How to Set Up a Remote Connection

Some tasks (a plugin setting, a step in the browser, walking through something on screen) get solved much faster by me actually seeing your screen than by writing back and forth. For that, either of two tools works: AnyDesk or Google Remote Support (Chrome Remote Desktop). Both are free, and both take 2-3 minutes to set up.

Do you already have AnyDesk installed?

If it’s installed: Open it. Under “This Workstation” in the top-left, you’ll see a 9-10 digit AnyDesk Address. Send me that number over WhatsApp — I’ll send a connection request from my own AnyDesk, and all you need to do is approve the permission prompt that appears on your screen.

If it’s not installed: You have two options — download and install it from anydesk.com (available for both Windows and Mac), or skip installing anything and use the Google Remote Support method below.

Google Remote Support — Windows

If you have Chrome, you don’t need to install a separate program — the extension comes automatically.

1. In Chrome, go to remotedesktop.google.com/support, signed in with your Google account.
2. The first time you use “Get Support,” you’ll be asked to install a small extension — approve it.
3. Click “Generate Code” — a 12-digit code will appear on screen.
4. Send me that code over WhatsApp. Once I enter the code on my end and connect, a permission window will appear on your screen — just click “Share” to approve.
5. When we’re done, you can end the connection at any time by clicking “Stop Sharing” in the bar at the bottom of the screen.

Google Remote Support — Mac

Same steps, with one difference: macOS asks for an additional screen-sharing permission.

1. Follow steps 1-4 above exactly the same way.
2. On the first connection, macOS will ask for screen recording permission: go to System Settings → Privacy & Security → Screen Recording and grant access to Chrome (or “Chrome Remote Desktop Host”).
3. After granting permission, you may be asked to quit and reopen Chrome — that’s normal, and it’s a one-time step.
4. On some Macs, you’ll also be asked for Accessibility permission — grant that from the same screen.

Which one should I choose?

If you already have AnyDesk installed, that’s the fastest option. If you’d rather not install anything, Google Remote Support is more practical — it needs nothing beyond Chrome, and the code becomes invalid the moment the session ends.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to share the code/number?

Yes. With both AnyDesk and Google Remote Support, the code is one-time use, and no connection is made until you approve it. Once the session ends, the code becomes invalid — there’s no lasting access left to your computer.

Can we also just talk it through by phone?

Yes, most of the time we’re on the phone or on a Google Meet call at the same time as the connection — seeing the screen combined with talking it through speeds things up.

Which operating systems does this work on?

AnyDesk works on Windows, Mac, Linux, and mobile. Google Remote Support works anywhere Chrome runs (Windows, Mac, ChromeOS, Linux).

Do I need to be the one who starts the connection?

Yes — for security, you always approve the connection request; I can’t connect to your computer unilaterally.