How To Mirror Mac With Broken Screen

How to Mirror a Mac with a Broken Screen

A broken screen on your Mac can be a frustrating experience, especially if you need to access important files or continue working on projects. While a broken screen may seem like a major obstacle, there are still ways to utilize your Mac's functionality. One solution is mirroring your Mac's display to an external monitor, allowing you to interact with your computer without relying on the damaged screen.

Mirroring a Mac with a broken screen can be achieved through various methods, each offering its own advantages and considerations. This article will explore three key approaches: using a remote desktop app, connecting to an external monitor via HDMI or Thunderbolt, and employing a third-party software solution. Each method will be discussed in detail, outlining the necessary steps, potential challenges, and recommended tools.

Using a Remote Desktop App

Remote desktop applications allow you to access and control your Mac from a different device, such as a laptop, smartphone, or tablet. This offers a convenient solution because it does not require any physical connection to the broken screen. Popular remote desktop apps for Mac include:

TeamViewer: A widely used and feature-rich remote desktop solution that offers free and paid plans.
AnyDesk: Known for its fast performance and user-friendly interface, AnyDesk is a reliable choice for remote access.
Chrome Remote Desktop: A free, browser-based option that allows you to access your Mac from any computer with an internet connection.

To use a remote desktop app, follow these steps:

Install the app on both your Mac (with broken screen) and your remote device.
Set up an account or create a connection between the two devices. This typically involves generating an access code or unique identifier on your Mac.
Connect to your Mac from your remote device using the provided access information.
Once connected, you can see your Mac's desktop on your remote device and interact with it as if you were using the Mac directly.

While remote desktop apps offer flexibility, they can be affected by internet connection speed and latency. If you need to perform tasks that demand a strong internet connection, this method might not be ideal. Additionally, remote desktop apps typically require an active internet connection on both devices to function.

Connecting to an External Monitor via HDMI or Thunderbolt

If your Mac has an HDMI or Thunderbolt port, you can connect it directly to an external monitor. This method offers a more stable and responsive mirroring experience compared to remote desktop apps. To do this, you will need:

An HDMI or Thunderbolt cable.
An external monitor that supports the connection type.

Follow these steps to connect your Mac to an external monitor:

Connect one end of the HDMI or Thunderbolt cable to the corresponding port on your Mac.
Connect the other end of the cable to the external monitor.
Turn on the external monitor.
If necessary, adjust the display settings on your Mac to extend or mirror the display. You can do this by going to
System Preferences > Displays
.

Connecting to an external monitor provides a more seamless mirroring experience, potentially offering better performance compared to remote desktop apps. However, you need to physically connect the Mac to the external monitor, which might not be convenient in all situations. Furthermore, ensure that your Mac's HDMI or Thunderbolt port is functional.

Using Third-Party Software Solutions

Several third-party software solutions specifically designed to mirror your Mac's screen to an external monitor can help if your Mac's HDMI or Thunderbolt ports are damaged or unavailable. These software solutions typically involve connecting your Mac to a computer or device with working display capabilities via a network connection.

Examples of such third-party software solutions include:

AirParrot: Allows you to mirror your Mac's screen wirelessly to Apple TV, Chromecast, or other devices over a Wi-Fi network.
Reflect: Provides a more feature-rich option for wireless screen mirroring, including the ability to control your Mac from the remote device.
LonelyScreen: A versatile tool for wireless screen mirroring that supports casting to multiple devices simultaneously.

To use these software solutions, follow the instructions provided by the software developer. Typically, you will need to install the software on both your Mac and the remote device, configure network settings, and connect the devices. You might also need to purchase a license for these software solutions.

Third-party solutions offer more flexibility in terms of connection types and remote devices. However, they can be more complex to set up and might require a subscription or one-time purchase. Additionally, the performance of these solutions can vary depending on network conditions.

By exploring these methods, you can overcome the challenges of a broken screen on your Mac and continue accessing and interacting with your device effectively. Remember to carefully consider the specific requirements and limitations of each method before choosing the most suitable solution for your situation.