The Apple Remote Desktop (Splashtop) Policy allows administrators to enable or disable remote access functionality on macOS devices using the Splashtop Streamer integration built into Swif.ai.
This policy is ideal for IT teams that use Splashtop for remote support, troubleshooting, and managing macOS endpoints securely and efficiently.
Requirements
macOS 12.0+
Splashtop Streamer installed and managed by Swif.ai
Overview
Swif.ai provides native support for Splashtop-based remote desktop connections. With this policy, admins can centrally control whether a macOS device is allowed to accept remote support sessions via Splashtop.
By turning this setting on or off, you can:
Allow IT teams to remotely connect to employees' Macs
Disable Splashtop remote control for sensitive or high-security devices
Enforce consistent organization-wide remote access rules
Support both BYOD and company-owned macOS environments
This policy does not configure Apple's built-in Screen Sharing or Remote Management services. It is specifically tied to Swif.ai’s Splashtop integration.
Configurable Settings
Enable Remote Desktop (Splashtop)
Determines whether Splashtop remote access is allowed on the device.
Options:
True – Enables Splashtop remote desktop capability
False – Disables Splashtop remote desktop functionality
Null – Leaves Splashtop remote access unchanged
When enabled, authorized administrators can initiate remote support sessions directly from the Swif.ai dashboard using Splashtop.
Minimum Requirements: macOS 12.0+
Best Practices
Enable only for devices needing IT support, such as remote worker endpoints.
Disable for high-security Macs, including:
Finance or HR systems
Developer machines with sensitive code
Devices with regulated or confidential data
Pair with:
Apple Firewall Policy
Apple System Preferences Security Policy
Apple Screen Sharing Restrictions (if needed)
Use device groups to manage different access levels—for example:
Support-enabled Macs
Security-restricted Macs
How to Configure in Swif.ai
Log in to the Swif Admin Console
Go to Policies → Create New Policy
Select Apple Remote Desktop (Splashtop) Policy
Set Enable Remote Desktop to:
True to enable remote support
False to disable
Click Continue
Assign the policy to device groups
Save the policy
The configuration applies at the next MDM check-in.
Troubleshooting
Splashtop remote access not working
Ensure Splashtop Streamer is installed on the device
Confirm the policy is set to True
Verify the device is online
Ensure no macOS security restrictions are blocking the agent
Check if another policy is disabling remote access features
Device still allows Splashtop after disabling the policy
Wait for the device to check in (or manually trigger a sync)
Confirm the device is running macOS 12+
Ensure the Splashtop service wasn't manually re-enabled