How To Remotely Access Your PC From An Android Phone
There are many reasons why you might want to remotely access a computer from your mobile device. It could be because you need to send a local file to your boss after you log out, or maybe you forgot to turn off your computer. Remote access can also come in handy when you want to help a friend with computer problems but can’t be physically present to fix the problem.
Although you might think it’s a complex process, setting up your computer for remote access is actually easy. All you need is a Google Account, your Google Chrome app and the Chrome Remote Desktop. The Chrome Remote Desktop is a tool used to share your computer’s screen with both computers and mobile devices. Backed by the latest open web technologies, it enables you to interact with your computer the same way you would on your physical computer. This makes it easier to run apps, access files and play PC-only games from your phone.
Step 1: Set up your computer for remote access
Before you can access your Windows, Mac, or Linux computer from your Android phone, you must first set up your computer. Here’s what you need to do (via Google Support):
- Launch your Google Chrome application.
- Go to remotedesktop.google.com/access.
- Sign in to your Google account if you aren’t already.
- Click the download icon under “Set up remote access.”
- In the Chrome Web Store in the new window, select “Add to Chrome.”
- Click “Add Extension” in the pop-up window. This will download the Chrome Remote Desktop extension to your browser.
- Go back to remotedesktop.google.com/access. The Chrome Remote Desktop Host application will automatically download.
- On the same web page, select the “Accept and Install” button. This will redirect you to the location of the Chrome Remote Desktop Host application on your computer.
- Install the application.
- Go back to remotedesktop.google.com/access.
- Add a name for your computer under “Choose a name.”
- Select Next.
- Enter a new PIN with at least six numbers. You will use it to connect your computer to your Android device.
- Re-enter your new PIN in the text field.
- Click on Start.
- Enter your computer’s password when prompted.
Step 2: Set up Chrome Remote Desktop on your Android
After setting up your computer for remote access, it’s time to set up your Android device next. To do this, follow these steps (via Google Support):
- Open your Google Play.
- Find the Chrome Remote Desktop app.
- Click Install.
- Once the installation is complete, select Open.
- Make sure you’re signed in to the same Google account you used on your computer. Click the hamburger icon in the upper left corner of the screen to check.
- Back on the home page of the app, tap your computer’s name on the list.
- Enter the PIN you created earlier.
- Tap the Connect button.
You should immediately see your computer’s desktop on your Android device. You can then start controlling your computer using two modes: trackpad and touch. The trackpad mode works just like a mouse and will allow you to interact with the other programs on your computer. On the other hand, the touch mode will only let you interact with the program that is currently open. To switch between modes, simply swipe down with three fingers and tap the touch or trackpad icon in the toolbar.
These are the other gestures you can do to navigate your remote desktop:
- Swipe up or down with two fingers to scroll.
- Pinch or stretch two fingers to zoom.
- Tap the screen with two fingers to right-click the trackpad mode.
- Tap the screen with three fingers to middle-click trackpad mode.
How to troubleshoot connection problems
For Chrome Remote Desktop to work, your computer must be turned on and connected to the Internet. The same goes for your Android. If you have both devices powered on and connected to the Internet, but still having trouble accessing your computer remotely, here are other troubleshooting techniques you can try (via Google Support):
- On your Android device, check that you have the latest version of the Chrome Remote Desktop app. Go to Google Play Store and check if the app needs to be updated.
- On your Android device, open Chrome and go to remotedesktop.google.com/access. Check that the computer you are trying to access is marked “Online”. If not, try restarting the computer and reconnecting to the Internet.
- If you have successfully accessed the remote computer but cannot control it, try connecting again. Disconnect your Android by swiping down with three fingers, clicking on the kebab icon and selecting the “Disconnect” option. You can also simply click the “Stop Sharing” button on your computer’s screen. Then reconnect with the usual process.
- If you’re on a work or school network, your administrator may have configured the network to prevent Chrome Remote Desktop from working. Contact your administrator to learn more.
