Using Mac Mini without keyboard and monitor

Question

Level 1

8 points

Using Mac Mini without keyboard and monitor

I'm a PC user and planning on purchasing a new Mac Mini for software development purposes.

I want to keep the Mac Mini totally compact without a keyboard, mouse or a monitor and remote into it from my PC. I just want to make sure this is doable.

Here are my questions:

When I turn on the Mac Mini for the first time, will it automatically pick up an IP in my WiFi and be accessible via the network?
Will I be able to set up the Mac Mini without a keyboard and monitor when I first turn it on or will I need them for the initial set up?
Last but not least, will I need any third party software to remote into the Mac Mini or is it built into the OS and I should be able to connect directly?

Thanks!

Posted on Aug 8, 2019 12:04 PM

Reply

Answer 1

Phil0124

Level 10

216,830 points

Aug 8, 2019 12:29 PM in response to imsam

No. The Wifi needs to be set up.
You'll need them for initial setup
If you are Remoting into it from a Windows PC, then yes. You'll need something like Teamviewer or LogMeIn or similar installed on the Mac.

If you were remoting from a Mac there's Apple Remote Desktop, but it needs to be setup first.

Reply

Answer 2

Phil0124

Level 10

216,830 points

Aug 8, 2019 12:56 PM in response to imsam

Yes.

I have a similar setup with my Mac mini, since I use it as a web server. I can remote in just fine with TeamViewer

@hcsitas, Teamviewer is free for non commercial use. And there are several other options that are free too. LogMeIn is a paid product however.

Reply

Answer 3

imsam Author

Level 1

8 points

Aug 8, 2019 12:31 PM in response to Phil0124

Thank you! So, if I understand you correctly, once I set up the Mac Mini for the first time and get the remote access software installed, I can operate it without a keyboard/mouse/monitor. Is that correct?

Reply