Securely access your computers from your Android device. • On each of your computers, set up remote access using the Chrome Remote Desktop app from Chrome Web Store. I use Microsoft Remote Desktop from my Mac laptop when I want to run a program on a Windows desktop in another room in the same house, but only a full-fledged third-party remote access app lets me. We have many apps on the play store that lets you to control the Mac, PC or Linux machines from your Android Smart phone, now Google has introduced a new Chrome Remote Desktop app on the Google Play for Android that will let you access your PC or Mac and will act as a Remote Desktop (RDP) and this new app will work similar to the Chrome Remote Desktop screen sharing service that was launched.
Chrome Remote Desktop is a free remote desktop program from Google that runs as an extension that's paired with the Chrome web browser.
With Chrome Remote Desktop, you can set up any computer running the Chrome browser to be a host computer that you can connect to at any time, whether the user is logged in or not, for full unattended access.
Google recommends using Chrome for both the client and host, but you might still have luck going between browsers (e.g., using Firefox to remote into a computer that has Chrome set up).
More About Chrome Remote Desktop
- Windows, Mac, and Linux computers can install Chrome Remote Desktop
- Works from Android devices that install the app through Google Play
- iOS users can install the mobile app from iTunes
- Both spontaneous support and unattended access are supported
- Clipboard syncing can be enabled
- Key mapping is supported
- You can upload and download files between your computer and the remote one
- Ctrl+Alt+Del, PrtScr, and F11 can be sent to the remote computer with the press of a menu button
- Lets you pick between full-screen, scale to fit, and resize to fit display options when connected to the remote computer
Chrome Remote Desktop: Pros & Cons
A number of other free remote access tools are more robust but Chrome Remote Desktop is certainly easy to get going with:
Pros:
- Quick install
- Works between operating systems
- Supports multiple monitors
- Updates often
- Works even when the host user is logged off
Cons:
- Requires a particular web browser
- Unable to print remote files to a local printer
- No chat capability
How to Use Chrome Remote Desktop
Like all remote access programs, Chrome Remote Desktop works where there's a client and host that are paired together. The client connects to the host to control the computer.
Here's what the host needs to do (the computer that will be connected to and controlled remotely):
Visit Chrome Remote Desktop from the Chrome web browser.
Select GET STARTED, and log in to your Google account if asked to.
Use the download button to install the extension in Chrome.
Choose ACCEPT & INSTALL on the Ready to install screen.
Accept any installation prompts and wait for Chrome Remote Desktop Host to finish installing. You'll know it's done when the web page no longer shows the 'CANCEL' button.
Choose a name for that computer on the Chrome Remote Desktop page, and then select NEXT.
Choose a PIN that'll be used to connect to the host. It can be any string of numbers at least six digits long.
Select START and confirm or allow any pop up messages. The computer will be registered to the Google account you signed in with, and you'll know it's completed when you see Online just below the computer name.
If you want to use Chrome Remote Desktop for unattended access to a friend's computer, you'll need to log in once with your credentials on their computer to set it up. You won't need to stay logged in after the initial installation—you can log out completely and the program will still run in the background as an extension.
Here's what the client should do to connect to the host to remotely control it:
Open Chrome and visit Chrome Remote Desktop.
Open the Remote Access tab at the top of that page, and login to your Google account if you need to. This needs to be the same Google account that was used when setting up remote access like described above.
Select a host computer from the Remote devices section.
If this section shows a device under This device, then you probably shouldn't log in to that computer since it's your own, which can cause some really weird visual problems.
Enter the PIN created on the host computer to start the remote session.
When the client connects to the host computer, a message displays on the host that says 'Your desktop is currently shared with ,' so Chrome Remote Desktop doesn't log in discreetly like some remote access programs.
The client can also install the Chrome Remote Desktop extension to enable copy/paste functionality between the two computers.
Another way to use Chrome Remote Desktop is through temporary access codes. If you need someone else to connect to your computer, even someone who didn't set up the access in the first place, this is the route you want to go.
Open the Remote Support tab on this page and choose Get Support to get a one-time access code that you can share with the person who will connect to your computer. You'll be asked to install the Chrome Remote Desktop extension if it's not already on your computer.
All they need to do is enter the code in the Give Support section of the same page on their computer. They can log in under any Google account to control your computer, so long as they enter the correct code.
Thoughts on Chrome Remote Desktop
We really like how easy it is to use Chrome Remote Desktop. Once installed, the menu is easily accessible with all the important actions you can take, but otherwise its hidden from view to make room for the screen.
Because Chrome Remote Desktop is run entirely from the browser, it's great that nearly all operating systems can use it. This means you're hardly limited to who you can provide support to.
Also, given that Chrome Remote Desktop is installed in the background, the remote user can shut down Chrome and even log off their account, and you can still access the computer (given you have the user's password).
In fact, the client can reboot the remote computer and then log back in once it's fully powered back on, all from Chrome Remote Desktop.
While it's too bad that there isn't a chat function built-in, you can always use a third-party tool to communicate while you're connected to the other computer. Lots of mobile messaging apps can be used from computers, too.
Chrome Remote Desktop is an excellent browser app that lets you fully control any PC from any other PC as long as both are online. And contrary to popular belief, you don't need a Chromebook to make use of it. All you need is Chrome.
What Is Chrome Remote Desktop?
When you connect to a remote PC, everything gets 'streamed' to your current PC. Your keyboard and mouse input control the remote PC as if you were on the remote PC itself. All remote sessions are AES-encrypted over SSL.
Your remotely accessible PCs are protected by private PINs, but you can also grant temporary control to someone else using one-time Access Codes. Access Codes expire when the remote session ends or if they aren't used within a few minutes of creation.
Potential uses for Chrome Remote Desktop include:
- Using an platform-specific app on a remote OS.
- Checking in on a PC from anywhere around the world.
- Tech support for a friend or family member from afar.
Chrome Remote Desktop works on Windows, Mac, Linux, and Chrome OS. Additionally, PCs can be remotely accessed and controlled with Android and iOS devices. In this article, we'll show you how to set up all of these platforms.
Set Up Chrome Remote Desktop on Windows
Install the Chrome browser and the Chrome Remote Desktop app.
Remote Desktop For Chrome
In Chrome, navigate to the chrome://apps page and click Chrome Remote Desktop. When prompted for permissions, click Continue. This grants the app control beyond just the browser.
You'll also need to sign into a Google account and click Allow to grant the app permissions on your account. This account stores all of your PCs.
Under My Computers, click Get started, then click Enable remote connections. This will allow other devices to connect to this PC.
When prompted to download the Chrome Remote Desktop Host Installer, click Accept and install. Download the MSI installer file and run it.
In the Chrome Remote Desktop app, enter the PIN you want to use. The longer, the better. Click OK. When prompted for permission to make changes, click Yes.
Your Windows PC should now appear under My Computers in the app.
Set Up Chrome Remote Desktop on Mac
Install the Chrome browser and the Chrome Remote Desktop app.
In Chrome, navigate to the chrome://apps page and click Chrome Remote Desktop. When prompted for permissions, click Continue. This grants the app control beyond just the browser.
You'll also need to sign into a Google account and click Allow to grant the app permissions on your account. This account stores all of your PCs.
Under My Computers, click Get started, then click Enable remote connections. This will allow other devices to connect to this PC.
When prompted to download the Chrome Remote Desktop Host Installer, click Accept and install. Download the DMG file, open it, then run the PKG installer file within.
Back in the Chrome Remote Desktop app, click OK to continue.
Enter the PIN you want to use. The longer, the better. Click OK.
When prompted to enable remote connections, unlock the panel, enter your PIN, then click Enable.
Chrome Remote Desktop App Windows
Your Mac should now appear under My Computers in the app.
Set Up Chrome Remote Desktop on Linux
Install the Chrome browser (use these instructionsHow to Install Chrome on Linux and Easily Migrate Your Browsing From WindowsHow to Install Chrome on Linux and Easily Migrate Your Browsing From WindowsMigrating from Windows to Linux is tough and losing your browser history, bookmarks, and passwords is a big disappointment. One way around this is via the Chrome browser -- but should you use it on...Read More) and the Chrome Remote Desktop app.
In Chrome, navigate to the chrome://apps page and click Chrome Remote Desktop. When prompted for permissions, click Continue. This grants the app control beyond just the browser.
You'll also need to sign into a Google account and click Allow to grant the app permissions on your account. This account stores all of your PCs.
As of this writing, I could not get my Linux setup (running Linux Mint 17.3 with Cinnamon on Chrome 59) to work as a 'My Computers' host machine. Also note that the Chrome Remote Desktop Host service is only officially available for 64-bit Debian-derived distros.
However, I was still able to share control of my machine and remotely control other machines using Access Codes.
Set Up Chrome Remote Desktop on Chrome OS
Make sure you're signed into the same Google account that you used to set up your Windows, Mac, and/or Linux computers. Install the Chrome Remote Desktop app. Once installed, launch the app.
While you can't set up a Chromebook as one of your 'My Computers' PCs, you can still share control of your machine and remotely control other machines using Access Codes. A bit of an inconvenience, but ultimately minor.
That's all you have to do. Now you're good to go.
Creating Temporary Access Codes
In Chrome, navigate to the chrome://apps page and click Chrome Remote Desktop.
Under Remote Assistance, click Get started, then click Share.
Once the 12-digit Access Code is generated, give it to the person who you want to share access with. You can do this by email, text message, or any other method. Keep Chrome Remote Desktop open.
Once they enter the code, you'll need to confirm sharing. When finished, click Stop Sharing to end the session.
Connecting to a PC With Chrome Remote Desktop
Using Windows, Mac, Linux, or Chrome OS
In Chrome, navigate to the chrome://apps page and click Chrome Remote Desktop.
To connect to one of your own PCs:
- Under My Computers, click the intended PC.
- When prompted, enter the PIN for that PC and click Connect.
- When finished, click Stop Sharing.
To connect to someone else's PC:
- Under Remote Assistance, click Get started, then Access.
- When prompted, enter the Access Code and click Connect.
- Wait for the other person to confirm sharing.
- When finished, click Stop Sharing.
Chrome Remote Desktop App Download
Using Android or iOS
Install the Chrome Remote Desktop app for Android or iOS. It's completely free and doesn't have any ads or in-app purchases. Once installed, launch the app.
In the side menu, sign into the Google account with the PC you want to control. As soon as you do, you should see a list of accessible PCs. Tap the one you want, enter the PIN for it, and tap Connect. Unfortunately, as of this writing, there's no way to connect from mobile using Access Codes.
Once connected, here's how to interact:
- Drag one finger to move the mouse cursor.
- Tap one finger to click.
- Pinch two fingers to zoom in and out.
- Swipe up or down with two fingers to scroll around.
- Swipe down with three fingers to bring up the toolbar. The toolbar lets you switch between Touch and Trackpad modes, bring up the keyboard to start typing, send a Ctrl + Alt + Delete combo, and end the session.
Now You Can Control Your PC From Anywhere!
Regardless of which machines you've set up, make sure you configure each one's settings to disable Sleep Mode when idle. Chrome Remote Desktop won't respond when a host machine is sleeping, defeating the purpose of this app.
If you need remote control capabilities for sleeping machines, check out our post on ways to control a PC with Wake on LAN5 Ways To Remote Control Your PC With Power Or Wake On LAN5 Ways To Remote Control Your PC With Power Or Wake On LANEver wish you could turn your computer on or off remotely or on a schedule or other triggers? Imagine how much time and energy you could save! Time to get familiar with Wake On LAN!Read More. For a cross-platform remote desktop app that doesn't involve Google, consider using TeamViewer instead11 Tips For Using Team Viewer - The Best Free Remote Desktop Connection Manager11 Tips For Using Team Viewer - The Best Free Remote Desktop Connection ManagerWhenever you're in need of a free remote desktop client with advanced features, TeamViewer should be your first choice. Let us highlight its unique features.Read More.
Otherwise, if Chrome Remote Desktop and TeamViewer aren't the solutions you were looking for, see our posts on Android remote desktop apps15 Android Apps to Remote Control Your Linux PC15 Android Apps to Remote Control Your Linux PCYou're probably aware of apps that let you remotely control an Android device from the desktop. But what about Linux users? Well, these apps can turn your Android into a powerful Linux remote control.Read More, iOS remote desktop appsThe Best Free Remote Desktop Apps for Your iPadThe Best Free Remote Desktop Apps for Your iPadIf like me, you often find yourself in the position of official technical support for your family and friends, you'll know oh too well the pain of trying to explain something over the phone. The...Read More, controlling Windows with Remote Desktop ConnectionHow to Use Remote Access Efficiently, Safely & SecurelyHow to Use Remote Access Efficiently, Safely & SecurelyRead More, or controlling Linux from WindowsHow to Remote Control Linux From WindowsHow to Remote Control Linux From WindowsEver wanted to control your Linux computer from a Windows computer? Here's what you need to know.Read More.
Roku Remote App For Mac
Did you know you could remote control PCs using only Chrome? Will you be using this going forward or do you prefer an alternative method? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
Chrome Remote Desktop For Mac
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Good. Thank you for sharing.
Also you can use ApowerMirror to remote control your phone from PC:)Chrome Remote Desktop is good. Additionally, you may also have a look at R-HUB remote support servers for remotely accessing computers from anywhere anytime. It is an on premise solution which works on Windows, Android, MAC, iOS etc.
A life saver!!!
