How to Install and Connect ScreenConnect (ConnectWise Control) on macOS
If your IT provider uses ConnectWise Control (formerly ScreenConnect) for remote support, connecting on a Mac requires extra steps compared to Windows. macOS security settings block the app by default, and you'll need to manually grant Screen Recording and Accessibility permissions before a technician can see or control your screen. This guide walks you through every step with visual examples of exactly what you'll see on your Mac.
Before You Start
Before connecting, make sure you have the following ready:
Apple's macOS requires explicit user permission for any app that wants to record your screen or control your keyboard and mouse. Since ScreenConnect needs both of these to work, you must manually approve two separate permissions. Windows does not require this.
Open the ScreenConnect Page and Enter Your Code
Open Safari or Chrome on your Mac and go to the ScreenConnect URL your IT provider gave you. This is usually something like yourcompany.screenconnect.com.
Your technician will give you a session code over the phone. Type it into the code field and click "Join".
The page will then prompt you to download the ScreenConnect client app.
Download the ScreenConnect Installer (.pkg File)
A .pkg installer file will download to your Downloads folder. The filename is usually ScreenConnect.ClientSetup.pkg or ConnectWiseControl.ClientSetup.pkg.
Open Finder and navigate to your Downloads folder to locate the file.
Bypass the "Cannot Verify Developer" Security Warning
"ConnectWiseControl.ClientSetup.pkg" cannot be verified. Are you sure you want to open it?
macOS will display a warning saying it cannot verify the developer of the installer package. This is completely normal and expected.
ScreenConnect creates a unique installer for every session, so Apple cannot pre-verify it. This does not mean the file is dangerous.
Click "Open" to proceed with the installation.
Run the Installer and Enter Your Mac Password
This package will install the remote support client on your Mac.
The macOS installer wizard will open. Click "Continue" through the prompts, then click "Install."
You will be asked to enter your Mac administrator username and password. This is the same password you use to log into your Mac or unlock it after a restart.
Once installation completes, you can move the .pkg file to trash when prompted.
Grant Screen Recording Permission
After installation, a large "Review System Access" window will appear from ScreenConnect. This is where macOS asks you to grant the permissions the app needs.
In the Screen Recording section, click "Request Access."
macOS will open System Settings → Privacy & Security → Screen & System Audio Recording.
Find "ConnectWise Control" (or "connectwisecontrol") in the list and toggle the switch to ON. Enter your Mac password when prompted.
Click "Quit & Reopen" When Prompted
This is required for the new permissions to take effect.
After toggling the Screen Recording permission, macOS will display a prompt asking you to Quit & Reopen the ScreenConnect client app.
Click "Quit & Reopen." The app will close and automatically restart. The Review System Access window will reappear.
This step is required — the permissions won't take effect until the app restarts.
Grant Accessibility Permission
Back in the Review System Access window, click "Request Access" next to the Accessibility section.
System Settings will open to Privacy & Security → Accessibility. Find "ConnectWise Control" and toggle it ON.
Enter your password when prompted. You may be asked to "Quit & Reopen" again — click it.
This permission allows the technician to control your mouse and keyboard remotely, which is necessary for them to fix issues on your machine.
Verify Both Permissions Show "Granted"
Once both permissions are granted, the Review System Access window should show green circles with "Granted" next to both Screen Recording and Accessibility.
Your IT support technician can now see your screen and control your mouse and keyboard to diagnose and resolve your issue.
When the session is over, the technician will disconnect. You can leave the permissions enabled for future sessions, or revoke them at any time through System Settings.
Common ScreenConnect Mac Issues and Fixes
"ConnectWise Control" doesn't appear in the permissions list
Click the + button at the bottom of the permissions list, navigate to Applications, and manually add the ConnectWise Control client. On older macOS versions, the client may be in /opt/connectwisecontrol-xxxxxxx — a hidden folder. To access it, open Finder, press Command+Shift+G, and type /opt/.
Permissions prompt never appears (Apple Silicon M1/M2/M3/M4)
ScreenConnect may need Rosetta 2 installed on Apple Silicon Macs. Open Terminal and run: softwareupdate --install-rosetta — then try the installation again.
Technician can see the screen but can't control the mouse
This means Screen Recording is granted but Accessibility is not. Go to System Settings → Privacy & Security → Accessibility and make sure ConnectWise Control is toggled ON.
The installer was blocked with no "Open" option
Go to System Settings → Privacy & Security, scroll down to the Security section. You should see a message about the blocked installer with an "Open Anyway" button. Click it.
Screen appears black to the technician
This happens when Screen Recording permission was not granted correctly. Try toggling it OFF and back ON in System Settings → Privacy & Security → Screen & System Audio Recording, then Quit & Reopen the client.
Getting asked for permissions again after a macOS update
Major macOS updates can reset privacy permissions. If ScreenConnect stops working after an update, repeat Steps 5–7 above to re-grant Screen Recording and Accessibility.
ScreenConnect on Mac — FAQ
Is ScreenConnect (ConnectWise Control) safe to install on my Mac?
Yes. ConnectWise Control is a widely used enterprise remote support tool used by thousands of IT providers worldwide. The "unverified developer" warning appears because each installer is uniquely generated per session and cannot be pre-signed with Apple.
Which macOS versions does ScreenConnect support?
ConnectWise Control supports the current and previous two versions of macOS. As of 2026, that includes macOS Sequoia (15), Sonoma (14), and Ventura (13). Older versions may work but are not officially supported.
Do I need to repeat this process every time?
No. Once you grant Screen Recording and Accessibility permissions, they remain in place for future sessions. You'll only need to repeat the process if you uninstall the client, get a new Mac, or if a major macOS update resets your privacy settings.
Can I revoke the permissions after the session?
Yes. Go to System Settings → Privacy & Security and toggle off ConnectWise Control under Screen Recording and Accessibility at any time.
What if I have a Mac with an M1, M2, M3, or M4 chip?
Apple Silicon Macs may need Rosetta 2 installed for ScreenConnect to work properly. Open Terminal and run softwareupdate --install-rosetta before attempting installation.
Does ScreenConnect work on iPad or iPhone?
ConnectWise Control has an iOS app for technicians to connect to remote machines, but it does not support being the client device. Remote support sessions require a Mac, Windows, or Linux computer.
Still Having Trouble Connecting on Your Mac?
If you're a Mesa Geeks client and need help installing ScreenConnect on your Mac, call us directly and we'll walk you through it step by step.
Mesa Geeks provides managed IT services, cybersecurity, network installation, and VoIP phone systems for businesses in Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, Tempe, Scottsdale, and surrounding East Valley communities.