Since using macOS, the application that I often use to control other computers is AnyDesk. The reason is that AnyDesk is free for personal users; on macOS and Linux, the application has no ads (Windows has ads). However, we need to give AnyDesk permissions on Mac carefully to protect the data on the Mac when letting others control our laptop. In this article, I will guide you to download, use, and give AnyDesk permissions on Mac.
Download AnyDesk for Mac
Go to AnyDesk’s homepage and click the “Download Now” button to download the AnyDesk installation file for Mac. Open the installation file, drag it, and drop AnyDesk into the Applications folder. Open AnyDesk and select “Open” when the dialogue box confirms the application opening.
Give AnyDesk permissions on Mac
I divided the AnyDesk permissions on Mac into two parts. Each part has a different role; please read carefully.
AnyDesk permissions on Mac
AnyDesk permissions on Mac will help the application function correctly.
- Screen Recording: Helps the user see your screen.
- Accessibility: Allows the user to use the mouse and keyboard on your Mac.
- Full Disk Access: The user can exchange files between your Mac and theirs.
Screen Recording and Accessibility are the two most important and secure permissions. Please give these two permissions to AnyDesk.
Full Disk Access depends on whether you plan to exchange files or not. Don’t worry about givng this permission. We can turn the “Use File Manager” feature on and off to allow others to connect if you don’t want them to access files on your Mac.
Step 1: Click each button to open the permission settings on AnyDesk. If you don’t see the permission status window, open the Settings app and go to Privacy & Security.
Step 2: In Privacy & Security, go to each permission that AnyDesk requires and give permission to AnyDesk. After giving AnyDesk permissions on Mac, you should exit AnyDesk and reopen it for the permissions to take effect.
You will see the status change to “Granted” if the AnyDesk Permissions Status window is still open.
User permissions
In the user permissions section, you will decide which features your machine user can use.
Step 1: Open Permission Profiles in AnyDesk settings. Click AnyDesk on the status bar, select Preferences, go to Permissions, and go to Permission Profiles.
Step 2: Customize permissions in the Default profile. There are three essential permissions that you need to pay attention to.
| Rights | Description | On / Off |
|---|---|---|
| Control my device | Allow them to control the mouse and keyboard on your Mac. | Turn it on. |
| Access my device’s clipboard | Allow them to copy and paste on your machine. | Turn it on to make it easier for others to assist you. |
| Use File Manager | Allow them to access your folders to download files and upload files. | Turn it off if you don’t intend to share files. |
The remaining rights are just auxiliary features; turning them off won’t affect anything.
Step 3: Customize the permissions in the Unattended Access profile. This profile differs from the Default in allowing users to enter a password to control our Mac. If you do not intend to use this type, skip this step.
You can set the permissions of the Unattended Access profile the same as Default. Just add the step of checking to enable unattended access to create a password.
Using AnyDesk on Mac
Let someone else control your Mac
The approval window pops up when someone sends a connection request to AnyDesk on your Mac. In addition to the Accept and Dismiss buttons, we can choose a profile and customize the permissions to use the features. Please check the Use File Manager permission again before allowing the connection.
In the next section, I will show you how dangerous using File Manager permission is to your data.
Control other computers
Now, we will take the role of your computer controller to see what they can do. To control your Mac, they will type AnyDesk address into the search bar and press Enter.
Once you accept, they can control your Mac with their mouse and keyboard. So far, so good.
But if you enable Use File Manager, they can download all the files on your Mac, which is a very high risk for data security. Therefore, always turn off Use File Manager if you do not intend to share files.
Connect AnyDesk when the machine is restarted and not logged in
Suppose you are travelling and leaving your Mac at home, but you still want to control Mac with iPhone and Android without help. You can install AnyDesk Service, which will help you use AnyDesk when the computer has just restarted and is not logged in. Remember to enable the Unattended Access profile (I have instructed above).
Click AnyDesk on the status bar, select Install AnyDesk Service, enter your Mac password, and click Install Helper.
Open the Settings app, go to General, and give AnyDesk Allow in the Background permission. When you no longer want to use AnyDesk Service, you can turn it off here.
I have been using AnyDesk on Mac and Linux for more than 5 years, no problem to complain. Meanwhile, Teamviewer for Mac has a 5-minute limit per session to force individual users to buy a license. So, I always recommend AnyDesk to those who need my support so they can work efficiently.
