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
