Configure macOS for Take Control sessions

For macOS 10.14 (Mojave) and later, including Catalina and Big Sur macOS updates, Apple has security requirements for all remote support solutions that limit Remote Access control on devices prior to user approval. When this accessibility setting is enabled you can take control of the remote device, otherwise you can only observe when connected.

This security setting is not configurable remotely and can only be setup by an admin rights level user on the local computer.

For Mac Agent 3.4.0 and later, if a device is enrolled in Device Management for Apple , end user notifications are reduced and all our installed applications have the required permissions. For example, a device enrolled in Device Management for Apple has Accessibility permissions enabled.

After applying these settings, the computer is controllable using the selected remote control solutions. If you apply these settings during an active session and you experience control problems, close the Take Control session and reconnect to the Mac.

Configure Accessibility Access (Events)

The first time you initiate the Take Control connection to the remote Mac running macOS 10.14, the user is presented with an Accessibility Access (Events) dialog. The dialog only displays one time per app during the first connection attempt, even if the app is uninstalled then reinstalled.

To permit remote control from this dialog, the admin rights user must follow these steps:

1. Go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy.
2. Select the Privacy tab and click Accessibility.
3. Click the padlock at the bottom left to unlock and edit the settings.
4. Enter the computer's administrative account credentials.
5. Select the checkbox for the intended Take Control Agent or Applet. If the Take Control agent is installed on the computer but not displayed in the list, follow these steps:
   1. Click the plus icon below the list.
   2. Use the Finder to navigate to your Applications folder.
   3. Select the relevant Take Control agent or Applet and select Open.
   4. When the Agent/Applet displays in the list, select the checkbox next to it.
6. Close the Security & Privacy window.

Enable screen recording

With macOS 10.15, a Screen Recording option was added that must be enabled as follows:

1. Go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy.
2. Select the Privacy tab and select Screen Recording from the options on the left.
3. Click the padlock at the bottom left to unlock and allow changes.
4. Select the checkbox for the Take Control Agent or Applet.
5. Close the Security & Privacy window.