Plenty of Mac users occasionally need a Linux machine – for a development environment, a home server, or a colleague’s workstation. RealVNC Connect lets you view and control that Linux computer from your Mac, without needing to be on the same network.
Why access a Linux computer from a Mac
Typical scenarios include reaching a Linux development box you’ve left running, checking on a home server, or helping a colleague on Linux while you work from a Mac. Because RealVNC Connect works the same way across platforms, the setup is nearly identical no matter which OS is on each end.
What you’ll need
- A Linux computer to control, either on the same network as your Mac or reachable over the internet
- A Mac to connect from
- A RealVNC Connect account and licence – a free trial is available
- About 10 minutes to complete setup on both devices
Step 1: Set up RealVNC Server on your Linux computer
On the Linux computer you want to control:
- Download the RealVNC Connect setup app from the RealVNC website.
- Click Download for Linux.
- Extract the installer in your Downloads folder using your file manager, then run it by double-clicking the RealVNC Connect installer icon.
- Click Accept and Install, and follow the on-screen instructions. If prompted to disable Wayland, accept – this is needed for RealVNC Connect to function correctly.
- Once installation completes, choose Start my free trial if you’re new to RealVNC Connect, or Sign in to continue if you already have an account.
- Your browser will open automatically. Follow the on-screen prompts, then click Open to return to the RealVNC Connect Setup app.
- Review the settings shown, then click Launch. If you keep the default VNC Password, make a note of it – you’ll need it when you connect from another device.
Step 2: Install RealVNC Viewer on your Mac
On the Mac you’ll be connecting from:
- Download the RealVNC Connect setup app.
- Click Download for Mac.
- Click Accept and Install, and follow the on-screen instructions.
- Choose Start my free trial or Sign in to continue, using the same RealVNC account you used on the other device.
- Your browser will open automatically. Follow the on-screen prompts, then click Allow to return to the RealVNC Connect Setup app.
- Review the settings shown, then click Launch.
Your Linux computer will now appear automatically as a connection in RealVNC Viewer, listed under your team.
Step 3: Connect to your Linux computer for the first time
In RealVNC Viewer, double-click the Linux computer you want to connect to.
Verifying the connection with Identity Check
The first time you connect, RealVNC Viewer shows an Identity Check screen with a Catchphrase and Signature. Compare these against the values shown in RealVNC Server on the remote computer to confirm you’re connecting to the right machine. RealVNC Viewer remembers this identity and will warn you if it ever changes on future connections.
Authenticating
Enter the VNC Password you noted during setup. If you chose Unix Password authentication instead, use the username and password of an account on the Linux computer.
Troubleshooting common issues
- Linux computer doesn’t appear in RealVNC Viewer: confirm both devices are signed in to the same RealVNC Connect account and team.
- Can’t authenticate: verify you’re using the VNC Password noted at setup, or valid Unix account credentials.
- RealVNC Connect won’t install on Linux: make sure Wayland is disabled when prompted during installation – RealVNC Connect currently requires an X11 session.
Keeping your connection secure
RealVNC Connect encrypts cloud connections end-to-end, and every new connection is verified using the Identity Check described above. For extra protection, turn on two-factor authentication on your RealVNC account and use session permissions to control exactly who can view or control the Linux computer.
Start controlling your Linux computer from Mac with RealVNC Connect
RealVNC Connect offers a free trial with no credit card required, so you can test remote access between your Mac and Linux computer before subscribing.
FAQs
Can I access a Linux computer from a Mac?
Yes. Install RealVNC Server on the Linux computer and RealVNC Viewer on the Mac, then connect using your RealVNC Connect account or a VNC Password.
Does the Linux computer need to be switched on?
Yes – it needs to be powered on and logged in to a graphical desktop session, with RealVNC Server running.
Do I need a static IP address to connect?
No. A cloud connection through your RealVNC Connect account works over the internet without any router or firewall configuration.
Can several people on Macs connect to the same Linux computer?
Yes, as long as each person is invited to your RealVNC Connect team and has permission to connect to that computer.
