Productivity & Business · Security, Privacy & Backup

Chrome Remote Desktop

Google's free tool for reaching your own computers remotely or sharing your screen for support, run from the Chrome browser with a Google account.

Our take: For reaching your own computer or helping a relative, Chrome Remote Desktop is hard to beat on cost and setup time.

Best forFree personal remote access

ReviewedOct 2026Free

6.95 criteria · see breakdown

Try ChromeFree (no paid plans)

Chrome Remote Desktop is Google's free tool for reaching your own computers remotely or sharing your screen so someone can help you. It runs from the Chrome browser and needs a Google account. Google lists it as free and publishes no paid plans.

The bottom line

The easiest free option for personal remote access, with few controls for business use.

Our score

Reviewed by the Conversion Gems editorial team. Hover a facet to focus it; click to pin.Tap a facet to focus it.

What it is, and why we rate it

One line each. Open a row for detail.

What it really isGoogle's free browser-based remote access and screen sharing tool.

Our takeFor reaching your own computer or helping a relative, Chrome Remote Desktop is hard to beat on cost and setup time.

It is deliberately simple: Google documents PIN access, one-time support codes and mobile apps, and little else. Teams that need logs, user roles or many devices should look at a dedicated support product.

Why we rate itNo cost, quick setup in the browser and apps for Android and iOS.

The catchNeeds a Google account, offers few admin controls, and support comes only from help articles and a community forum.

Best / not good for

Best for

Reaching your own computers
Quick help for family and friends
Linux desktops you want to reach remotely

Not good for

Help desks needing session logs or user roles
Organizations without Google accounts

Trade-offs

Friction report

Trade-offs to know before signing up.

Time to value
Minutes: install the host from the browser, set a PIN and connect.
Scale breakpoint
No team features are documented, so it stops fitting once several technicians share devices.
Walled garden
High: tied to Google accounts, with no documented API or integrations.

Still a fit?

If none of these block you, start on the free plan.

Try Chrome

Which Chrome Remote Desktop mode to use

You want to	Go to	How it connects
Reach your own computer later	remotedesktop.google.com/access	Set up the computer once, then connect with your PIN
Let someone help you now	remotedesktop.google.com/support	Generate a one-time code; you approve the helper and reconfirm every 30 minutes
Help someone who sent you a code	remotedesktop.google.com/support	Enter their code under Give Support

From Google's Chrome Remote Desktop help article, checked 4 October 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chrome Remote Desktop free?How do I set up Chrome Remote Desktop?Does Chrome Remote Desktop work on Mac, Linux and phones?How do I let someone help me with Chrome Remote Desktop?Is Chrome Remote Desktop safe?

Is Chrome Remote Desktop free?

Yes. Google lists the Chrome Remote Desktop extension as free in the Chrome Web Store, and its product site and help pages show no paid plans. You need a Google account to sign in (checked 4 October 2026).

How do I set up Chrome Remote Desktop?

On the computer you want to reach, open Chrome, go to remotedesktop.google.com/access, click Download under Set up Remote Access and follow the steps, including choosing a PIN. Then connect from another computer's browser or the Android or iOS app.

Does Chrome Remote Desktop work on Mac, Linux and phones?

You can set up remote access on Windows, Mac and Linux computers. To reach those computers from a phone or tablet, Google offers Chrome Remote Desktop apps for Android and iOS.

How do I let someone help me with Chrome Remote Desktop?

Go to remotedesktop.google.com/support, download the support component, select Generate Code and send the code to your helper. When they enter it, you approve their email address. The code works once, and you are asked every 30 minutes whether to keep sharing.

Is Chrome Remote Desktop safe?

Google says all sessions are fully encrypted, and remote access needs your PIN. The bigger risk is people: a helper with your code gets full access to your apps, files and email, so only share a code with someone you know and stop sharing when you are done.