After 12 years of operation, Apple Remote Desktopofficially closed its remote access and file-transfer service back to My Mac after all macOS versions. Although the shutdown was announced in early 2019, it only went into effect on July 1, 2019.
Is Back to My Mac Important?
As part of the Mac OS X Leopard version release, Apples Back to my Mac Service was launched in 2007. Users could access their Macs remotely via the internet using this application. It was the first application to allow screen sharing and remote access from Mac devices.
Back to My Mac Features
Back To My Mac offered three powerful features that were important to businesses and enterprises who need remote functionality. These are the three main features of Back to My Mac.
File transfer
Back to My Mac offers the convenience of transferring files between Mac devices. You can access any file on your Mac remote desktop and transfer it to your Mac laptop, even if your computer is not connected.
This feature enabled Mac users to quickly and easily access the data they needed without the need to use a flash drive or upload the files to the iCloud.
Remote Access
Remote access is another convenient feature in Back to My Mac. Remote access allows Mac users to control remote Mac devices from any location. Remote access allows Mac users to control the keyboard and mouse of any mac device.
This feature enabled users to perform tasks remotely and have instant access to Macs with greater power on the move.
Screen sharing
Last but not least, Back to My Mac lets you share your screen with other mac users. Back to My Mac allows for easy collaboration between team members and officemates.
Mac devices running Mac OS X Leopard and higher are supported by Back to My Mac. Apple has decided to discontinue Back to My Mac support on the macOS Mojave.
Apple’s Alternatives for Back to My Mac Remote access, Screen Sharing and File Transfer
Apple has released a support document that offers users alternatives to Back to My Mac’s main features.
- Remote access via Apple remote desktop service
Apple suggests that Apple Remote Desktop is an alternative to Back to My Mac’s remote accessibility feature. It is available at the apple store for $79.99
The Apple remote desktop offers similar features to Back to My Mac’s remote accessibility. You can also gain remote access from your Mac computers, and you can use the keyboard and mouse.
It also offers unique features such as remote administration and software distribution. It has the unique ability to lock and restart the Mac system remotely.
- File Transfer with iCloud Drive
Apple Remote Desktop app recommends Mac users use the iCloud drive for file sharing. Files stored on the iCloud can be accessed remotely and transferred to another device easily. However, files must be uploaded to the cloud. Remote access is not possible for users to access files stored on their Mac devices.
Free storage is available up to 5GB on the iCloud drive. To increase storage space, users can upgrade.
- Screen sharing using the building screen-sharing feature
Today’s Mac devices have screen sharing capabilities that can be used in place of the Back To My Mac screen-sharing service. The built-in screen sharing is limited to other Mac devices that are connected to the same network. Remote screen sharing cannot be done over the internet.
Alternatives to Back to My Mac
Apple Remote Desktop App offers other options to Back to My Mac. However, each feature is dealt with separately and doesn’t offer the same convenience as Back to My Mac.
Third-party options like ITarian’s remote control and access are available.
You can access ITarian’s remote control and remote access to
-Remote administrative control of devices connected to the network
-Access files to any connected device or server
-Control access rights for other users of the network
Conclusion
Back To My Mac is now unavailable on Mac devices. Users will need to look for other options for remote access, screen sharing and file sharing between mac devices. Apple offers other options that users can use but it is too difficult to set up each device as compared to Back to My Mac.
Users have the option to use third-party apps such as ITarian. It is easy to use and offers almost the same features of Back to My Mac.