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Chrome Remote Desktop lets you control a Windows, macOS, or Linux computer from another computer, Android device, iPhone, or iPad. You can use it in two different ways:
- Remote access: connect to your own computer later with a permanent device entry and PIN.
- Remote support: give another person one-time access to help troubleshoot your computer.
The current setup uses the Chrome Remote Desktop website and a host application. Installing a browser extension alone is not the complete unattended-access setup.
Before you start
Prepare the computer you want to control—the host—before trying to connect to it. It must:
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- Have an internet connection.
- Be powered on and available when you want to connect.
- Have Chrome Remote Desktop installed and configured.
On a computer, you access Chrome Remote Desktop through the web. On Android and iPhone or iPad, use the Chrome Remote Desktop app. Google states that remote desktop sessions are fully encrypted.
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Set up permanent remote access to your own PC
Use this method when you want to access your home computer from work, a hotel, or your phone without someone at home accepting each connection.
- On the computer you want to control, open Chrome.
- Go to
remotedesktop.google.com/access. - Under Set up remote access, click Download.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to download and install Chrome Remote Desktop.
- Complete the host setup. Depending on the operating system, you may need to enter the computer’s password or approve changes in system Preferences.
- Choose a name for the computer when prompted.
- Create a PIN for remote connections.
Keep the computer switched on, connected to the internet, and not blocked by a sleep or security policy when you need to reach it. The computer should then appear in your Chrome Remote Desktop access list.
Connect from another computer
- Open a browser on the computer you are using to connect.
- Go to
remotedesktop.google.com/access. - Click Access.
- Select the target computer.
- Enter the PIN you created during setup.
- Click the arrow button to connect.
You can now operate the remote computer. The exact controls vary by operating system and browser, but the remote session provides access to the host’s desktop rather than merely opening a particular Chrome tab.
Connect from Android
- Install and open the Chrome Remote Desktop app.
- Tap Menu.
- Tap Remote access.
- Tap the computer you want to control.
- Enter its PIN.
- Tap the arrow button.
The app uses a virtual trackpad by default. Drag your finger to move the pointer, then use the available touch gestures to click and interact with the remote desktop.
If a computer appears dimmed in the list, it is offline or unavailable. It is not necessarily a PIN problem.
Connect from an iPhone or iPad
- Open the Chrome Remote Desktop app.
- Tap Menu, then Remote access.
- Tap the target computer.
- Enter the PIN.
- Tap the arrow button.
iPhone and iPad control also starts in trackpad mode. For a full-screen view, Google’s documented method is to add Chrome Remote Desktop to the home screen:
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- Open the service in the browser.
- Tap Share.
- Tap Add to Home Screen.
On a Windows target, you can change the mobile input mode by tapping the arrow at the edge of the remote screen and selecting Input controls → Configure touch input. Google notes that this option is unavailable when the remote computer runs macOS or Linux.
Give someone one-time support access
Use the support workflow when another person needs to fix or inspect your computer. Do not use the generated support code as a permanent password: it works only once.
- On the computer being shared, open Chrome.
- Go to
remotedesktop.google.com/support. - Under Get support, click Download.
- Install Chrome Remote Desktop by following the instructions.
- Under Get Support, select Generate Code.
- Send the generated code to the helper using a trusted communication channel.
- The helper enters the code on the Chrome Remote Desktop support page.
- When a dialog displays the helper’s email address on your computer, select Share to authorize the connection.
The helper receives full access to the host computer, including its apps, files, email, documents, and history. Only share access with someone you trust, and close confidential applications before approving the session.
During a support session, the host user must confirm continuation every 30 minutes. When the work is finished, click Stop Sharing.
End a remote session
To disconnect from a computer:
- On a computer: close the Chrome Remote Desktop tab, or select Options → Disconnect.
- On Android, iPhone, or iPad: close the app or tab, or select Options → Disconnect.
For a support session, also use Stop Sharing on the host computer so the helper no longer has access.
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Removing a computer from the access list stops the account from using that saved remote-access entry. It does not necessarily uninstall the host software.
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From a computer
- Open
remotedesktop.google.com/access. - Find the computer.
- Click Disable remote connections or Remove, depending on the interface shown.
From Android, iPhone, or iPad
- Open the Chrome Remote Desktop app.
- Find the computer in the list.
- Tap Delete beside it.
Uninstall the host software
| Operating system | Removal path |
|---|---|
| Windows | Open Control Panel → Programs → Add/remove programs, select Chrome Remote Desktop, and click Remove. |
| macOS | Locate Chrome Remote Desktop host uninstaller, launch it, and click Uninstall. |
| Linux | Remove the installed host package using the package-management method for your distribution. |
Linux: choose the desktop environment
If the Linux host opens the wrong desktop environment, create this file in your home directory:
$HOME/.chrome-remote-desktop-sessionPut the following line in it, replacing <YOUR_EXEC_COMMAND> with the command from the relevant desktop environment’s .desktop file:
exec /etc/X11/Xsession '<YOUR_EXEC_COMMAND>'For example, a Cinnamon session can use:
exec /etc/X11/Xsession 'gnome-session --session=cinnamon'To find the command, inspect the desktop-entry files in /usr/share/xsessions/. Use the value on the line beginning with Exec=. The custom session takes effect the next time the Chrome Remote Desktop host restarts.
Some Linux desktop environments do not support more than one simultaneous session. If the local and remote sessions conflict, use different desktop environments for them or use the session chooser.
Fix common connection problems
The Chrome Remote Desktop page will not open
Check the computer’s internet connection first. Chrome Remote Desktop requires internet connectivity both when sharing a computer and when accessing one. Also try the latest version of Chrome or ChromeOS.
The computer is missing or dimmed
Confirm that you are signed in to the account used during setup and that the host computer is powered on and online. In the mobile app, a dimmed computer is offline or unavailable.
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The PIN is rejected
Make sure you are using the PIN for the permanent remote-access computer entry. A support access code is different: it is single-use and cannot replace the persistent-access PIN.
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The connection fails on a company or school network
Antivirus and firewall software can interfere with Chrome Remote Desktop. Google lists these network requirements:
- Outbound UDP traffic
- Inbound UDP responses
- TCP port
443for HTTPS - TCP and UDP port
3478for STUN
Connections are initially negotiated through Google web services and may then use direct peer-to-peer, STUN, or TURN methods. The live remote view can use UDP or TCP on a dynamically assigned port, so a highly restricted network may need additional administrator changes. If a work or school network blocks remote sharing, contact its network administrator rather than repeatedly reinstalling the app.
The remote Linux desktop is blank or incorrect
Check the .chrome-remote-desktop-session file and compare its command with the Exec= entry in the appropriate file under /usr/share/xsessions/. Restart the Chrome Remote Desktop host after changing the file.
Security practices worth using
- Use a unique, hard-to-guess PIN for persistent access.
- Never publish a support code or send it to an unverified caller.
- Watch the host screen when granting support access.
- Click Stop Sharing as soon as support is complete.
- Remove old computers from the access list and uninstall the host software from machines you no longer control.
- Remember that a support helper has access to the entire computer, not just the problem application.
Chrome Enterprise administrators have a separate workflow for managed ChromeOS devices. In that environment, a shared session requires the user’s consent and shows the user the screen. A private session is available on ChromeOS 132 or later only when no user is signed in, and only the administrator can see the screen.
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Can I use Chrome Remote Desktop from a phone?
Yes. Install the Chrome Remote Desktop app on Android or iPhone or iPad, tap Menu → Remote access, select the computer, enter its PIN, and tap the arrow button. The remote computer must already be configured for remote access.
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Does Chrome Remote Desktop work with Windows, Mac, and Linux?
Yes. Google supports host computers running Windows, macOS, and Linux. You can control them from a computer through the web or from Android and iOS/iPadOS apps.
Is the Chrome Remote Desktop support code permanent?
No. A support code works only once. It is separate from the PIN used for persistent access, and the host user must confirm continuation every 30 minutes during a support session.
Why is my computer dimmed in the mobile app?
A dimmed computer is offline or unavailable. Check that it is powered on, connected to the internet, and that the Chrome Remote Desktop host is still installed and running.
Can another person see all my files during a support session?
Yes. Google’s support workflow gives the helper full access to the host computer’s apps, files, email, documents, and history. Share only with a trusted person and stop sharing when the work is finished.
Do I need to install a Chrome Web Store extension?
Not as the complete current setup. Google’s current instructions direct you to remotedesktop.google.com/access or /support, click Download, and install Chrome Remote Desktop.
The Bottom Line
For regular access to your own computer, configure it at remotedesktop.google.com/access, create a PIN, and connect from the web or mobile app. For temporary troubleshooting, use remotedesktop.google.com/support and generate a one-time code. Treat support access as full computer access, and check firewall or managed-network restrictions if connections fail.
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