How to Use Mac Mini or Mac Studio Without Monitor: Complete Headless Mode Setup
Quick answer:
- Luna Display's Headless Mode lets you use your iPad or secondary Mac as the primary display for a Mac mini or Mac Studio without needing an external monitor after initial setup
- You'll need a monitor only for the one-time configuration
- Setup involves: disabling FileVault, enabling automatic login, and adding Luna Display to login items
- Once configured, your Mac will automatically connect to your iPad or secondary Mac display when powered on
- Works with Mac mini, Mac Studio, and secondary iPad and Mac computers
What is Headless Mode?
Using Luna Display in Headless Mode allows you to use your iPad or secondary Mac as the primary display for a Mac mini or Mac Studio. It’s a great way to combine the power of a desktop Mac with the convenience of another screen; no external monitor required after setup.
Important: You will need an external monitor for the initial setup. To run Headless Mode every time you start your Mac mini or Mac Studio (without needing a monitor), make sure to:
- Set up Automatic Login
- Disable FileVault
- Add Luna Display to Login Items
This ensures Luna launches automatically and connects to your iPad or secondary Mac when your computer powers on.
Using a Mac Studio or M4 Mac Mini? Be sure to plug Luna Display into one of the Thunderbolt 4 ports on the back. The front ports do not support displays.
How to Set Up Headless Mode
1. Connect an external monitor for setup
Also connect a keyboard and mouse or trackpad to your Mac mini or Mac Studio.
2. Download the Luna primary app
While the external monitor is connected, download the Luna app: Download Luna for Mac
3. Disable FileVault
This allows automatic login to work properly.
- macOS Monterey: Go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > FileVault, then click Turn Off FileVault.
- macOS Ventura and later: Go to System Settings > Privacy & Security > FileVault, then click Turn Off.
4. Set up Automatic Login
- macOS Monterey: Go to System Preferences > Users & Groups > Login Options. Select your user account under "Automatic login."
- macOS Ventura and later: Go to System Settings > Users & Groups and turn on "Automatically log in as".
5. Add Luna Display to Login Items
- macOS Monterey: Go to System Preferences > Users & Groups > Login Items, then click the + and add Luna Display.
- macOS Ventura and later: Go to System Settings > General > Login Items and add Luna Display from there.
- macOS Sequoia and later: Go to System Settings > General > Login Items, then click the + under "Open at Login" and add Luna Display from the Applications list.
- Alternative method: If Luna Display doesn’t appear in the Applications list, right-click the Luna Display icon in the Dock or Finder, go to Options, and select Open at Login.
Trouble adding Luna Display on Ventura or later?
Some macOS versions prevent apps from being added to login items. If this happens:
- Open Luna Display on your Mac
- Right-click the Luna icon in the dock
- Go to Options > Open at Login
- Reboot your Mac if it doesn't save the setting the first time
6. Install the Luna Secondary app
Download the free Luna Display app on your secondary device:
7. Connect both devices to the same network
We recommend connecting to the same Wi-Fi network. If your network is unstable or unavailable, you can use a supported cable instead. Learn about cable options here.
8. Launch Luna and follow the prompts
Open Luna on both your Mac mini (or Studio) and your iPad or secondary Mac. Follow the onscreen instructions and connect Luna Display to your desktop.
9. Disconnect the external monitor
Once the Luna connection is active, you can safely disconnect the monitor.
