DeskJoin

DeskJoin Remote · Mac mini guide

Use a Mac mini without a monitor.

Prepare the Mac mini with a monitor once. After it can log in and open DeskJoin Remote on its own, connect from your MacBook to view and control it with the MacBook's keyboard and trackpad.

Set up a Mac mini without a monitor →

The recommended way to use a Mac mini without a monitor

The Mac mini needs a monitor for its initial setup. Confirm that it can log in, join the local network, grant the required permissions, and launch DeskJoin Remote after a restart. You can then remove the monitor and connect from your MacBook.

DeskJoin Remote shows the Mac mini's desktop on the MacBook and sends keyboard and trackpad input back to the Mac mini. Your apps and files stay on the Mac mini while you operate them from the MacBook.

Download DeskJoin Remote

Set up the Mac mini once

  1. Connect a monitor to the Mac mini

    For the initial setup, connect a monitor, keyboard, and mouse to the Mac mini. Complete macOS setup and confirm that it runs macOS 12.3 or later.

  2. Turn off FileVault for automatic login

    If FileVault is on, turn it off before setting automatic login. On macOS 13 or later, go to System Settings > Privacy & Security > FileVault, turn it off, and confirm Turn Off Encryption. On macOS 12, go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > FileVault, unlock the settings, and click Turn Off FileVault. Wait until FileVault reports that it is off.

  3. Set the Mac mini to log in automatically

    On macOS 13 or later, go to System Settings > Users & Groups and choose the account under Automatically log in as. On macOS 12, go to System Preferences > Users & Groups > Login Options and choose the account under Automatic login. Enter the account password when prompted.

  4. Connect both computers to the same network

    Make sure the Mac mini and MacBook can reach each other over the same local Wi-Fi or Ethernet network.

  5. Open DeskJoin Remote at login

    Install DeskJoin Remote on the Mac mini and MacBook. On the Mac mini, allow Screen Recording and Accessibility access. Add DeskJoin Remote under System Settings > General > Login Items & Extensions > Open at Login (macOS 13 or later), or System Preferences > Users & Groups > Login Items (macOS 12). Restart with the monitor attached and confirm that the app opens on its own.

  6. Remove the Mac mini's monitor

    Once the restart test succeeds, shut down the Mac mini and disconnect its monitor. Keep it connected to the network. The MacBook will provide the screen, keyboard, and pointer for normal use.

Turning off FileVault removes a layer of data protection, and automatic login lets anyone with physical access enter the account after a restart. These changes are for unattended startup, not a requirement of DeskJoin Remote itself. Keep FileVault on if you prefer to log in manually with a monitor after each restart. See Apple's instructions for turning off FileVault, automatic login, and login items.

Connect and control from the MacBook

  1. Connect from the MacBook

    After the Mac mini has started and DeskJoin Remote is running, open DeskJoin Remote on the MacBook and choose the Mac mini.

  2. Operate the Mac mini from the MacBook

    View the Mac mini's desktop and use the MacBook's keyboard and trackpad to work with its apps and files. The work continues to run on the Mac mini.

  3. Disconnect when you are finished

    End the DeskJoin Remote session from the MacBook. The Mac mini stays on and remains available for the next local connection.

Display-only alternative: DeskJoin Screen

This video shows DeskJoin Screen Mirror mode. It can display the Mac mini's desktop on another computer, but input remains connected to the Mac mini. Use DeskJoin Remote when you want to operate the Mac mini from the MacBook itself.

Mac mini without monitor FAQ

Can I use a Mac mini without a monitor?

Yes. Set up the Mac mini with a monitor first, then arrange for macOS to log in and DeskJoin Remote to open at login. After testing a restart, remove the monitor and connect from your MacBook to view and control the Mac mini.

What can I use to control the Mac mini?

Use a MacBook or another compatible Mac running DeskJoin Remote. The Android controller can also view and control a Mac. Connect both devices over the same reachable local network.

Where do I use the keyboard and mouse?

Use the MacBook's keyboard and trackpad. DeskJoin Remote sends that input to the Mac mini while showing its desktop on the MacBook.

Does this replace first-time Mac mini setup?

No. Connect a monitor for the initial setup and confirm that the Mac mini logs in, joins the network, grants the required permissions, and opens DeskJoin Remote after a restart before removing the monitor.

How do I stop controlling the Mac mini?

Disconnect the DeskJoin Remote session from the MacBook. The Mac mini remains running and can accept another local connection later.

Does it need internet?

No. DeskJoin Remote connects over your local network, such as Wi-Fi or Ethernet.

Related DeskJoin guides

Download DeskJoin RemoteUse a MacBook as a monitor for Mac miniDeskJoin Screen Mirror mode