How to Set Up and Use Chrome Remote Desktop on Any Device

Reaching a computer that sits in another room, office, or city is routine now. The two jobs are different, though: a saved PIN you reuse for your own machines, and a one-time code for lending your screen to someone else.

Install the host app on whichever computer will be controlled, then choose Remote Access or Get Support and share the right code. The helper joins from Chrome and installs nothing.

In this guide, I have covered:

Set up Chrome Remote Desktop for access or support

You need a computer that isn’t in front of you. Chrome Remote Desktop gets you there in two different ways, and picking the right one first saves a lot of confusion.

Use a saved remote-access PIN for a machine you own and return to often. Use a one-time code when a friend, colleague, or technician needs to see your screen once.

The computer being controlled needs the Chrome Remote Desktop host software. The person joining a temporary support session does not, because they can enter the code on Google’s support page in Chrome. Google’s official Chrome Remote Desktop help page covers both workflows.

Chrome Remote Desktop runs on your Google account. To access your remote device on other devices, sign in with the same account on both devices. For temporary support, the helper enters the code in Chrome and installs nothing.

Install the host app on the computer you want to reach

You can’t connect to a computer that was never prepared for it. Start on the machine you want to reach, not the one you’re typing on.

The host app runs on Windows, Mac, and Linux. One install per computer is enough.

1. On the host computer, open Chrome and go to Chrome Remote Desktop Remote Access.
2. Sign in with the Google account that will manage the remote connection.
3. Under Set up Remote Access, click Download.
   
4. Run the downloaded installer.
5. Follow the on-screen prompts.
6. Approve the requested permissions needed to control the computer and its apps.

You’ll know it worked when the Remote Access page is ready for a PIN.

Only need to hand over support? You can install the host software from Get Support instead, which is covered next.

On a managed work or school account, an administrator may control whether Chrome Remote Desktop is available. If Set up Remote Access or Get Support is missing, ask the administrator to check the policy for your account.

Give temporary support with a one-time code

Sometimes you only need to lend someone your screen for ten minutes. A support code is built for that, and it stops working once the session ends.

1. On the host computer, open Chrome and go to Chrome Remote Desktop Get Support.
2. If the host software is not installed, click Download under Get Support.
3. Run the downloaded installer.
4. Approve the requested permissions.
5. Click Generate Code.
   
6. Copy the generated code.
7. Send the code to the person providing support.
8. On the helper’s computer, open the same Get Support page in Chrome.
9. Enter the code in the field on that page.
   
10. On the host computer, choose Share if the helper needs mouse and keyboard control.
11. On the helper’s computer, click Connect.

Without Share, the helper can watch your screen but cannot move the mouse or type.

A support code works once and cannot be used on two devices at the same time. While the session runs, the host has to confirm continued access every 30 minutes.

Create a permanent remote-access PIN

If the computer is yours and you’ll come back to it, a saved PIN beats generating a fresh code every time.

1. On the host computer, open the Remote Access page.
2. Create a remote-access PIN and keep it private.
3. On the controller computer, open the Remote Access page in Chrome.
4. Sign in with the same Google account used on the host computer.
5. Click Access.
6. Choose the computer you want to open.
7. Enter the remote-access PIN.
8. Start the connection.
9. On the host computer, approve the connection request.

Once you approve the request, the remote desktop opens inside the controller’s Chrome window. The next time you need that machine, repeat the same Access steps from any signed-in device.

TIP: If this is your usual controller, create a desktop shortcut in Chrome so the Remote Access page is one click away.

Connect from an Android phone or iPhone

Your phone is often the only screen within reach. The mobile app opens computers from your Remote Access list, not temporary support sessions.

The mobile app can only access computers. It does not support sharing.

1. Install the Chrome Remote Desktop app from your phone’s app store.
2. Open the app.
3. Sign in with the Google account used for remote access.
4. Open the app menu.
5. Choose Remote Access.
6. Tap the computer you want to open.
   
7. Enter the remote-access PIN.
8. Approve the permission request on the host computer.

After you approve on the host, the phone can view and control that computer. For more control options, see our guide on using Chrome Remote Desktop from a smartphone.

Useful gestures in Trackpad mode

On a phone that supports trackpad input, these gestures do the work of a mouse:

• Scroll up or down: swipe with two fingers.
• Click and drag: drag with one finger.
• Zoom: pinch and stretch with two fingers.
• Move the mouse: swipe anywhere on the screen in Trackpad mode.
• Left-click: tap the screen.
• Right-click: tap with two fingers in Trackpad mode.
• Middle-click: tap with three fingers in Trackpad mode.

RELATED: View Desktop Site layout in Google Chrome on Android

End the session and disable future access

Leaving a session open keeps your screen reachable. Close it when the job is done.

If you also want a saved computer to stop accepting connections, disable it from the Remote Access page.

Disconnect a temporary support session

1. Open Options in the active remote session.
2. Choose Disconnect.

Closing the session tab ends the connection too. Generate a new code the next time someone needs temporary access.

Disable a saved remote connection

1. Open the Remote Access page.
2. Find the computer in the list.
3. Click Disable remote connections next to that computer.

The desktop page labels this Disable remote connections and blocks future sessions. There is no Trash control to hunt for.

Remove a saved computer in the mobile app

1. Open the app menu.
2. Choose Remote Access.
3. Tap Delete next to the saved computer.

Fix setup and connection issues

A missing button or a missing computer usually points to the host install or the wrong Google account. Check both before you reinstall anything.

Check the host setup and account

If Generate Code is missing, the host software may not be installed yet. Repeat the installation steps above, then reload the Get Support page.

If the phone does not list a saved computer, confirm you signed in with the same Google account and opened Remote Access from the app menu.

Fix a damaged Chrome installation

If Chrome itself will not launch or update, repair the browser before you try Remote Desktop again.

1. Follow the steps to Reinstall Google Chrome app on any Device or Platform.
2. Return to the Chrome Remote Desktop setup page once Chrome opens normally.