How to Connect to Your Dedicated Mac with Chrome Remote Desktop
How to Connect to Your Dedicated Mac with Chrome Remote Desktop
This article explains how to set up Chrome Remote Desktop (by Google) on your dedicated Mac after you can already access its graphical desktop, and how to use Chrome Remote Desktop for future remote connections.
Chrome Remote Desktop is free. Every connection requires your Google account and a PIN, and the screen, keyboard, and clipboard are encrypted end to end. It is built on WebRTC real-time transport, so it stays smooth even when the network fluctuates. Your local computer only needs a browser to connect, with no separate client to install. You can also connect from a phone or tablet with the Chrome Remote Desktop app.
Chrome Remote Desktop is a third-party service and requires a Google account. This article only provides a reference for common installation and connection steps. We do not guarantee the features, stability, account system, or availability of third-party software.
Before You Start
Before setting up Chrome Remote Desktop, please confirm the following:
You can already access the graphical desktop of your dedicated Mac through VNC or macOS Screen Sharing.
You have a Google account you can sign in to. The dedicated Mac and your local computer must be signed in to the same Google account.
Your local computer can access Google services.
If you have not entered the dedicated Mac desktop yet, please refer to: How to Connect to Your Dedicated Mac with SSH and VNC.
Step 1: Open the Chrome Remote Desktop Page on the Dedicated Mac
Open the Chrome browser on your dedicated Mac. If Chrome is not installed on the dedicated Mac yet, download and install it from the official Google page first.
Chrome download page: https://www.google.com/chrome/
In Chrome, open the Chrome Remote Desktop page and sign in to your Google account.
Chrome Remote Desktop page: https://remotedesktop.google.com/access
Step 2: Install Chrome Remote Desktop on the Dedicated Mac
In the "Set up remote access" section of the page, click the download button to download the macOS installer.
After the download is complete, open the installer and follow the prompts to install it. If you are asked for a password during installation, enter the system password of the dedicated Mac (available on the service page or in the service activation email).
Step 3: Set a Name and PIN for the Dedicated Mac
After installation, return to the Chrome Remote Desktop page and follow the prompts to give this dedicated Mac a name that is easy to recognize.
Then set a PIN of at least 6 digits. You will need this PIN when connecting from your local computer later. Keep it safe and do not share it publicly.
Step 4: Complete Permission Setup on the Dedicated Mac
After setup, macOS will prompt that Chrome Remote Desktop needs Accessibility and Screen Recording permissions. Follow the prompts to open System Settings > Privacy & Security and allow Chrome Remote Desktop in both.
Without the required permissions, the remote connection may show a black screen, or only let you view the screen without normal control. If it still does not work properly after granting permissions, turn remote access for this device off and on again on the Chrome Remote Desktop page.
Step 5: Connect from Your Local Computer
Open https://remotedesktop.google.com/access in the browser on your local computer and sign in to the same Google account as the dedicated Mac.
In the list of remote devices, click the name you set for the dedicated Mac and enter the PIN to access its desktop. After confirming that Chrome Remote Desktop can connect normally, you can usually use Chrome Remote Desktop directly to access the dedicated Mac in the future.
To connect from a phone or tablet, install the Chrome Remote Desktop app from your app store and sign in to the same Google account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Chrome Remote Desktop directly if I have not entered the dedicated Mac desktop yet?
No. Before using Chrome Remote Desktop for the first time, you need to enter the dedicated Mac through VNC or Screen Sharing first, then complete Chrome Remote Desktop installation, PIN setup, and permission setup on the dedicated Mac.
What should I do if the dedicated Mac does not appear in the device list on my local computer, or shows as offline?
Make sure your local computer and the dedicated Mac are signed in to the same Google account, and that the dedicated Mac is powered on and connected to the internet. If it still shows as offline, re-enter the dedicated Mac through VNC, open the Chrome Remote Desktop page, and check whether remote access is turned on for this device.
What should I do if I see a black screen, or can see the screen but cannot control it?
This is usually because macOS permissions have not been fully granted. Enter the dedicated Mac through VNC and check whether Screen Recording and Accessibility are allowed for Chrome Remote Desktop in System Settings > Privacy & Security.
What should I do if Chrome Remote Desktop says the PIN is incorrect?
Make sure you entered the PIN set in Chrome Remote Desktop, not the SSH password, VNC password, Google account password, or client area login password. If you forgot the PIN, enter the dedicated Mac through VNC and set a new PIN on the Chrome Remote Desktop page.
What should I do if I cannot connect after a restart with FileVault turned on?
With FileVault turned on, the disk of the dedicated Mac must be unlocked after a restart before Chrome Remote Desktop can start. Please refer to: How to Connect After Restarting a Mac with FileVault On.
What should I do if the screen is laggy after connecting?
Graphical remote connections can be affected by your local network, remote tool service status, and device status. Try reconnecting first. If the issue continues, take a screenshot and contact support.
Security Reminders
Do not publicly share your Chrome Remote Desktop PIN, Google account information, or client area login information.
We recommend turning on 2-Step Verification for your Google account. Anyone who can sign in to this Google account can see and try to connect to your dedicated Mac.
Do not save the PIN or stay signed in to your Google account on public computers or untrusted devices.
When you are not using the remote desktop, close the current remote session.
If you suspect that your PIN or Google account has been leaked, change the PIN and your Google account password as soon as possible and contact support.