Setting up your spare Mac for Claude Code to control, a step-by-step guide
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Guide to setting up a spare Mac for Claude Code with full control via SSH.
The guide explains how to turn a spare Mac into a dedicated machine for Claude Code, isolating it from personal data and the main machine. Steps include wiping the Mac, creating a fresh admin account with no Apple ID, enabling SSH, setting up passwordless sudo, and installing Claude Code. Optional features include clipboard sync, a Claude-friendly environment, and computer use over SSH via a tmux LaunchAgent. The setup allows remote control from a phone or main Mac, and mitigates risks of running Claude Code with dangerous permissions.
What commenters are saying
Many commenters compare this setup to alternatives like Dispatch or Cowork. Some prefer Dispatch for convenience but note container limitations with PDFs, git, and file access. Others find the setup unnecessary, questioning the real-world use cases for running agents 24/7. Skeptics argue such workflows add long-term burden, while proponents mention log scanning, auto-triaging, and PR management as valuable. A few share practical experiences, like using a Mac mini M4 headless or reversed setups with a homelab.