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 device. 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.

On your computer, open Chrome.
In the address bar, type 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.

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

Share your device with someone else

You can give others remote access to your device. 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, type 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 will see a dialog with their e-mail 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 .

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 Chrome Privacy Notice and Google Privacy Policy.

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