Access another computer with Chrome Remote Desktop

You can use a computer or mobile device to access files and applications on another computer over the Internet with Chrome Remote Desktop.

Chrome Remote Desktop is available on the web on your computer. You will need to download the Chrome Remote Desktop app to use your mobile device for remote access.

Set up remote access to your computer

You can set up remote access to your Mac, Windows, or Linux computer.

  1. On your computer, open Chrome.
  2. In the address bar, type remotedesktop.google.com/access.
  3. Under “Set up Remote Access,” click Download Download page.
  4. Follow the onscreen directions to download and install Chrome Remote Desktop.

You may have to enter your computer password to give Chrome Remote Desktop access. You may also be prompted to change security settings in Preferences.

Learn more about how to use Chrome Remote Desktop on Linux.

To use Chrome Remote Desktop on your Chromebook, learn how to share your computer with someone else.

Share your computer with someone else

You can give others remote access to your computer. They’ll have full access to your apps, files, emails, documents and history.

  1. On your computer, open Chrome.
  2. In the address bar at the top, type remotedesktop.google.com/support, and press Enter.
  3. Under “Get Support, “ click Download Download page.
  4. Follow the onscreen directions to download and install Chrome Remote Desktop.
  5. Under “Get Support,” select Generate Code.  
  6. Copy the code and send to the person you want to have access to your computer.
  7. When that person enters your access code on the site, you will see a dialog with their e-mail address. Select Share to allow them full access to your computer.
  8. To end a sharing session, click Stop Sharing.

The access code will only work one time. If you are sharing your computer, you will be asked to confirm that you want to continue to share your computer every 30 minutes.

Access a computer remotely - PC

  1. On your computer, open Chrome.
  2. In the address bar at the top, type remotedesktop.google.com/access, and press Enter.
  3. Click Access to select which computer you want.
  4. Enter the PIN required to access another computer.
  5. Select the arrow to connect.

For your security, all remote desktop sessions are fully encrypted.

Stop a remote session

When you’re finished, close your tab to stop your session. You can also select Options and then Disconnect.

Remove a computer from your list

  1. On your computer, open Chrome.
  2. In the address bar at the top, type remotedesktop.google.com/access, and press Enter.
  3. Next to the computer you want to remove, click Disable remote connections Remove .

Give remote support 

  1. If someone has shared their remote access code with you, you can remotely offer support.
  2. On your computer, open Chrome.
  3. In the address bar at the top, type remotedesktop.google.com/access, and press Enter.
  4. Enter the code under “Give support” and click Connect.

Access a computer remotely - Android

Important: Make sure you're using the latest version of the Chrome Remote Desktop app.

  1. On your Android phone or tablet, open the Chrome Remote Desktop app Chrome Remote Desktop App. If you don’t have it, download it from Google Play.
  2. Tap the computer you want to access from the list. If a computer is dimmed, it’s offline or unavailable.
  3. You can control the computer in two different modes. To switch between modes, tap the icon in the toolbar.
    • To do actions with a virtual mouse pointer, tap Trackpad mode Trackpad mode.
    • To do actions with taps, tap Touch mode Touch mode.

For your security, all remote desktop sessions are fully encrypted.

Use gestures while using a computer remotely

  • Scroll up or down: Swipe with two fingers.
  • Click and drag: Drag with a finger.
  • Zoom: Pinch and stretch with two fingers.
  • Show keyboard: Swipe up with three fingers.
  • Show the toolbar app: Swipe down with three fingers.
  • Move the mouse: Swipe anywhere on the screen (only in Trackpad mode).
  • Left click: Tap the screen.
  • Right click: Tap the screen with two fingers (only in Trackpad mode).
  • Middle click: Tap the screen with three fingers (only in Trackpad mode).

Remove a computer from your list

  1. On your Android phone or tablet, open the Chrome Remote Desktop app Chrome Remote Desktop App.
  2. Touch and hold the computer you want to remove.
  3. Tap Delete.
  4. Tap Ok.

Access a computer remotely - iPhone & iPad

Important: Make sure you're using the latest version of the Chrome Remote Desktop app.

  1. On your iPhone or iPad, open the Chrome Remote Desktop app Chrome Remote Desktop App. If you don’t have it, download it from iTunes.
  2. Tap the computer you want to access from the list. If a computer is dimmed, it’s offline or unavailable.
  3. You can control the computer in two different modes. To switch between modes, on the bottom right, tap More Menu.
    • To do actions with a virtual mouse pointer, tap Trackpad mode Trackpad mode.
    • To do actions with taps, tap Touch mode Touch mode.

For your security, all remote desktop sessions are fully encrypted.

Use gestures while using a computer remotely

You can use gestures while remotely accessing a computer.

  • Scroll up or down: Swipe with two fingers.
  • Click and drag:  Tap and hold then drag with a finger.
  • Zoom: Pinch and stretch with two fingers.
  • Show menu: Tap the screen with four fingers.
  • Move the mouse: Swipe anywhere on the screen (only in Trackpad mode).
  • Left click: Tap the screen.
  • Right click: Tap the screen with two fingers (only in Trackpad mode).
  • Middle click: Tap the screen with three fingers (only in Trackpad mode).

Remove a computer from your list

If you want to edit your list of computers, sign in on any computer on your list and visit remotedesktop.google.com/access on Chrome.