Connecting your Mac to shared computers and file servers is a straightforward process, enabling seamless access to resources across your network. Whether you need to access files on another Mac, a Windows machine, or a dedicated server using protocols like SMB, macOS offers intuitive methods to establish these connections. This guide will walk you through the steps to effortlessly Connect To Servers and shared computers from your Mac.
Connecting to a Server by Browsing the Network
Browsing the network is a user-friendly way to discover and connect to available shared computers and servers. Follow these steps to connect using this method:
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Open Finder: Click the Finder icon in your Dock. This action will open a new Finder window, your gateway to files and applications on your Mac.
Ensure Finder sidebar visibility: If you don’t see “Locations” in the sidebar, hover your cursor over the word “Locations” and click “Show” when it appears. -
Navigate to Network: In the Finder sidebar, locate and click on “Network” within the “Locations” section. This will display a list of computers and servers currently sharing files on your local network.
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Select and Connect: In the main Finder window, double-click on the specific computer or server you wish to connect to. Then, click “Connect As” to proceed with the connection process.
Screen Sharing Option: If you are connecting to another Mac with screen sharing enabled and you have the necessary permissions, you might also see a “Share Screen” button, allowing you to remotely view and control the other Mac’s screen. -
Choose Connection Type: Select your preferred method for connecting to the chosen Mac:
- Guest: Opt for “Guest” access if the server or shared computer allows guest connections. This is typically for public shares with minimal security.
- Registered User: Choose “Registered User” to connect using a valid username and password. This is the standard method for secure access. If the target Mac is configured to allow only specific users, ensure your login name is on the permitted list.
- Using an Apple Account: Select “Using an Apple Account” to connect with your Apple ID. This requires both your Mac and the server Mac to be configured with the same Apple ID in Users & Groups settings.
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Enter Credentials and Select Volumes: If prompted, enter your username and password for the selected connection type. Once authenticated, you will be presented with a list of available volumes or shared folders on the server. Select the ones you need to access and click “OK” or “Connect”.
Network Area or Workgroup: In some network configurations, you might need to provide the network area or workgroup name. If you are unsure about this information, consult the server’s owner or your network administrator for assistance.
Connecting to a Server Using its Network Address
If you know the network address of the server or computer you want to connect to, you can directly connect without browsing the network. Here’s how:
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Access Connect to Server: In Finder on your Mac, navigate to the “Go” menu in the menu bar and select “Connect to Server”. This will open the “Connect to Server” dialog box.
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Enter Server Address: In the “Server Address” field, type the network address of the computer or server. Ensure you use the correct format for the network address, which depends on the server type and protocol.
Valid Address Formats: Refer to Apple’s documentation on “Servers and shared computers you can connect to” for detailed information on correct network address formats for different server types like SMB, AFP, and WebDAV. -
Initiate Connection: Click the “Connect” button. macOS will attempt to establish a connection to the server address you provided.
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Choose Connection Method: Similar to browsing, you will be prompted to select how you want to connect:
- Guest
- Registered User
- Using an Apple Account
Select the appropriate option based on your access credentials and the server’s configuration.
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Authentication and Volume Selection: If required, enter your username and password. After successful authentication, choose the desired server volumes or shared folders you need to access.
Quickly Reconnecting to Servers
For frequently accessed servers, macOS offers several convenient ways to quickly reconnect:
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Recent Items Menu: Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen, go to “Recent Items,” and then select the server from the “Recent Servers” list. This list automatically keeps track of your recently connected servers for easy access.
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Connect to Server Recent Servers: In Finder , go to “Go” > “Connect to Server”. Click the dropdown menu located to the far right of the “Server Address” field. This menu displays a history of recently entered server addresses, allowing you to quickly select and reconnect to a server.
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Add to Finder Sidebar: For persistent access, add frequently used shared computers, network areas, or workgroups directly to your Finder sidebar. To do this, select the connected server or shared folder, then go to “File” > “Add To Sidebar.” This creates a permanent shortcut in your Finder sidebar for quick access.
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Add to Favorites: You can also add servers to your favorites list for even faster connections. In the “Connect to Server” dialog (Go > Connect to Server), enter the server address, and before clicking “Connect”, click the “Add to Favorites” button (often a plus sign or star icon). This will save the server to your favorites for future connections.
Troubleshooting Server Connection Issues
If you encounter difficulties connecting to a shared computer or server, consider the following troubleshooting steps:
- Server Availability: Ensure the server or shared computer is powered on and properly connected to the network.
- Network Connectivity: Verify that your Mac and the server are on the same network and that your network connection is functioning correctly.
- Permissions: Confirm that you have the necessary permissions to access the shared resources on the server. Contact the server owner or network administrator to verify your access rights.
- Incorrect Address: Double-check the network address you are using to connect to the server. Ensure there are no typos and that the address format is correct for the server type.
If you continue to experience issues, further troubleshooting might be required, potentially involving network settings or server configurations.
See also:
- Find your computer’s name and network address on Mac
- Set up file sharing on Mac
- Turn Mac screen sharing on or off
- Allow a remote computer to access your Mac
- If your Mac can’t connect to another computer
