# Alternative Method If you're unable to install [*Screens Connect*](http://screensconnect.com/) on your Mac, it is still possible to make your computer remotely accessible. This method may be necessary for these or other reasons: * Your Mac does not support the 64 bit architecture (PowerPC, Core Duo, Core Solo). * Your router does not support UPnP or NAT-PMP. * You prefer to manually configure everything yourself. Before you go through these instructions, make sure you enable *Screen Sharing* on your Mac. Refer to *Screens'* help documentation to learn more. ## **Step 1: Updating Your Public IP Address Automatically** Your public IP address will change from time to time. To make sure *Screens* can find your computer when connecting over the Internet, you may use a third-party *dynamic DNS* service. A dynamic DNS service monitors your computer for IP address changes so that your chosen URL always points to that computer. For this example, we chose a free service called *No-IP*, which is not associated in any way with Edovia. There are many similar services available on the Web, all of which share similar set-up procedures. ### **Creating a No-IP Account and Hostname** ![](/files/-L9zzL-e_bpHOMbc91OV) * Visit [**http://www.no-ip.com**](http://www.no-ip.com). * Select **No-IP Free**. * **Sign up** for the service. * Once your No-IP account has been created and validated, visit [**https://www.no-ip.com/login/**](ttps://www.no-ip.com/login/) to log in. * Click **Add a Host**. * Type your chosen **hostname**. * Ensure **DNS Host (A)** is selected. * **Do not change the IP address.** This is already set to your network’s current public IP address. * Click **Create Host**. ### **Installing the Host Updater Application** Many routers provide this functionality out of the box, alleviating you of the need to install additional software on your Mac. Consult [this page](http://www.noip.com/support/knowledgebase/what-devices-support-no-ips-dynamic-dns-update-service/) to see if your router supports the No-IP service. If your router doesn't support the service, follow these instructions. * Visit . * Click Mac. * Download the latest version of the host updater app. * Open the DMG file and drag the app to the /Applications folder ![](/files/-L9zzL1eAODDsbeUitDX) * Go to your **/Applications** folder and double-click **No-IP DUC**. * **Log in** using your No-IP authentication credentials, the same information that you use to log in at no-ip.com. * Select the **hostname** you created earlier. ![](/files/-L9zzL2RZwo5UmUa9PCw) * If you wish to have the app running at all times (recommended for continuous availability over the Internet), enable **Open at Login**. . ![](/files/-L9zzL2kdDT5sXsUi9ye) ## **Step 2: Configuring a Static Local IP Address for Your Mac** * Open **System Preferences → Network**. * Select **Using DHCP with manual address**. * **Select a static IP address** that won't conflict with any other device on the network. It’s best to pick a number far outside the normal range of assigned IP addresses. In this example, we use *10.0.1.245* because most devices on this network stop at 10.0.1.150. To determine the range to use, check your router's IP address. e. ![](/files/-L9zzL3f1xlj0bUabiKG) * Click the **Apply** button in the lower-right corner. Your Mac will re-establish its network connection. Now, instead of querying your router for an IP address assignment, your Mac will use the provided IP address at all times, even if your Mac is restarted. ## **Step 3: Configuring Your Router's Port Forwarding Feature** Next, you will create public ports that will direct Screens traffic to your Mac’s static IP address and the private port used by Screen Sharing (normally 5900, unless you have changed it). For this example, we'll use an Airport Extreme. If you have a different router, refer to the excellent \[Port Forward] Web site. (Select your router brand and model, then select VNC on the next page.) * Open **Airport Utility**. * **Select** your router. * Click **Manual Setup** and enter your administrative **password**. * Click the **Advanced** tab, then the **Port Mapping** tab. * Click the **+** button to add a new port mapping. * A settings window appears. Select **Apple Remote Desktop** in the **Service** list. * In the **Private IP Address** field, **enter the static IP address** you created in Step 2. ![](/files/-L9zzL6r7iAJ2yORKq71) * Click **Continue.** * Click **Done**. * Click **Update** to apply the changes to your router configuration. ## **Step 4: Configuring *****Screens*** to Connect to Your Mac * Open ***Screens***. * **Create or edit** a "screen" as you normally would. * In the **Address** field, type your **No-IP hostname**. In this example, this is *lucsmacbookair.zapto.org*. * Leave the **Port** field set to *5900*. * **Enter** your Mac user account **credentials**. * Tap **Save**. * Tap the **“screen”** to initiate a connection. --- # Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter: ``` GET https://edovia-1.gitbook.io/screens-connect-for-macos/alternative-method.md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.