Remote control

Control a Mac or Windows computer from an iPhone, iPad, or Android phone or tablet, or from another computer. Connect right away on the same Wi-Fi or over USB, and reach your computer from anywhere when both devices are signed in to the same account.

1. 1

   Sign in to the same account

   On the computer and mobile device, open Settings → Sign in. Use Google, Apple, Microsoft or email; on first launch, continue directly from the sign-in screen. Use the same provider and account on both devices, then verify the account name and access. Another account may not appear in device discovery. Complete the trial/license prompt on an unlicensed computer before connecting.

2. 2

   Use another computer as a second monitor

   Run both apps and sign in to the same account. On the sending computer, open Extend & mirror and choose Extend or Mirror first. In My devices, verify the receiving computer and Wi-Fi, then click Connect. Review and Accept the request on that computer. Extend creates a separate workspace; Mirror sends the Screens or Windows chosen in Change target. For extension, set the physical position with Display arrangement → Apply and drag a document window across to check it.

   

3. 3

   Share input while keeping each computer’s own screen

   For input without video, open Keyboard & mouse → Share keyboard & mouse. Choose the other computer’s Left, Right, Top or Bottom position and Transition monitor; click Start sharing and accept on the other computer. Move the pointer across that edge. Use Ctrl+Alt+Shift+Esc if input does not return, and Disconnect when finished.

   

4. 4

   Get ready

   Install and open Any Display 1.8.0 or later on the computer you want to control, and install the latest Any Display app on your phone or tablet. On a Mac, allow Screen Recording (to send the screen) and Accessibility (to accept remote input). Remote control, on the same network or from another network, needs the Remote module.

5. 5

   Connect from a phone or tablet on the same network

   Put the phone and computer on the same Wi-Fi, or connect them with USB. In the mobile app, open Remote control and tap the computer under Local network to connect. If the computer is missing, check that the desktop app is running and both devices use the same account and network.

   ANDROID TABLET

6. 6

   Connect from anywhere

   Away from home or the office, use Remote access in the Remote control menu. Sign in to the same account on the computer and the phone, and the signed-in computers appear in the list. Tap one to connect over the internet. To reach a sleeping Mac, turn on Prevent sleep in its settings so it stays reachable even with the lid closed.

7. 7

   Control with touch

   Touch mode is the default: you act directly where you touch. Tap to click, double-tap to double-click, and long-press or two-finger tap to right-click. Drag one finger to scroll, and double-tap then hold and drag to move windows or select text. Spread two fingers to zoom up to 5×, so even small text is easy to hit.

8. 8

   Use mouse mode for precision

   Choose mouse mode in the toolbar to turn the whole screen into a trackpad. Move the cursor with one finger, tap to click, two-finger tap to right-click, and drag two fingers to scroll. While zoomed in, the view follows the cursor when it reaches the edge. It is ideal for small buttons and selecting text.

9. 9

   Keyboard, monitor choice, and disconnecting

   Tap the keyboard button in the toolbar to open your phone's keyboard with a row of special keys: Esc, Tab, Ctrl, Alt, ⌘ (Win), Shift, arrows, Del, and F1–F12. Typing in any language is sent as you write it. If the computer has several monitors, pick one with the monitor button, and tap Fit to screen to return from zoom. Drag the toolbar anywhere or collapse it, and tap Disconnect when you are done.

10. 10

    Choose the monitor mode: physical or virtual display

    Use the Monitor button on the toolbar to change the monitor connection mode. Physical displays shows the computer's connected monitors as they are, and lets you pick which one to view when there are several. Virtual display turns off the connected monitors and creates a screen just for remote control, so nobody at the computer can see what you are doing. You can switch without disconnecting.

11. 11

    Request a connection from another computer

    To control a computer from another computer, open Any Display on both and open Remote control on the computer you will view from. Choose a computer found on the same network, or one signed in to the same account, and request a connection. If two computers share a name, confirm the target first.

    

12. 12

    Approve and control in a window

    The other computer shows the request with Accept, Decline, Always allow this device, and Ignore requests from this device. Once connected, its screen opens in a window where you control it with your keyboard and mouse. Resolution, quality, and zoom can be set separately, and the Windows lock screen and administrator prompts can be operated remotely.

13. 13

    Connection status and permissions

    Follow the session through states such as Connecting, Waiting for screen, and Showing screen. The controlled computer shows that it is being controlled remotely. Either side can end the session with Disconnect. Change automatic approval or ignored devices in Settings → Manage connection permissions. Video travels directly between devices when possible. If a direct connection is unavailable, it can pass through a configured relay server (TURN); video remains encrypted.