Best way to perform Remote Desktop while keeping the screen of the remote OFF

[brosenz]

I am using the Apple Remote Desktop app to connect to an iMac at home while traveling, using Tailscale because I don't have a Public IP (I am behind CGNAT), all works fine.

The only issue is that the screen on the remote iMac will always turn ON while connected remotely, is there another solution that will allow me to connect without turning on the screen of the remote device?

Thanks

 

[gilby101]

The only issue is that the screen on the remote iMac will always turn ON while connected remotely

Whilst it is an annoyance, I would argue that it is a security feature. The screen turning on, gives the owner (if anywhere nearby) some warning that something unexpected may be happening.

 

[Bigwaff]

The only issue is that the screen on the remote iMac will always turn ON while connected remotely, is there another solution that will allow me to connect without turning on the screen of the remote device?

Jeez, it's been forever since I've used ARD.. I think ARD has a "Curtain" feature which essentially does what you are asking.

 

[f54da]

I think with curtain the screen turns on but it displays a message. Is there a reason you don't want the screen to be explicitly on? You could rig a hotkey to lower the brightness or something. Or maybe using switchresx to deactivate the display would work for you?

On MBPs with the lid closed the screen is completely off, so it's technically possible to do this 'completely', it just needs to be done at a lower level than userspace, to prevent the display from even showing up in the iokit hierarchy.

 

[SunMac]

I do this with a Mac Mini all the time but since you are connecting to an iMac I'm not sure. Like I have my Mac Mini connected to a display and I can connect to the Mac Mini without the display turning on or even detecting any activity. I don't need to even have a display connected and it will work headless as well. I don't think with the built in Mac Screen Share/ARD it will work since the screen is built in.

I say buy a used Mac Mini for cheap or try this software: MonitorControl
I think it might be able to turn off the physcial screen while you are connected.

 

[Apple_Robert]

Jump Desktop has such a feature that allows you to turn off the remote screen. I use it all the time.