What you need
- A Mac mini or Mac Studio
- Ethernet cable (recommended) and power
- A monitor, keyboard, and mouse for initial setup
Setup
- Connect a monitor, keyboard, and mouse. Complete macOS setup.
- Install Mirage Host. Grant Screen Recording and Accessibility permissions.
- Open Mirage on another device and test the connection. Move the cursor, open an app, confirm audio works.
- Configure system settings (see below).
- Disconnect the monitor. Put the Mac wherever you want.
System settings
- Energy Saver > Wake for network access: Always
- Energy Saver > Start up automatically after a power failure: On
- Energy Saver > Prevent automatic sleeping when the display is off: On
- General > Login Items & Extensions: Ensure Mirage Host runs in the background
- General > Sharing > Remote Login: On (SSH as backup)
Remote access
Install Tailscale on both your Mac and client device for access outside your local network. Free for personal use. OpenVPN and WireGuard also work.
Tips
- Mirage creates a virtual display at your client device's native resolution. No HDMI dummy plug needed.
- The bootstrap daemon handles the macOS login screen remotely (experimental).
- If auto-login is an option, enable it so the Mac recovers unattended after power loss.
- Connect a monitor temporarily before major macOS updates.
- Use ethernet. Wi-Fi works but ethernet is more reliable for streaming and Wake-on-LAN.