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. Requires Mirage Pro.
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.