/install mac-remote-access
Mac Remote Access
Set up or troubleshoot remote access to a Mac over Tailscale.
Workflow
- Check the Mac side first.
- Verify TCP reachability from the remote client.
- Check Tailscale ACLs before tuning VNC clients.
- Preserve at least one command-line recovery path (SSH).
- Recommend a layered setup: SSH fallback, AnyDesk primary GUI fallback, VNC secondary.
Mac-side checks
Run these first when local access to the Mac exists:
tailscale status
tailscale ip -4
sudo systemsetup -getremotelogin
sudo /usr/sbin/netstat -anv -p tcp | grep '\.5900 .*LISTEN'
nc -vz \x3CMac-IP> 5900
If Screen Sharing looks stuck, restart it:
sudo launchctl kickstart -k system/com.apple.screensharing
Windows-side checks
Use PowerShell and prefer TCP tests over ping:
Test-NetConnection \x3CMac-IP> -Port 22
Test-NetConnection \x3CMac-IP> -Port 5900
Interpretation:
- 22=False and 5900=False → check Tailscale ACL / policy first
- 22=True and 5900=False → check Mac Screen Sharing / VNC service
- 22=True and 5900=True → move to client auth/compatibility
ACL guidance
Prefer explicit ACLs during troubleshooting.
Read references/acl-template.md for a minimal working example.
References
references/acl-template.md— minimal ACL templatereferences/checklist.md— baseline checklistreferences/sop.md— end-to-end operating procedurereferences/anydesk-rustdesk.md— GUI fallback setup and troubleshooting notes
- Make sure OpenClaw is installed (local or Docker)
- Run the install command in chat:
/install mac-remote-access - After installation, invoke the skill by name or use
/mac-remote-access - Provide required inputs per the skill's parameter spec and get structured output
What is Mac Remote Access?
Diagnose, configure, and recover remote access to a macOS machine over Tailscale. Use when setting up or troubleshooting Mac SSH, Screen Sharing/VNC, RealVNC... It is an AI Agent Skill for Claude Code / OpenClaw, with 294 downloads so far.
How do I install Mac Remote Access?
Run "/install mac-remote-access" in the OpenClaw or Claude Code chat to install it in one step — no extra setup required.
Is Mac Remote Access free?
Yes, Mac Remote Access is completely free, licensed under MIT-0. You can download, install and use it at no cost.
Which platforms does Mac Remote Access support?
Mac Remote Access is cross-platform and runs anywhere OpenClaw / Claude Code is available (cross-platform).
Who created Mac Remote Access?
It is built and maintained by liu liang (@lliangcol); the current version is v1.0.0.