How to remotely access a PC from your iPhone or Android device

Since 2020, more and more people are working from home. As a result, the need to access computers remotely has increased. One tool for that is Microsoft’s Remote Desktop program.(opens in new tab), helps you connect your home computer to your office computer. But if you’re on the go without your laptop, you can also access your remote PC from your Apple or Android device.

Once you establish a connection, viewing, opening files, and working with applications on your mobile device is nearly identical (though not as fast) as if you were in front of your computer. can be easily done. The main requirement is that the computer you access must be running Windows 10.(opens in new tab) or 11 Pro or Enterprise editions. Remote access is not supported on Windows 10 or 11 Home. Here’s how to access a remote computer using the Remote Desktop mobile app.

Need to get back to the office and back to your PC? Here are some tips from PCMag’s Lance Whitney.(opens in new tab)

Set up remote access in Windows 10

To connect to a computer remotely, you must first set up the appropriate access. Basic setup is similar in Windows 10 and 11, but some screens and options look different. On Windows 10 go to: Settings > System > Remote Desktop Switch on the computer you want to access Enable Remote Desktop.

By default, When the PC is connected, keep the PC awake for the connection and Make your PC discoverable on private networks to enable automatic connections from remote devices You can enable both.To view or change any of the options, click the corresponding Show settings link, but you can leave both turned on for now.

click Advanced settings Link to check your box Require devices to use Network Level Authentication for connections is checked. This feature provides an extra layer of protection against uninvited guests and malicious users.

Assuming you connect to your work computer via VPN(opens in new tab) Or ignore the other secure gateway sections. External connectionsection of . remote desktop port Indicates the default port that listens and accepts remote connections.

Returns to the previous screen. Make a note of the name of your PC, as you will need it when setting up the connection from your mobile device.

By default, anyone with an administrator account on the remote PC has access. If you’re signed in to Windows using a Microsoft account or a company account, we recommend using that account to sign in remotely. Click the link below to allow remote access to another account. Select who can remotely access this PC on the bottom.click addition Enter the username of the account you want to use.

Setting up remote access in Windows 11

For Windows 11(opens in new tab)go to Settings > System > Remote Desktop and turn on remote desktop.

Click the down arrow next to the remote desktop switch.check the box Require devices to use Network Level Authentication for connections.

Click the link below if you want to allow remote access to an account separate from your Microsoft account or company account. remote desktop user. click addition Enter the username of the account you want to use.

Setting up remote access from an iPhone or iPad

Now you can switch to your mobile device. Download and install the Remote Desktop app to access your computer from your iPhone or iPad(opens in new tab) From Apple’s App Store. Open the app and click the plus (+) button and select the following options: add computer.

and add computer In the window, enter your computer name or IP address.(opens in new tab) in the computer name field.Enter the account name to use for user account set the field or set the field to ask if necessary For security reasons, if you want to enter the name every time.

enter your name in friendly name Use fields to add more useful labels to this connection.switch on admin mode Connect to a console session for managing Windows servers. Normally this should be left off.option of mouse button replacement Swap the left and right mouse buttons.

[ゲートウェイ]section, the option must be enabled and set. gateway Only if your organization uses Remote Desktop Gateway to secure remote connections.

swipe down Device and audio redirection section to enable the features of the device that you want to use while connected remotely. You’ll want to tell this device to play a sound. You can also enable the clipboard if you plan to copy and paste back and forth. Microphones, cameras, and remote storage can also be enabled.Tap when done keep It’s in the upper right corner.

The app displays an icon for the computer you want to access. Tap that icon to connect. The first time you try to access a computer, Remote Desktop may ask you to confirm the connection to that computer.valid Do not ask me again for connections to this computer Tap. accept.

After that, we need to connect to the remote computer. You can now open apps and windows, manage your desktop, and do just about anything you could do if you were sitting in front of your computer. To help you control your remote session, a small toolbar appears at the top of the app that lets you zoom in or out on your screen, show your device’s keyboard, or jump to another remote connection.

Tap the center icon to view all remote connections. Select a remote connection to jump to another session. This screen has its own toolbar at the top. Tap. House You can click the icon to return to the home screen and set up or access another connection. Tap. hand Tap the icon to switch to touchscreen mode, mouse Click the icon to switch to mouse mode.

Tap. X Click the button on the remote connection’s thumbnail to disconnect that session. Otherwise, Disconnect all PCs End all current sessions.

Setting up remote access from an Android device

Remote Desktop for Android works similarly to its iOS/iPadOS counterpart. Download and install the app from Google Play(opens in new tab). After launching the app, press the plus (+) icon to select add computer.

If you are near the remote computer, the app will scan it at this time. When your PC is detected, its name will appear on the screen. Otherwise, Add manuallyIf so, enter the computer name or IP address.

For user accounts, tap the next field. ask if necessary Then either leave that option or tap the next option Add User Account Enter your username. Add a friendly name if desired.

leave options admin mode and swap mouse buttons Turn off unless needed. If your organization uses Remote Desktop Gateway, you can add a gateway. Choose to play sounds from the remote PC on your device. You can leave these unchecked unless you need to adjust display resolution, mouse buttons, administrator session, and local storage options. Once done, connection.

Enter your account password when prompted. If you get a message that the certificate cannot be verified, connection.

After that, you need to connect to the remote PC.

Use the toolbar at the top of the screen to zoom in and out, show the onscreen keyboard, and see other remote sessions. Tap. House button to return to the home screen of the app.hit mouse pointer Click the icon to display the mouse pointer. Tap. X Click to disconnect the current remote session.

This article originally appeared on PCMag.com.(opens in new tab), Mashable’s sibling site. PCMag.com(opens in new tab) A technology authority, providing lab-based independent reviews of the latest products and services.