Access another computer with Chrome Remote Desktop

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

On your computer, Chrome Remote Desktop is available on the web. To use your mobile device for remote access, download the Chrome Remote Desktop app.

Tip: As an administrator, you control user access with Chrome Remote Desktop. Learn how to control use of Chrome Remote Desktop.

Set up remote access to your computer

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

On your computer, open Chrome.
In the address bar, enter remotedesktop.google.com/access.
Under “Set up Remote Access,” click Download .
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.

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.

On your computer, open Chrome.
In the address bar at the top, enter remotedesktop.google.com/support, and press Enter.
Under “Get Support, “ click Download .
Follow the onscreen directions to download and install Chrome Remote Desktop.
Under “Get Support,” select Generate Code.
Copy the code and send to the person you want to have access to your computer.
When that person enters your access code on the site, you'll see a dialog with their email address. Select Share to allow them full access to your computer.
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

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

On your iPhone or iPad, open the Chrome Remote Desktop app .
- If you don't have it, on the browser, go to remotedesktop.google.com/access.
  - Tip: For a better user experience, hide the address bar. Follow the instructions on the page to add the Chrome Remote Desktop to your home screen.
To find the “Remote Access” page, tap Menu Remote Access .
Tap the computer you want to access from the list.
- If a computer is dimmed, it’s offline or unavailable.
Enter the PIN.
To continue, tap the Arrow .
Control the computer with a virtual trackpad.
- If your remote device runs on Windows, you can choose a different input mode.

Add Chrome Remote Desktop to your home screen

When you add Chrome Remote Desktop to your home screen, it makes the app accessible from your home screen and it hides the address bar. This is the only way to view your remote desktop in full-screen.

Next to the address bar, tap Share.
Scroll down and tap Add to Home Screen .

Change input modes

By default, trackpad mode is turned on. To control the remote device, use a virtual trackpad. If your remote device runs on Windows, you can choose touch input modes.

To switch between modes:

On the edge of the screen, to open the session menu, tap the Arrow.
In “Input controls,” tap Configure touch input.

Tip: If your remote device is a Mac or Linux, this option won’t be available.

Use gestures in trackpad mode

Move the mouse: Swipe anywhere on the screen.
Click: Tap the screen.
Right-click: Tap the screen with 2 fingers.
Middle-click: Tap the screen with 3 fingers.
Zoom: Pinch and stretch with 2 fingers.
Scroll: Swipe with 2 fingers.
Touch and hold, then drag: Press and hold with a finger until a gray circle appears, then drag.

Use gestures in touch mode

For remote devices running Windows, touch input modes are supported:

Direct touch mode: The remote device can detect all touch inputs. The desktop stays zoomed out to fit the window.
Touch mode with two-finger pan and zoom: Control the desktop position and scale using 2 fingers. The remote device handles one-finger touch inputs.
Touch mode with three-finger pan and zoom: Control the desktop position and scale using 3 fingers. The remote device handles one- or 2-finger touch inputs.

Learn how to use touch gestures for Windows.

Stop a remote session

When you’re finished with remote access, close the application or the tab to stop your session.

You can also select Options Disconnect.

Remove a computer from your list

On your iPhone or iPad, open the Chrome Remote Desktop app .
Next to the computer you want to remove, tap Delete .

Troubleshooting tips

If you're having problems with Chrome Remote Desktop, try these tips:

You need to be connected to the Internet to share or access a computer. If the page won't open, check your computer’s network settings.
Antivirus software might prevent you from using Chrome Remote Desktop. If you are having problems using Chrome Remote Desktop, make sure your antivirus allows the following:
- Outbound UDP traffic
- Inbound UDP responses
- Traffic on TCP port 443 (HTTPS)
- Traffic on TCP and UDP on port 3478 (STUN)
If the computer being accessed is on a work or school network, it might not let you give others access. For more information, contact your administrator.
If you’re on a managed account, your administrator may control your access to Chrome Remote Desktop. Learn how Chrome Remote Desktop is managed.
Make sure you're using the latest version of Chrome or Chrome OS.

If you have any other issues, please report them in the Chrome Help Forum.

Improve Chrome Remote Desktop

To learn how to improve Chrome Remote Desktop, Google collects and stores some anonymized data about network delays and how long your session lasted.

To learn more about Chrome Remote Desktop, view our Google Privacy Policy.

Related resources

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