Method 1: Using Chrome Remote Desktop
1. Install Chrome Remote Desktop on your Android device.Open the Play Store on the Android device you will be using to access your computer, and search for Chrome Remote Desktop. Once you find it, open its information page and tap “Install” to download and install the app on the Android device.
2. Open Google Chrome on your computer.
Since you’re using Chrome Remote Desktop, the partner app on the computer needs to have Google Chrome. Launch Chrome, and once it has opened, you will see a colored 3x3 grid of squares labeled “Apps” located just below the back button in the top left-hand corner of the screen.
3. Access the Web Store.
Click the grid to access the Application menu, and then click “Web Store” at the bottom right corner. This is where you can find apps that will run on Chrome.
4. Install Chrome Remote Desktop on Chrome.
Use the search bar at the top to find Chrome Remote Desktop. When you find it, click the blue “+ Add To Chrome” to bring up the menu that lists the permissions that the application will need to use to run on the computer. Accept the installation by clicking the “Add app” button in the window with the permissions that pops up.
- The application will automatically install from here and the previously blue “+ Add To Chrome” button will now turn green with a star and text saying “Rate It.”
5. Return to the Application menu.
Click the previously mentioned 3x3 grid of colored squares in the top left-hand corner. You’ll return to the Application menu where you can access all the browser's installed applications.
- Chrome Remote Desktop’s icon features two blank screens stacked on top of each other, with the back screen mostly being covered by the front screen, which features the Google Chrome Browser logo on it.
6. Run the Chrome Remote Desktop application.
Click the Chrome Remote Desktop icon to run it, prompting you to log into your Google account and allowing the application to access your computer.
- The same Google account used on the Android device will need to be used to log into the desktop Chrome Remote Desktop app. This is so you can access all of its features.
7. Enable Remote Connections.
In the Chrome Remote Desktop application on the PC, under “My Computers,” click the “Enable Remote Connections” button. This will download a file called “chromeremotedesktop.msi,” which allows your devices to communicate with each other.
8. Install Remote Connections.
Run the “chromeremotedesktop.msi” file on your PC, and allow any user access that is required during the automatic installation.
9. Configure Remote Connections.
After the PC has installed the necessary files to enable Remote Connections, the application will require you to enter in a six-digit PIN twice during the initial setup for security reasons.
- The PIN can be longer than six digits; this is just the minimum. Remember this PIN as you will need it every time you want to access your PC from your Android device.
- After the PIN has been set, the PC has been enabled for remote use.
10. Run Chrome Remote Desktop on the Android.
Tap the Remote Desktop application on the Android and any detected computers will be listed.
- If the application has been left open on the phone the entire time of the earlier setup, hit the Refresh button in the top right corner.
11. Access the PC.
Tap the PC’s name in the list of computers enabled for remote access, and a box will prompt you to input the previously created pin to access it. You will now have remote access to the PC, where you can essentially use it as if you were sitting in front of it. There are some limitations, such as the lack of sound, inability to transfer files without the assistance of a third-party application (such as Google Drive or Dropbox), and the PC must be turned on and connected to the internet. The PC and phone will not need to be on the same network.
- Check the box in the PIN prompt window to enable an automatic connection if it is a trusted device so the PIN does not need to be reentered in the future.
12. Learn the controls. For a better view, rotate the Android device to landscape mode.
Use the following controls to navigate your computer:
- Dragging a finger across the screen will act as the mouse.
- A single tap acts as a left-click.
- A single tap with two fingers acts as a right-click.
- Dragging two fingers horizontally or vertically will act as the mouse wheel to scroll through pages.
Method 2: Using TeamViewer
1. Install TeamViewer on your Android device.Go to the Play Store and find TeamViewer. On its info page, tap the “Install” button and accept its Permissions. TeamViewer is a free app.
A paid version of TeamViewer is available, but for personal access to your computer from an Android device, the free version is all you need.
2. Install TeamViewer on your computer.
There are different ways to installing TeamViewer on a computer, depending on the OS. For details, you can check this article on installing TeamViewer on the computer.
3. Run the application on both devices.
On the PC, take note of the number posted in the section labeled “Your ID.”
4. Link the two devices.
On the Android device, in the Connect tab, enter in the number found on the PC into the TeamViewer ID, and then tap “Remote Control.” Your desktop screen will now be on your Android screen, and you can access it the way you would as if you were in front of the computer.
5. Learn how to use the application.
Mouse interactions will be displayed upon gaining control of the PC and should be studied until fully familiar with the workings of the application. Once it is fully understood how to navigate using the application, you can opt out of receiving mouse interactions by checking the “Don’t show this dialog again” box.
TeamViewer is able to share sound, but can easily become desynced while videos play.
Third-party applications (e.g., Google Drive, Dropbox) will still need to be used to transfer files.
