Quick Answer
Headless Mode lets you use your iPad or secondary Mac as the primary display for a Mac mini or Mac Studio
One-time setup requires an external monitor, then you can remove it permanently
Setup involves: disabling FileVault, enabling automatic login, and adding Luna to login items
Once configured: Your Mac automatically connects to your iPad/Mac display when powered on
Compatible with: Mac mini, Mac Studio, iPad, and secondary Mac computers
⚠️ Note: Luna Display for Windows is not optimized for Headless Mode
What is Headless Mode?
Headless Mode allows you to use your iPad or secondary Mac as the primary display for a Mac mini or Mac Studio. It's perfect for combining desktop Mac power with the convenience of another screen - no external monitor required after setup.
Key Requirements for Automatic Startup:
Set up Automatic Login
Disable FileVault
Add Luna Display to Login Items
⚠️ Important Hardware Notes
M1 Mac mini Users:
You'll need an HDMI display for setup. Thunderbolt/USB-C only supports one display on this model.
Mac Studio or M4 Mac Mini Users:
Plug Luna Display into one of the Thunderbolt 4 ports on the back. Front ports don't support displays.
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
Step 1: Connect an External Monitor for Setup
Connect an external monitor, keyboard, and mouse/trackpad to your Mac mini or Mac Studio for the initial configuration.
Step 2: Download Luna Primary App
While the external monitor is connected, download Luna: Download Luna for Mac
Step 3: Disable FileVault
This is required for Automatic Login to work, and eliminates the need for a password upon booting up your primary Mac.
📱 macOS Monterey
📱 macOS Monterey
Go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > FileVault
Click Turn Off FileVault
💻 macOS Ventura and Later
💻 macOS Ventura and Later
Go to System Settings > Privacy & Security > FileVault
Click Turn Off
Step 4: Set Up Automatic Login
📱 macOS Monterey
📱 macOS Monterey
Go to System Preferences > Users & Groups > Login Options
Select your user account under "Automatic login"
💻 macOS Ventura and Later
💻 macOS Ventura and Later
Go to System Settings > Users & Groups
Turn on "Automatically log in as"
Step 5: Add Luna Display to Login Items
🖥️ macOS Sequoia and Later
🖥️ macOS Sequoia and Later
Go to System Settings > General > Login Items
Click the + under "Open at Login"
Add Luna Display from the Applications list
💻 macOS Ventura
💻 macOS Ventura
Go to System Settings > General > Login Items
Add Luna Display from there
📱 macOS Monterey
📱 macOS Monterey
Go to System Preferences > Users & Groups > Login Items
Click the + and add Luna Display
🛠️Alternative Method
🛠️Alternative Method
Right-click the Luna Display icon in Dock or Finder
Go to Options > Open at Login
🔧 Trouble Adding Luna Display on Ventura or Later?
🔧 Trouble Adding Luna Display on Ventura or Later?
If macOS prevents adding apps to login items:
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
Step 6: Install Luna Secondary App
Download the free Luna Display app on your secondary device:
Step 7: Connect to Same Network
Connect both devices to the same Wi-Fi network. For unstable networks, use a supported cable connection instead.
Step 8: Launch Luna and Follow Prompts
Open Luna on both your Mac mini/Studio and iPad/secondary Mac. Follow onscreen instructions to connect.
Step 9: Disconnect External Monitor
Once Luna connection is active, you can safely disconnect the monitor.
⚠️ Important Reminders
User Login Required: A user must be logged in for Luna to launch automatically
FileVault Warning: If FileVault is enabled, your Mac may still require a monitor at boot to unlock the drive
Need to adjust your screensaver?
Be sure to check Exclusive Fullscreen Mode to adjust the brightness, sleep and screensaver behavior of your secondary device.
