Anyone been able to to get sidecar working over a VPN?
Ie id like to be able to vpn into my home network from a remote location on my iPad and use sidecar to mirror/control my Mac’s screen. Works great if at home on home network but can get it to work over vpn remotely.
Yeah, getting Sidecar to work over a VPN can be a bit tricky, but it’s possible. Here are a few tips that might help:
Ensure VPN Compatibility: Make sure your VPN supports local network access. Some VPNs block local network traffic by default, so check the settings to enable local network discovery.
Network Settings: Ensure both your Mac and iPad are on the same subnet. Sometimes VPNs assign different subnets, which can cause connectivity issues. Configuring your VPN to bridge the connection might help.
Check Firewall Settings: Your router or Mac’s firewall might be blocking the necessary ports. Make sure ports like 5100-5105 are open.
Use Reliable VPNs: Some VPNs are better for local network access than others. I’ve had good experiences with NordVPN and SurfShark. You can check out more recommendations in my Top VPNs for 2024.
Alternative Methods: If all else fails, consider using remote desktop software like TeamViewer or AnyDesk. They work well over VPNs and might offer a more stable connection for remote control.
I don’t mean the 3rd party vpns (eg nord) that make you appear like you are located somewhere else. I mean the VPN servers you setup on your own network and then remote into to appear like you are on your own network.