> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.macstadium.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Connecting to your Mac for the first time

> Just got your MacStadium installation ticket? Connect via macOS Screen Sharing, a VNC client, or SSH using the credentials from your ticket.

## Get your credentials

When your Mac is provisioned, MacStadium sends you an install ticket containing the server's IP address, username, and password. Use these credentials for all of the connection methods below.

You can also find your server's IP address in [My Cloud](/macstadium/macstadium-overview/ip-plan) in the MacStadium Portal. Each server entry includes a **Launch VNC** shortcut and a **Copy SSH Address** shortcut with a ready-to-paste `ssh` command.

If you can't locate your install ticket or credentials, contact MacStadium Support.

## Connection methods

All Mac mini subscriptions are pre-configured to connect using the following methods:

**macOS Screen Sharing**: Open Safari and type `vnc://<ip-address>` (replacing the IP address with one provided in your install ticket) OR enter the IP address into the Screen Sharing app for remote access.

**VNC**: The Apple Screen Sharing server also supports VNC connections using your client of choice, such as TigerVNC. This allows for remote desktop access from other OSes, albeit with reduced performance.

**SSH Terminal**: Use your OS's built in terminal to gain console access to the server. For example:

```bash theme={null}
ssh <username>@<ip-address>
```

<Warning>
  In response to [CVE-2026-65400](/CVE-2026-65400), MacStadium blocks inbound traffic to TCP port 5900 (the default Screen Sharing port) at the network edge. Screen Sharing and VNC connections from the public internet no longer reach your Mac directly. To use Screen Sharing or VNC, connect through an [SSH tunnel](/CVE-2026-65400#option-1-use-an-ssh-tunnel) or over a VPN or other private connection. SSH is unaffected.
</Warning>


## Related topics

- [Log in to your Orka cluster for the first time](/orka/orka-cluster-access/orka-cluster-access-the-cluster.md)
- [First-Time SSO Login to MacStadium Portal](/macstadium/account-management-and-saml/first-time-sso-login-to-macstadium-portal.md)
- [Deploy your first VM with the Orka3 CLI](/orka/quick-start-guides/orka3-cli-quick-start.md)
- [Site-to-site VPN configuration with GCP](/iaas/google-cloud-platform/site-to-site-vpn-configuration-with-gcp.md)
- [Deploy your first VM with the Orka3 REST API](/orka/quick-start-guides/orka3-api-quick-start.md)