Send messages

You can send messages to one or more client computers, and chat with users at client computers.

Clients can also ask for administrator attention, and administrators can view and clear requests.

Send one-way messages

The message appears in front of open app windows and can be dismissed by the user.

  1. In the Remote Desktop window, select a computer list, then select one or more computers.

  2. Choose Interact > Send Message.

  3. Enter your message, then click Send.

    The message appears on the screen of all the selected computers.

Chat with Remote Desktop clients

You can start an interactive chat with the user of a client computer. This allows instant feedback from users, so you can collaborate or troubleshoot.

  1. In the Remote Desktop window, select a computer list, then select one or more computers.

  2. Choose Interact > Chat.

  3. Enter your message, a line at a time.

    The message appears on the user’s screen as you type.

  4. Press the Return key to complete and send each line.

View attention requests

Remote Desktop administrators can receive and view multiple attention requests from client users.

  1. Choose Window > Messages From Users.

  2. Select the message you want to view.

  3. Click Display to view the requestor’s message.

Request administrator attention

  1. On the client computer, click the Remote Desktop status icon Remote Desktop status button in the menu bar, then choose Message to Administrator. The attention request window appears.

    If you don’t see the Remote Desktop status icon, choose Apple menu > System Preferences, click Sharing, select Remote Management, click Computer Settings, then select “Show Remote Management status in menu bar.”

  2. If the computer has more than one Remote Desktop administrator available, choose an administrator from the “Send message to” pop-up menu.

  3. Enter the message.

  4. Click Send.

    An attention request icon appears in the menu bar on the administrator’s screen.

Cancel an attention request

If a user no longer needs the Remote Desktop administrator’s attention, the user can cancel the attention request at any time.

  • On the client computer, click the Remote Desktop status icon Remote Desktop status button in the menu bar and choose Cancel Message.