

    Drew, Thanks for the reply.

    I incorrectly said "remote access" when I meant "Back to My Mac."  It's been so reliable for me that I have forgotten what it is called. In the past, it simply just worked. Not sure why I am having trouble now. Sorry for the confusion.


    "Back to my Mac" is still turned on and I have "screen sharing, file sharing and Remote login" all activated.


    Any other thoughts?


    Dave

  • by MadisonP,Helpful

    MadisonP MadisonP Mar 31, 2015 9:48 PM in response to David Strait
    Level 5 (4,765 points)
    Mar 31, 2015 9:48 PM in response to David Strait

    Hi David.

     

    Sounds like one of the routers between you and your home network doesn't have the required ports open (though you could double-check to make sure your home router hasn't magically been changed, as well).

    -- Basic test:  When at home and on WiFi, can you use Back to My Mac? If so, this isn't an issue with either of your computers.  It's something to do with your router, or more likely, the routers you're using while away from home.

     

    See: If you have issues using Back to My Mac - Apple Support

     

    This can be a bit difficult to fix if you are staying at a location where you don't have control of the network (like a hotel), but if you travel often, it might be worth investigating or looking into an option that isn't dependent on network ports (a web-based remote access solution).

     

    Hope that helps.

  • by David Strait,

    David Strait David Strait Apr 1, 2015 8:29 AM in response to MadisonP
    Level 2 (216 points)
    Photography
    Apr 1, 2015 8:29 AM in response to MadisonP

    Madison,

    Thanks for taking the time to provide the useful information. I was hoping the problem was the router where I am staying, but I tried connecting to the internet using my iPhone as a hotspot (to eliminate the router at my current location), but it still didn’t work. What seems odd is the shared disk (USB drive connected to my home airport), is visible as a shared device. Plus, I can locate my Mac Pro on iCloud under “Find My iPhone (device).” I’ll probably just have to try some of your suggestions once I get home.

     

    Dave