Controlling your laptop from your iPhone is a convenient way to handle your computer remotely, especially when you are away from your laptop or want to relax on your couch. This method is essential when you want to access your PC from a distance or need to perform tasks without sitting in front of your laptop. In this blog post, we’ll show you some tips on how to control your laptop from your iPhone.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Control Your Laptop from Your iPhone
There are times when your laptop is in another room, and you can’t walk over to it to change what’s playing on Spotify or add a file to your desktop. In such situations, it’s highly convenient to have the ability to control your laptop from your iPhone. Moreover, at times you may require access to your files or applications while you’re on the go and without the use of your laptop. Being able to control your laptop remotely from your iPhone can help you in those situations.
Method 1: Via Chrome Remote Desktop
Chrome Remote Desktop is an application developed by Google that enables you to remotely access your computer from a chrome browser or your iPhone. Here’s how to control your laptop via Chrome Remote Desktop:
1. Download and install the Chrome Remote Desktop software from the chrome web store to your Google Chrome browser on your laptop.
2. Launch the software and select the button that reads ‘Get Started.’
3. Under the ‘Remote Assistance’ section, click on the ‘Generate Code’ button.
4. Take note of the access code generated to enable the output to the remote desktop.
5. Download and install the ‘Chrome Remote Desktop from the app store’ on your iPhone.
6. Launch the software and select the ‘Get Started’ button then enter the access code you noted earlier to access the remote laptop.
Pros: Free to use, easy to set up and use, available on multiple platforms
Cons: Requires active internet connection, doesn’t support audio streaming
Method 2: Via Microsoft Remote Desktop
Another way to control your laptop remotely from your iPhone is by using Microsoft Remote Desktop. Here’s how:
1. Install Microsoft Remote Desktop on your iPhone.
2. Download the ‘Remote Desktop client’ application from the Microsoft website and install it on your laptop.
3. Launch the ‘Remote Desktop client’ application on your laptop and configure the settings that will enable remote access.
4. Open the Microsoft Remote Desktop app on your iPhone and click on the ‘+’ icon to add a PC.
5. Add the IP address of your laptop and the necessary authentication information like login details, and then connect.
Pros: Audio streaming, Security improvements, and features like remote printing
Cons: Complicated set-up process, limited to Windows computers.
Method 3: Using TeamViewer
TeamViewer is a popular application that allows you to remotely control your computer from your iPhone or iPad. Here’s how:
1. Download and Install TeamViewer on your laptop and iPhone or iPad.
2. Start TeamViewer on your laptop and make note of the ID and password displayed on the screen.
3. Start TeamViewer on your iPhone or iPad, select remote control, and enter the ID displayed earlier.
4. Enter the password, and your phone will connect to your remote laptop.
Pros: User-friendly interface, easy to use, supports audio streaming
Cons: The cost of the commercial version can be high, the interface may become sluggish.
What to Do If You Can’t Control Your Laptop from Your iPhone?
In case you experience issues while trying to control your PC from your iPhone, try the following fixes:
1. The computer and iPhone must be connected to a network or Wi-Fi. Ensure that both devices are on the same network.
2. Restart TeamViewer or other applications used to control the computer on your laptop and iPhone.
3. Disconnect the local network and reconnect your laptop to it.
4. Disable the firewall settings on your laptop or modify them to allow the software to communicate.
Bonus Tips
● Always ensure that your Wi-Fi connectivity is stable when attempting to control your laptop remotely.
● Use a strong password and enable authentication to secure your remote connection from prying eyes.
5 FAQs
Q1: What are the benefits of controlling my laptop using my iPhone?
A: You can access your laptop from anywhere, at any time, without the constraint of physically being near it.
Q2: Are there any risks I should be aware of when controlling my laptop remotely from my iPhone?
A: You must protect your internet connection from unauthorized access. Ensure that you use a strong password for the remote connection and a secure network.
Q3: Do I need to purchase any extra software to control my laptop from my iPhone?
A: No. The software needed for remote access is free, and you can easily download and install it on your PC and iPhone.
Q4: What can I do, and what can’t I do remotely on my laptop from my iPhone?
A: You can do almost everything on your laptop remotely as long as you have a reliable Wi-Fi connection, except perform physical tasks such as inserting or ejecting DVDs or using USB drives.
Q5: Can I transfer files between my laptop and my iPhone remotely?
A: Yes. You can transfer files between your devices by using cloud-based apps such as Google Docs, Dropbox, and OneDrive.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, controlling your laptop remotely via your iPhone is a game-changer in terms of convenience and flexibility. With these methods and tips available, you can now take control of your laptop from anywhere with ease. Select the method that works best for you and enjoy the flexibility it offers.