How to use TeamViewer on Mac – Complete guide

TeamViewer has been a popular tool for remote access, file sharing, and tech support for over 20 years. Whether you’re helping a friend, working with a creative team, or accessing your files from another location, TeamViewer makes it easy to securely connect to another device. 

In this guide, I’ll walk you through what TeamViewer is, how to get it set up on your Mac, and share some practical tips for using it effectively.

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How to download TeamViewer on Mac

To download TeamViewer on Mac, follow these steps:

1. Go to the TeamViewer website.
2. Click Download TeamViewer.
3. The installer is about 110 MB, so if you’re on a slower connection, it might take a few minutes. I always check my connection first to avoid any frustrating interruptions.

How to install TeamViewer on Mac

To install TeamViewer on your Mac:

1. Open your Downloads folder and double-click the TeamViewer.dmg file.
2. In the window that opens, double-click Install TeamViewer.
3. If prompted, click Open to confirm you trust the source.
4. Review and accept the license agreement.
5. Click Install to begin. You’ll see the required storage space before proceeding.
6. Wait for the installation to finish. This usually takes less than a minute.

How to uninstall TeamViewer on Mac

If you only need TeamViewer for one-time help, like showing someone how to use FaceTime, you’ll want to uninstall it afterward. There are 2 options on how to uninstall TeamViewer on Mac:

• Uninstall via Finder 
• Uninstall from within the TeamViewer app

Option 1: Uninstall via Finder

1. Quit TeamViewer (right-click the app icon in the Dock and select Quit).
2. Go to Finder > Applications.
3. Drag the TeamViewer icon to the Trash.
4. You may be prompted for your password or fingerprint to confirm.
5. Empty the Trash to complete removal.

Option 2: Uninstall from within TeamViewer

1. Open TeamViewer.
2. Go to TeamViewer > Settings.
3. In the pop-up, click Advanced and scroll down to the Uninstall button.
4. Optionally, select to delete configuration files.
5. Click Uninstall and confirm your choice.

Remove leftover files with CleanMyMac

Traditional uninstalling sometimes leaves files behind on your disk. Tools like CleanMyMac can help you remove leftover files with one click.

To remove leftovers:

1. Install and open CleanMyMac.
2. Click Applications > Scan.
3. Click Manage My Applications > Leftovers.
4. Find TeamViewer leftovers. Select and click Remove.

There’s also the Uninstaller tab here, which lets you uninstall apps directly from the app. So, I usually use this method because I can remove everything connected to the app I no longer need to reclaim space.

Using TeamViewer on Mac

Using TeamViewer on Mac is pretty easy, and it allows you to do the following:

• Remote device control: Work on another computer as if you’re using it directly. Set up apps, manage files, and offer tech support.
• Cross-platform access: Connect between Mac, Windows, iOS, Android, Linux, and ChromeOS devices.
• File sharing: Send files securely, even large ones, with end-to-end encryption.
• Secure unattended access: Set up remote access to devices even when no one is there.
• Remote printing: Print documents from a remote computer to your local printer.

Next, let me show you how each feature works in detail.

Using remote device control

To control the device remotely:

1. Install and open TeamViewer on both devices (your Mac and the remote device).
2. On the remote device, open TeamViewer and note its ID and password shown under “Allow Remote Control”.
3. On your Mac, in TeamViewer, go to the Remote Control section and enter the partner’s TeamViewer ID in the field under “Control Remote Computer”, then click Connect.
4. Enter the password from the remote device and confirm.
5. Once connected, you can control the remote device (or choose a different mode like File Transfer, depending on the TeamViewer version and settings).

Also, check out the best ways to remotely access and control your Mac.

Cross-platform access

You can connect from your Mac to devices running Windows, Linux, Android, or iOS. This is helpful if you need to access files or offer support across different systems.

Use TeamViewer as a VPN alternative

TeamViewer offers a VPN alternative, but this feature is currently only available on Windows devices. You’ll need to install the VPN driver on both computers for it to work.

Check out the comparison of the best VPNs for Mac.

Secure unattended access

Unattended access lets you connect to a device without someone on the other end. This is useful for maintenance, after-hours updates, or helping someone in a different time zone.

Top alternatives to TeamViewer

If TeamViewer doesn’t quite fit your needs, there are other options worth considering:

• Splashtop allows remote access for personal, business, and IT support. Create an account, install the app on your devices, and manage them from your online dashboard.

• Chrome Remote Desktop is a free tool from Google. Access your computer or share your screen with others using the Chrome browser. For full remote control, you’ll need to install the Chrome Remote Desktop Host software.

• LogMeIn Pro provides remote control, 1TB of cloud storage, remote printing, and antivirus protection. Create an account, download the installer, and start connecting.

• If you’re mainly interested in secure file sharing, Dropshare is a handy drag-and-drop tool for Mac. 

• For VPN needs, ClearVPN offers simple, secure connections and lets you change your virtual location.

What is TeamViewer for Mac?

TeamViewer is software that lets you control another computer remotely, share files, and even offer tech support without being in the same room. It’s perfect when you need someone to help you with a task or set up something on your computer — like when you’re stuck installing an app or can’t figure out why something isn’t working.

TeamViewer is free for personal use and requires a license for commercial or business use. The app supports cross-platform connections between macOS, iOS, Windows, Linux, Android, and ChromeOS devices. For more details, see theofficial TeamViewer features page.

Fact check: TeamViewer reports over 2.5 billion device installations as of 2024.

Final words on how to use TeamViewer and its alternatives

TeamViewer makes remote access straightforward, whether you're helping someone troubleshoot or accessing your own files from another location. And if you need complementary tools, Setapp has you covered: 

• WiFi Explorer helps ensure your connection is solid before you start a session.
• CleanMyMac removes leftover files when you're done.
• Dropshare handles quick file sharing.
• ClearVPN secures your connection when you're working remotely.

Try these apps on Setapp for 7 days free to build a complete remote work setup (including 250+ other Mac and iOS apps) that actually works together.