Remote access allows you to control your Windows PC from anywhere using your iPhone or Android device, whether you’re at home, in the office, or on the go. This is especially useful for retrieving files, running software, or troubleshooting issues remotely.
In this guide, we’ll walk through several methods to remotely access your Windows PC from your smartphone in 2025, including Microsoft Remote Desktop, TeamViewer, AnyDesk, and Chrome Remote Desktop.
🧩 Part 1: Prerequisites
Before setting up remote access, ensure the following:
- Your PC is powered on and connected to the internet.
- Your smartphone has internet access (Wi-Fi or mobile data).
- You have an account with the remote access service you’re using.
- If connecting from outside your home network, make sure port forwarding or dynamic DNS is configured (if needed).
💻 Method 1: Microsoft Remote Desktop (Best for Windows Pro Users)
Step-by-Step Guide
✅ On Your PC (Windows 10/11 Pro, Enterprise, or Education):
- Enable Remote Desktop
- Press
Win + Ito open Settings. - Go to System > Remote Desktop.
- Toggle Enable Remote Desktop to On.
- Note the PC name or IP address under “How to connect to this PC”.
- Check User Permissions
- Under Remote Desktop settings, click “Show users that can remotely access this PC”.
- Make sure your user account is listed. If not, click Add and enter your username.
- Find Your Public IP Address (for external access)
- Search Google for “What is my IP?” and copy the result.
- Alternatively, set up a free dynamic DNS (DDNS) service like No-IP if your public IP changes often.
✅ On Your iPhone or Android:
- Download Microsoft Remote Desktop App
- Available on the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android).
- Add a New PC Connection
- Open the app and tap + > Add a PC.
- Enter:
- PC name or IP address
- User account (e.g.,
DOMAIN\usernameor justusername) - Optional: Friendly name for the connection
- Tap Save.
- Connect to Your PC
- Tap the saved connection.
- Enter your password when prompted.
- Wait for the remote desktop session to load.
🎯 Tip: Enable Touch Mode for easier navigation on mobile.
🌐 Method 2: TeamViewer (Best for Easy Setup & Cross-Platform Use)
TeamViewer is one of the most popular remote desktop tools due to its ease of use and cross-platform support.
Step-by-Step Guide
✅ On Your PC:
- Download & Install TeamViewer
- Visit teamviewer.com and download the software.
- Install it and launch the application.
- Get Your TeamViewer ID and Password
- Once opened, note your TeamViewer ID and set a permanent password (under Security settings).
✅ On Your iPhone or Android:
- Download TeamViewer QuickSupport App
- Available on App Store or Play Store.
- Enter the PC’s ID
- Open the app.
- In the Unattended Access section, enter the TeamViewer ID of your PC.
- Tap Connect.
- Enter the Permanent Password
- When prompted, type the password you set earlier.
- You’ll now be able to view and control your PC remotely.
🔒 Tip: For unattended access, install TeamViewer Host on your PC for background access without needing someone to accept the session.
🖥️ Method 3: AnyDesk (Fast & Lightweight Alternative)
AnyDesk is known for its fast performance and low latency, making it ideal for real-time interaction.
Step-by-Step Guide
✅ On Your PC:
- Download & Install AnyDesk
- Go to anydesk.com and download the installer.
- Run the installer and note the AnyDesk Address shown in the main window.
- Set Up Unattended Access (Optional)
- Create an AnyDesk account.
- Assign a password under Security settings for remote login.
✅ On Your iPhone or Android:
- Download AnyDesk Mobile App
- Available on App Store or Play Store.
- Connect to Your PC
- Open the app.
- Tap New Connection.
- Enter the AnyDesk Address of your PC.
- Tap Connect and enter the password if required.
🚀 Bonus: AnyDesk supports clipboard sharing and file transfers during sessions.
📡 Method 4: Chrome Remote Desktop (Best for Casual Use)
This method uses the Google Chrome browser and is great for temporary access.
Step-by-Step Guide
✅ On Your PC:
- Install Chrome Remote Desktop Extension
- Open Chrome Web Store – Chrome Remote Desktop.
- Click Add to Chrome.
- Set Up Remote Access
- Launch the extension.
- Follow the setup wizard to share this computer.
- Set a PIN for remote access.
✅ On Your iPhone or Android:
- Download Chrome Remote Desktop App
- Available on App Store or Play Store.
- Sign in with the Same Google Account
- Open the app and sign in with the same Google account used on your PC.
- Access Your PC
- Your shared PC should appear in the list.
- Tap the PC name and enter the PIN you created earlier.
⚠️ Limitation: Requires Chrome browser to be running on the host PC.
🔐 Security Tips for Remote Access
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Use Strong Passwords | Protect your remote sessions with strong credentials. |
| Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) | Especially important for cloud-based services like TeamViewer or AnyDesk. |
| Log Out After Use | Always disconnect properly after finishing your session. |
| Update Software Regularly | Keep apps updated to avoid vulnerabilities. |
| Use Encrypted Connections | Choose services that offer end-to-end encryption. |
📱 Comparison Table: Remote Access Apps (2025)
| Feature | Microsoft RDP | TeamViewer | AnyDesk | Chrome RDP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free for Personal Use | ✅ | ✅ (limited) | ✅ (limited) | ✅ |
| Cross-Platform Support | ❌ (only Windows clients) | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Touch Optimization | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| File Transfer | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Clipboard Sharing | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Unattended Access | ❌ (requires domain) | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Dynamic DNS Support | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Cloud-Based Management | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
🧾 Summary
You can remotely access your Windows PC from your iPhone or Android using any of these reliable tools:
- Microsoft Remote Desktop: Best for Windows Pro users who want native integration.
- TeamViewer: Great for easy setup and cross-platform use.
- AnyDesk: Ideal for fast and secure remote connections.
- Chrome Remote Desktop: Simple solution for casual use via the Chrome browser.
💡 Pro Recommendation:
- For advanced users: Use Microsoft Remote Desktop or AnyDesk.
- For non-tech users: Use TeamViewer or Chrome Remote Desktop.
With these tools, you can securely manage your PC from anywhere—whether you’re fixing a problem, grabbing a file, or working remotely.
Let me know if you’d like help configuring port forwarding or setting up unattended access!