How to Set Up and Manage Remote Management on a MacBook (Complete Guide)

Managing Macs remotely is no longer just for IT departments. Whether you're overseeing a fleet of devices for your startup or setting up access to help a family member, remote management on MacBooks can simplify everything from updates to troubleshooting.

In this guide, we’ll break down how to set up and optimize MacBook remote management with a practical, hands-on approach that you can implement today.

Why Remote Management Matters for MacBook Users

Remote management allows administrators to:

• Install apps remotely
• Configure system settings
• Enforce security policies
• Wipe or lock devices if lost
• Provide remote support

Whether you're a system admin or tech-savvy user, setting this up boosts productivity and security.

Prerequisites: What You Need Before You Begin

To follow this tutorial, ensure you have:

1. A MacBook running macOS Ventura or later
2. Apple Business Manager (ABM) or Apple School Manager (ASM) account (for MDM)
3. Access to a Mobile Device Management (MDM) solution (Scalefusion, Jamf, Kandji, Mosyle, etc.)
4. Internet connection

Step-by-Step: Setting Up Remote Management on a MacBook

1. Enroll in Apple Business or School Manager

1. Visit Apple Business Manager
2. Set up your organization
3. Link your MDM server under Settings > Device Management Settings

Pro Tip: Use organization-specific domain emails for Apple IDs to ease deployment.

2. Connect Your MDM Server

1. Most MDM providers offer simple ABM linking. In Jamf, for example:
2. Navigate to Global Management > Automated Device Enrollment
3. Upload the server token from ABM
4. Assign MacBooks to this MDM server in ABM

3. Prepare Your Enrollment Profiles

Create and customize your MDM profile:

1. Enable Supervision
2. Allow remote administration
3. Skip unnecessary setup steps (like Siri, Touch ID during setup)
4. Add custom configurations (Wi-Fi, VPN, apps)

4. Deploy to Your MacBook

Once the Mac is assigned to your MDM in ABM:

1. Erase and reset the MacBook
2. During setup, the MDM profile is installed automatically
3. You now have full remote control, configuration, and visibility

Bonus: Alternatives for Non-MDM Remote Access

Not in a corporate environment? Try these:

🖥 Apple Remote Desktop

• Paid tool for remote management
• Allows screen sharing, file transfers, and command execution

🌐 Screen Sharing / Remote Login (SSH)

1. Enable in System Settings > General > Sharing
2. Activate Remote Login for SSH access
3. Use tools like Terminal, VNC, or TeamViewer

Conclusion

Setting up remote management on a MacBook can be seamless with the right tools. Whether you're a solo user or managing a large fleet, leveraging Apple’s remote management ecosystem ensures control, security, and efficiency.

Ready to deploy? Start by signing up for MDM Solution.