Have you ever wanted to access files or applications on your Chromebook while away from your desk? Thanks to the built-in remote desktop feature, you can view and control your Chromebook directly from an Android phone, iOS, and iPad.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to set up remote access on your Chromebook, install the remote desktop app on your mobile device, connect your phone to your Chromebook, and control your ChromeOS device from anywhere.
Table of Contents
Step 1: Install Chrome Remote Desktop on Chromebook
Google has introduced a Chrome extension called Chrome Remote Desktop to help user remotely control the Chromebook from a phone miles away. Here’s how to get the extension installed.
- On your Chromebook, go to Chrome Remote Desktop and click Share my screen.
- Go to Remote Support > Share this screen > Click the download icon.
- You will be directed to a Chrome Remote Desktop extension page. Click Add to Chrome to install it.
- Now, refresh the page and click Generate Code.
- This code will be used to access the device from your phone.
Now that the extension has been properly setup, we can move on to installing the remote app on your phone.
Step 2: Install the Remote Desktop App on Your Phone
To control your Chromebook remotely, you need to install the companion Chrome Remote Desktop app on your mobile device.
The app is available for both Android and iOS devices:
- Download Chrome Remote Desktop from Google Play (for Android phones and tablets)
- Download Chrome Remote Desktop from the App Store (for iPhones and iPads)
Once installed, open the Chrome Remote Desktop app and sign in using your Google account credentials. This is the same Google account connected to your Chromebook.
Please note that the app may ask you to enable some additional permissions or services:
- Allow the app to access photos, media, and files on your device
- Enable screen recording capability
- Turn on accessibility features
Enable any permission requests from the app to ensure full remote functionality.
Step 3: Connect Your Mobile Device to Your Chromebook
With remote access enabled on your Chromebook and the Remote Desktop app installed on your phone, you’re ready to connect the two devices:
- Launch the Chrome Remote Desktop app on your mobile device.
- Go to the Remote Support menu, enter the code from your Chromebook and tap Connect.
- The app may ask permission on both devices. Give it access.
- Once connected, you can control your Chromebook right from your phone.
- To stop the access, tap Disconnect on your mobile phone or click Stop Sharing on Chromebook.
After the initial setup, connecting your phone to your Chromebook via the Remote Desktop app only takes a few seconds.
Step 4: Control Your Chromebook Remotely
Once your mobile device is successfully paired with your Chromebook, you’ll see your Chrome OS desktop screen mirrored on your phone or tablet.
You can now remotely view, access, and control your Chromebook as if you were sitting right in front of it!
Use common touch screen gestures to navigate around the Chromebook interface:
- Tap: Single tap icons, apps, or menu items to open them.
- Scroll: Swipe up/down to scroll through webpages and lists.
- Zoom: Use two fingers and pinch/expand to zoom in/out.
- Type: Tap text fields to enter text through your mobile keyboard.
- Rearrange windows and apps: Drag and drop them around the desktop with your finger.
In addition to desktop control, you also have access to files, media, and Google Drive documents stored locally on your Chromebook. Plus anything available on the open web through the Chrome browser.
The connection works both ways – you can transfer files and links between devices using copy/paste and drag and drop gestures.
For example, you can remotely save a photo from your phone to your Chromebook or copy text from a Chromebook doc and paste it into an email or app on your phone.
Bonus Tips for Seamless Remote Access
Optimize Your Connection for Better Performance
To ensure a smooth remote session, connect both your Chromebook and mobile device to stable Wi-Fi networks. Avoid public or unsecured connections for enhanced security.
Use External Accessories
For improved control, consider pairing a Bluetooth mouse or keyboard with your mobile device. This setup can make navigating your Chromebook remotely more intuitive.
Explore Advanced Features
The Chrome Remote Desktop app also supports clipboard sharing. You can copy text or links on one device and paste them on the other. This is perfect for multitasking between devices.
Set Up a Dedicated PIN
For quicker access in the future, create a memorable but secure PIN for your Chromebook. This eliminates the need to generate new codes each time.
Keep Your Devices Updated
Ensure both your Chromebook and mobile device are running the latest software versions. Updates often include performance improvements and security patches.
Suggested Resources:
Feel free to explore these options to make the most of your remote access experience!
