Getting Started: Quickstart

Welcome to DeskIn. This guide gets you from zero to your first working remote connection in a few minutes — on any device, any platform.

Before you start

1. Two devices are required

   • DeskIn needs to be installed on both the device you control from (controller) and the device you want to access (controlled)

2. A free DeskIn account

   • Sign up at deskin.io — no credit card needed

3. An internet connection on both devices

This guide covers all OS platforms (Windows / macOS / iOS / Android).

STEP 1: Download DeskIn

Install DeskIn on both devices. Find your platform below and follow the process (takes two minutes).

🪟 Windows

• Download the Windows installer from the DeskIn download page and run it.
  Link to download: https://deskin.io/download/deskin-personal
  → Select Windows → Download → Run the installer

• Requires Windows 7 or above. Updates automatically in the background.

🍎 macOS

• Download the macOS client, open the .dmg file, and drag DeskIn to your Applications folder.
  Link to download: https://deskin.io/download/deskin-personal
  → Select macOS → Download → Open .dmg → Drag to Applications

• Compatible with Intel, Apple M1, and M2 chips. One download works for all.

📱iOS (iPhone & iPad)

• Install from the App Store. Tap the link below or search directly.
  Link to download: https://deskin.io/download/deskin-personal
  → Select iOS → Redirects to App Store 

• Or search the App Store directly: "DeskIn"  or  "DeskIn remote desktop" 

✅ iOS can act as the controller (use your iPhone to control another device) but cannot be remotely controlled by another device.

🤖 Android

• Install from Google Play. Tap the link below or search directly.
  Link to download: https://deskin.io/download/deskin-personal
  → Select Android → Redirects to Google Play

• Or search Google Play directly: "DeskIn"  or  "DeskIn remote desktop"

STEP 2: Create an account and log in

DeskIn uses your account to recognise and pair your devices.
Sign up for free, no credit card required.

• Go to deskin.io and click Sign In → Create account

• Enter your email and set a password

• Open DeskIn on both devices and log in with the same account

ℹ️ Once logged in, your credentials are stored and you won't need to log in again on that device. To switch accounts later, go to Settings → Account → Sign out.

STEP 3: Grant permissions on the controlled device

The device being accessed needs permission to share its screen and accept remote inputs. This is a one-time setup per device.

🪟Windows

DeskIn handles permissions automatically during installation. No additional steps needed.

🍎macOS

macOS requires three explicit permissions before remote control can work:

1. Screen Recording: required to see the remote display
   System Settings → Privacy & Security → Screen Recording → Toggle on DeskIn

2. Accessibility: required for keyboard & mouse control
   System Settings → Privacy & Security → Accessibility → Toggle on DeskIn

3. Full Disk Access: required for accessing files
   Full Disk Access → Privacy & Security → Screen Recording → Toggle on DeskIn 

⚠️Without Screen Recording, DeskIn cannot show the remote screen. Without Accessibility, keyboard and mouse inputs won't reach the remote device. Both are required for full control.

🤖Android

When you first open DeskIn on Android, it will prompt you to grant screen sharing permission. Tap Allow when prompted.

📱iOS

iOS does not support being remotely controlled due to iOS limitations. It can only act as the controller to use your iPhone or iPad to access Windows, macOS, or Android devices. Learn more about iOS Device Support.

STEP 4: Make your first connection

With both devices logged in to the same account, your paired device appears automatically in DeskIn's device list (no IP addresses or codes needed).

• Open DeskIn on the controller device

• Find your other device in the Device List

• Click or tap Connect — the remote screen appears instantly

✅You're in. The remote device's screen is live in your DeskIn window.
Move your mouse; it moves on the remote device too.

ℹ️If the device doesn't appear in your list, make sure both devices are online and signed into the same DeskIn account. See FAQ: connection issues →

STEP 5: Try it out

You're connected. Here are the most useful things to explore in your first session; all accessible from the floating remote toolbar at the top of the screen.

Try these during your session

1. Transfer a file: Toolbar → File Transfer

   • Send files between the two devices in either direction.

2. Enable Privacy Screen: Toolbar → Privacy Screen

   • Blacks out the remote display — no one in that room can see what you're doing.

3. Switch between monitors: Toolbar → Screen

   • If the remote device has multiple displays, switch between them or view all at once.

4. Adjust image quality: Toolbar → Quality

   • Increase for a crisper display; reduce if the connection feels slow.

5. Start an audio call: Toolbar → Audio Call

   • Talk to someone at the remote device while you work together.

💡 The remote toolbar is your command centre during any session. Access it at any time by moving your cursor to the top edge of the DeskIn window.

Key Actions

The most commonly used actions during a DeskIn session, and where to find them.

Next Step

You've made your first connection. Here's where to go from here.

Basic remote control & access →

• Guide; understand the core concepts: controller vs. controlled, sessions, unattended access, privacy screen, and best practices.

What you can do with DeskIn →

• Explore all use cases: remote work, gaming, IT support, creative tools, mobile access, and file transfer.

FAQ →

• Answers to the most common questions about accounts, connections, performance, and device-specific issues.

Join the Discord →

• Get tips from other DeskIn users, share your setup, and connect with the team directly.