Chrome Remote Desktop Alternatives for iPhone
As of 2026-09-26
Google discontinued the Chrome Remote Desktop native iOS app; users are pointed to the web app at remotedesktop.google.com/access instead. If you used Chrome Remote Desktop to reach a Mac from an iPhone, you need a new workflow. This page ranks alternatives by use case, with migration steps and sources as of 26 September 2026.
What you are replacing
On iPhone today, Chrome Remote Desktop is a browser session behind Google sign-in, added to the Home Screen for full-screen use. For Mac hosts, Google’s help states touch input uses virtual trackpad mode only; the touch modes are for Windows hosts. Before you switch, write down which Macs you reach this way and whether you use the PIN-protected unattended access Google sets up per computer.
Best native iPhone app for your Mac (free 1.0)
Poket PC: Mac helper plus iPhone app with live screen, trackpad, keyboard, tiles, and Ask. No Google account; QR pairing. Limits: main display only, no file transfer, Mac host only. Mac helper; iPhone app through the public TestFlight beta (beta).
Best if you want App Store remote desktop today
AnyDesk: free iPhone download, personal non-commercial use, cross-platform hosts.
Splashtop: Personal for your local network; Remote Access or the Anywhere Access Pack for the internet.
RustDesk: free client; control-only on iPhone.
TeamViewer: multi-monitor and file transfer on the iPhone listing, with personal-use limits and a verified account for outgoing connections.
Jump Desktop: $14.99 one-time iPhone purchase; free web client option.
Best free like Chrome Remote Desktop
Chrome Remote Desktop (web): still $0 if you accept browser control and Google accounts.
Poket PC 1.0: free, no ads, encrypted relay for away-from-home.
RustDesk: free client with a public relay, or your own server.
Best for leaving Google sign-in behind
Poket PC, AnyDesk, and RustDesk (basic use) do not require Google accounts. Splashtop uses its own account instead, and Jump Desktop needs one for automatic setup.
Migration steps from Chrome Remote Desktop
- Leave CRD running until the new tool works for you. Note your Mac’s CRD PIN and Google account access.
- Pick an alternative from the list above. For Poket PC, install the helper, grant Accessibility and Screen Recording, join the public TestFlight beta, then choose Pair New Device on the Mac and scan the QR code with the iPhone app.
- Test away from home if that matters. Poket PC, Splashtop Remote Access, TeamViewer, AnyDesk, and RustDesk support internet paths in cited docs; Splashtop Personal does not without a paid pack.
- Remove CRD from the Mac only after you confirm lock, sleep, and everyday apps work from the phone.
Detailed Poket PC setup: control Mac from iPhone guide.
Sources
- Chrome Remote Desktop iOS app removal: https://support.google.com/chrome/thread/405236681/i-cannot-find-the-chrome-remote-desktop-at-the-apple-app-store?hl=en
- Chrome Remote Desktop iPhone help (web app, Mac trackpad mode): https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/1649523?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform%3DiOS
- Press coverage (2025-09-06): https://piunikaweb.com/2025/09/06/chrome-remote-desktop-ios-app-discontinued/
- Jump Desktop App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/jump-desktop-rdp-vnc-fluid/id364876095
- Jump Desktop pricing (free web client): https://jumpdesktop.com/pricing-plans.html
- Splashtop Personal: https://www.splashtop.com/products/personal
- AnyDesk App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/anydesk-remote-desktop/id1176131273
- RustDesk App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/rustdesk-remote-desktop/id1581225015
- RustDesk pricing (public relay): https://rustdesk.com/pricing/
- TeamViewer App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/teamviewer-remote-control/id692035811
Read Poket PC vs Chrome Remote Desktop or best remote desktop apps for iPhone.
Checked on 26 September 2026. Tell us if something changed: support@poketpc.com.
Frequently asked questions
Why did Chrome Remote Desktop disappear from the App Store?
Google deprecated the native iOS app. Press coverage dated 6 September 2025 reported the removal, and a Google support thread points iPhone users to remotedesktop.google.com/access in the mobile browser.
What is the best replacement for Chrome Remote Desktop on iPhone to Mac?
For native Mac screen control, Poket PC, Jump Desktop, Splashtop, AnyDesk, TeamViewer, and RustDesk all support controlling a Mac from iPhone in cited sources. Chrome Remote Desktop on iPhone only offers virtual trackpad mode for Mac hosts.
Is there still a free alternative?
Chrome Remote Desktop remains free. Poket PC 1.0 is free. RustDesk's client is free. Splashtop Personal is free on your local network. Jump Desktop's web client is free but the native iPhone app is paid.
Do I need a Google account after switching?
Not for Poket PC, AnyDesk, or RustDesk basic use. Splashtop requires its own account, and Jump Desktop needs one for automatic setup.