ElsewhereBefore you start
They need Elsewhere on their Mac, signed in to their own account, with sharing on. For now, the computer you help has to be a Mac.
You need Elsewhere on a Mac, iPhone, or iPad, and a plan. They don't need a plan to be helped.
On their Mac
They open Elsewhere and choose their Mac under This Mac in the sidebar. It shows a nine-digit ID that stays the same, and a passcode that changes.
They read you both, or click Copy ID and passcode and send them to you.
On your device
- On a Mac, click Add a computer in the toolbar. On iPhone or iPad, tap + Add a computer under your list.
- Type the ID and the passcode.
- To find them again next time, keep the option to save to Other computers on.
- Choose Connect, then wait for them to accept.
They click Accept
Their Mac shows your name with Accept and Decline, in a notification and in the Elsewhere window. Nothing starts until they click Accept. If nobody answers within a minute, the request lapses.
Their Mac shows the name on your account page, or your email if you haven't set a name. Anyone can pick any name, so it's marked as not verified. Tell them to expect you.
During the session
You can see the screen, type, click, scroll, pick a display, and set the quality. You can't lock their Mac.
Your clipboards stay separate. From an iPhone or iPad, you can still send text with Paste from iPhone.
They can end the session any time with Disconnect in the Elsewhere menu.
Next time
Their passcode changes when the session ends. It also changes if they decline, or if the request lapses. Ask for the new one before you try again.
The ID stays the same, so a saved computer only needs the passcode.