Chrome Remote Desktop on Chromebook: Setup Guide

This guide shows you how to add and access Chrome Remote Desktop on your Chromebook, letting you securely control another computer from your Chromebook or let someone else access yours. You’ll need a Google account and, for the computer you want to reach, the Chrome Remote Desktop app installed. The steps below cover both hosting (letting others in) and accessing (connecting out).

What You’ll Need

• A Chromebook running a current version of ChromeOS (most are).
• A Google account (the same one you use on the Chromebook).
• For accessing another computer: that computer must have Chrome Remote Desktop installed and be set up as a host. This works on Windows, Mac, Linux, and other Chromebooks.
• For sharing your Chromebook: the person you’re sharing with needs their own Google account and the Chrome Remote Desktop app on their device.
• A stable internet connection on both ends.

Step-by-Step

Part 1: Set Up Chrome Remote Desktop on Your Chromebook (to be accessed)

1. Open the Chrome browser on your Chromebook.
2. Go to remotedesktop.google.com/access.
3. Sign in with your Google account if prompted.
4. Click the blue Turn On button under “Set up another computer.”
5. In the pop-up, click Download to install the Chrome Remote Desktop extension. A confirmation appears; click Add extension.
6. Once installed, you’ll be asked to enter a name for your Chromebook (e.g., “Home Chromebook”). Type a name and click Next.
7. Create a PIN (at least 6 digits). This PIN is required for anyone to connect to your Chromebook. Enter it twice and click Start.
8. Your Chromebook is now set up as a remote host. You’ll see it listed under “Remote devices” on the same page.
9. To allow a specific person to access it, click the Share button next to your device name, enter their Google email address, and choose whether they can view or control. Click Share.

Part 2: Access Another Computer from Your Chromebook

1. Open Chrome on your Chromebook and go to remotedesktop.google.com/access.
2. Sign in with the same Google account that owns the remote computer (or the account that was granted access).
3. Under “Remote devices,” you’ll see a list of computers you can access. If the computer is online, it shows a green dot.
4. Click on the computer you want to connect to.
5. If it’s your own device, enter the PIN you set up. If someone shared their device with you, enter the PIN they gave you.
6. Click Connect. A new tab opens showing the remote screen. You can now control it with your mouse and keyboard.
7. To disconnect, click the X at the top of the screen or press Ctrl+Alt+Shift+M (or the on-screen disconnect button).

Part 3: One-Time Access (for quick help)

1. If you want to let someone help you just once, go to remotedesktop.google.com/support on your Chromebook.
2. Click Generate Code. A 12-digit code appears.
3. Share that code with the person (via chat, phone, etc.). It expires in about 5 minutes.
4. The person goes to remotedesktop.google.com/support, enters the code, and clicks Connect.
5. You’ll see a prompt asking to allow the connection. Click Share to let them view or control your screen.

Common Mistakes

• Not keeping the extension installed: If you remove the Chrome Remote Desktop extension, the host stops working. Make sure it stays installed.
• Forgetting the PIN: The PIN is required every time you connect. If you forget it, you’ll need to go to the remote computer, open the app, and reset the PIN.
• Using the wrong Google account: You must be signed in with the same account that set up the host, or the account that was granted access. Check the account in the top-right corner of the page.
• Sharing the wrong code: For one-time access, the code changes every time and expires quickly. Make sure you send the current code.
• Not enabling the host on the other computer: The computer you want to access must have the Chrome Remote Desktop app installed and running. If it’s off or asleep, you can’t connect.

Tips

• Keep your Chromebook plugged in during long remote sessions to avoid battery drain.
• Use a strong PIN (at least 8 digits, not easily guessable) to protect your device.
• For better performance, close unused apps on both ends to free up bandwidth.
• Use the full-screen button in the remote session toolbar to maximize the view.
• If you’re accessing a Windows computer, you can use the on-screen keyboard and special keys (Ctrl, Alt, etc.) from the toolbar.
• Set up two-step verification on your Google account for extra security.

Troubleshooting

• Connection fails or times out: Check that both devices are online. Restart the Chrome browser on both ends. If it persists, reboot the Chromebook and the remote computer.
• Remote device shows as offline: The host computer may be asleep or shut down. Wake it up (if possible) and ensure Chrome Remote Desktop is running. On Chromebooks, check that the extension is enabled in chrome://extensions.
• PIN not accepted: Make sure you’re entering the correct PIN for that specific device. If you just changed the PIN, wait a few seconds. If still failing, reset the PIN on the host computer.
• Screen is black or frozen: Try pressing Ctrl+Alt+Shift+M to refresh the connection. Reduce the resolution on the remote computer if it’s a high-DPI display. Also, check the internet connection speed.
• Can’t see the remote device in list: Sign out and sign back in with the correct Google account. Also, ensure the device is powered on and connected to the internet.
• Extension not installing: Go to chrome://extensions, search for “Chrome Remote Desktop,” and enable it if disabled. If it’s missing, reinstall from the Chrome Web Store.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chrome Remote Desktop free?

Yes, it’s completely free for personal use. There’s no subscription or cost.

Do I need to install anything on my Chromebook?

Yes, you need to install the Chrome Remote Desktop extension from the Chrome Web Store. It’s a small extension that enables both hosting and accessing.

Can I access my Chromebook from my phone?

Yes, you can use the Chrome Remote Desktop app on Android or iOS to access your Chromebook, as long as the host is set up.

Is it safe to share my screen with someone?

Yes, if you use the one-time code, it expires quickly. For persistent access, you control who you share with and can revoke access anytime from the remote desktop settings.

Can I use Chrome Remote Desktop to access a computer that’s not on the same Wi-Fi?

Yes, it works over the internet, so you can access a computer anywhere as long as both have internet.

What if I forget my PIN?

You’ll need to go to the remote computer, open the Chrome Remote Desktop app, and reset the PIN. You can’t recover it remotely.

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