Getting Started: Remote Control & Access

DeskIn is a remote desktop application that lets you control computers and mobile devices over the internet. It runs on Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.

This guide covers how DeskIn establishes a connection, what happens once you're in, and how to use the tools available during a remote session. 

How Remote Access Works

When you connect to a remote device through DeskIn, two roles are involved: the local device (the one in your hands) and the remote device (the one you want to control). DeskIn streams the remote device's screen to your local device in real time, while sending your keyboard, mouse, and touch inputs back the other way.

Every connection is encrypted end-to-end using AES-256. Your session data travels through DeskIn's relay network or, when both devices share the same network, through a direct peer-to-peer (P2P) connection for lower latency. DeskIn's routing layer (based on OTT SD-WAN) checks network quality across its nodes and picks the fastest available path.

Two things make a connection possible:

1. Device ID
   Every device running DeskIn is assigned a unique identifier based on its hardware configuration. Think of it as your device's address — it tells DeskIn exactly which machine you want to reach. You'll find your Device ID on the Remote Control tab of the DeskIn client. Each device has one fixed ID; it can't be customized or manually changed, and it may change only if the device's hardware configuration changes.
   
   

2. Authentication
   Before a session begins, the remote device must verify that you're allowed to connect. DeskIn offers two methods: password-based (enter a temporary or security password) and password-free (send a connection request that someone at the remote device approves manually).

Getting Started

Getting your first remote session running takes about three minutes. Here's the path from installation to a live connection.

Step 1: Install DeskIn on both devices

Download the DeskIn client from deskin.io/download/deskin-personal on each device you want to connect (at least two devices). The installer is available for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. Follow the on-screen prompts. No special configuration is needed at this stage. Once both are set up, you're ready to connect.

Step 2: Grant permissions

Before DeskIn can function properly, the remote device needs to grant the app certain system permissions. Without these, your device may not be accessible or controllable during a session.

Windows

No setup needed. All features — remote control, file transfer, terminal access, screen management, and Wake-on-LAN — work after installation.

macOS

You'll need to grant three permissions through System Preferences → Security & Privacy:

• Accessibility — allows DeskIn to receive and relay keyboard and mouse inputs. Open the Accessibility pane, click the lock icon, enter your administrator password, and check the box next to DeskIn. If DeskIn isn't listed, click "+" and navigate to it in your Applications folder.

• Screen Recording — allows DeskIn to capture and stream your screen. Open the Screen Recording pane and check the box next to DeskIn.

• Full Disk Access — allows DeskIn to access files across the system for file transfer and other features. Open the Full Disk Access pane, click the lock icon, and check the box next to DeskIn.

Android

Enable Storage, Record, and Accessibility permissions when prompted. The system may revoke these after extended standby — add DeskIn to your power whitelist to prevent this. A checkmark next to "Remote Control" confirms permissions are active.

Android devices need to be Android OS version 7.0 (Nougat) or above to use DeskIn application. Currently most remote control features are available with all subscriptions. For full remote control features, it requires the Root-free Android control add-on (or Standard Edition+). One Root-free Android control add-on only authorizes one device. And you can swap which device once per month through Settings → Mobile Devices.

iOS

Apple does not permit third-party remote control of iPhones or iPads. DeskIn on iOS supports screen viewing (mirroring), remote camera access, and using the iPhone/iPad as a controller for Windows, Mac, and Android devices. See iOS Device Support.

Linux

DeskIn supports Linux but requires an x11 desktop environment and a connected monitor. SSH remote control and headless (no-display) mode are not currently supported. Linux devices also cannot send Wake-on-LAN packets.

Step 3: Create an account and sign in

Register with your email address and verify it. Sign in on both devices. Devices signed into the same account appear in your Device List automatically — you can manage up to 100 devices from a single account and organize them into groups.

Step 4: Locate the remote device's ID

On the remote device, open DeskIn and go to the Remote Control tab. The Device ID is shown at the top.

Tip: For mobile devices, the Device ID only appears after you log in, navigate to Device List → My Device, tap on This device, and toggle on the Allow button to permit incoming connections. You'll also need to select an authorization mode, which generates a connection password.

Step 5: Connect from your local device

On the device you'll be controlling from, open DeskIn and go to the Remote Control tab. Enter the remote device's Device ID in the Control Remote Device field, then tap Connect.

You'll be prompted to authenticate. Choose one of these methods:

• Password connection. Enter the remote device's password and tap Confirm. Works without anyone at the remote machine.

• Password-free connection. Tap Password-free to send a request. Someone at the remote device approves or denies it.

Once connected, the remote screen appears on your local device. The password is saved automatically for future connections to the same device.

The DeskIn Interface (Console)

DeskIn's desktop client is organized around three main tabs, while the menu tabs of the mobile application are organised at the bottom of the screen.

1. Remote Control tab

This is your starting point for initiating connections. It displays your local device's own Device ID and connection credentials at the top, and provides the Control Remote Device field where you enter another device's ID to connect. If you need to connect to a device you haven't registered, this is the place.

2. Device List tab

The Device List shows each device's name, online/offline status, and operating system.

How to add device to your list

Download DeskIn on the device, sign in with your account, and it appears in your Device List under My Device automatically. There's no manual pairing step.

Once you've signed into DeskIn on multiple devices with the same account, they all appear here automatically. This is the fastest way to manage multiple machines, instead of entering a Device ID each time. 

Organize your devices into groups using the "+" button in the device list

You can also see recent connections, create device groups with the "+" button for better organization, and manage up to 100 devices from a single account.

When you select an online device from the list, a side toolbar appears with nine function buttons:

• Remote Control — initiate a full remote control session. 

• File Transfer — move files between your local and remote device without starting a full control session. 

• View Mode — observe the remote screen without affecting operation on the remote side. 

• Lock Screen

• Remote Camera — view the camera feed from the remote device (not yet supported for remote Android devices). 

• Terminal — open the command prompt or terminal interface on the remote device directly. 

• Screen Management — choose between Extended Screen and Mirror Screen modes for screen extension or mirroring. 

• Restart or Shut Down 

• Remote Startup (Wake-on-LAN) — power on an offline Windows device that supports WOL, provided another device running DeskIn is on the same local network.

3. Settings tab

This is where you configure DeskIn's behavior. Key options include enabling Start DeskIn with system (so the app launches automatically on boot — required for unattended access), adjusting security settings, and managing connection preferences.

During the Remote Session

The floating toolbar

A floating toolbar provides controls while you're connected. On mobile, tap the arrow icon in the lower-right corner to expand it. On desktop, it appears at the top of the remote view.

The toolbar includes controls for:

• Display settings. Adjust resolution, frame rate, and color quality during the session. DeskIn supports up to 4K at 60fps with true-color 4:4:4 rendering, so you can dial the quality up for design work or bring it down to conserve bandwidth on slower connections.

• Input mode. Switch between two interaction modes via Toolbar → Mouse:

  • Touch mode allows you to interact with the remote device using your fingers, like a touchscreen. You can also enable a virtual mouse overlay that provides left and right mouse buttons for more precise control. Tap "Operation Guide" within the mode for a full gesture reference.

  • Cursor mode maps your finger movement to the cursor on the remote device — dragging your finger moves the mouse pointer. This feels more like using a laptop trackpad and is often better for precise desktop work.

• Connection status. A real-time indicator (on top left corner) shows your current latency and connection type (P2P or relay). If you notice lag, this is the first place to check — switching connection modes or adjusting quality settings can often help.

• Multi-monitor switching. If the remote computer has multiple screens, use the toolbar to switch between them.

• Session tools. File transfer, clipboard sharing, annotation, text chat, and audio — all accessible without leaving the session. For the full file transfer and screen sharing workflows, see How to transfer files and How to share screen.

Transferring files between devices

You don't need a full remote control session to move files — DeskIn supports standalone file transfer as well. Move files between devices during or outside of a session. See How to transfer files.

Sharing your screen

DeskIn supports screen sharing in two directions — useful for presentations, demos, or showing someone what's on your screen without handing over control.

Phone to computer (via QR code)

Open DeskIn on your phone and tap the Scan icon. On the computer, open the Extension Screen tab in the DeskIn client, which displays a QR code. Scan it with your phone, grant screen recording permission when prompted, and tap Start Broadcast. Your phone's screen will appear on the computer.

Phone to another device

On the phone whose screen you want to share, go to My Device, toggle on Allow Remote Control, select Screen Projection mode, and tap Start Broadcast to grant screen recording permission. DeskIn will generate a Device ID and password. The viewer enters these on their device to see your phone's screen. Tap Disconnect to end the session.

Setting up unattended access

DeskIn supports connecting to a device when nobody is physically present to approve the connection. This is called unattended access, and it takes a few configuration steps on the remote device.

1. Ensure DeskIn starts automatically with the system.
   Open Settings → General Settings and enable Start DeskIn with system. This keeps DeskIn running in the background as soon as the computer boots up.

2. Configure a security password.
   Go to Settings → Security Settings on the remote device and set the authentication method to either "Security password only" or "Both temporary passwords and security passwords." Create a password of at least 6 digits. You can also adjust how frequently the temporary password rotates.

3. Make sure the remote device doesn't go to sleep.On Windows, navigate to Start → Settings → Power & Sleep and set sleep to "Never." On Mac, go to System Settings → Battery → Power Adapter and set "Turn display off after" to "Never," then check "Prevent the computer from sleeping automatically when the display is off".
   For laptops, keep the lid open.

With these settings in place, you can connect using just the Device ID and your security password — no one needs to be at the remote machine.

Network and Firewall Requirements

DeskIn typically works without any special network configuration. However, in corporate or restricted network environments, you may need to whitelist the following:

Domains: *.deskin.io and *.deskin.sg

Ports: TCP 443; UDP 10888, 10999, and 21000–25000; optionally UDP 53 for DNS.

If a connection stalls at 1% or 100% during setup, firewall configuration is the most likely cause. Contact your network administrator or reach out to DeskIn support for the latest media server IP list if needed.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Here are the situations users run into most often, and what to check first.

• Device showing offline. The most common causes: the remote device is powered off or in sleep mode, DeskIn isn't running on the remote device, or the network connection is unstable. Ensure that "Start DeskIn with system" is enabled in General Settings so the app launches at boot. For laptops, make sure the lid is open. On mobile, confirm the DeskIn app is running in the background and that its permissions haven't been revoked by the system after extended standby; look for the small checkmark on the authorization options.

• Can't control Android phone. Confirm same-account login, Root-free Android control add-on, Android OS 7.0+ (Nougat), all permissions enabled, and the device listed under Settings → Mobile Devices. Each add-on authorizes one Android device at a time.
  
  

• Connection lag or instability. Use P2P when both devices are on the same network. For cross-network sessions, lower the resolution/frame rate or enable hardware acceleration. Hardware acceleration shifts encoding work to the GPU, which frees up CPU resources and can reduce delay.
  
  

• Virtual mouse not working in games. During remote gaming sessions, some games capture mouse input differently. Switch to Game Mode in the toolbar settings, which adjusts how DeskIn sends input to the remote device. DeskIn also supports PlayStation and Xbox game controllers, custom keyboard layouts, and a 3D view mode.

Key concepts

A quick reference for the technical terms and ideas you'll encounter as you use DeskIn.

• Local device vs. remote device. DeskIn streams the remote screen to your local device and relays your inputs back.

• Device ID. Unique per-device identifier based on hardware. Cannot be changed manually.

• Temporary password vs. security password. Temporary passwords rotate automatically; security passwords are static. Unattended access requires a security password (minimum 6 digits).

• P2P vs. relay connection. When two devices are on the same local network, DeskIn can establish a direct peer-to-peer connection; the fastest option, with minimal latency. When devices are on different networks, the session routes through DeskIn's relay servers. The OTT SD-WAN routing layer picks the best available path based on current network conditions.

• Unattended access: connecting without approval at the remote end. This feature requires a security password, auto-start enabled, device kept awake.

• Wake-on-LAN (WOL): remotely powers on an offline Windows PC. Needs another DeskIn device on the same LAN and WOL enabled in BIOS. Not supported on Mac or Linux.

• End-to-end encryption. All session data is encrypted using AES-256. Your keystrokes, screen data, and file transfers are protected in transit — DeskIn's own servers cannot read the content of your session.

• Privacy mode: blacks out the remote device's physical screen during a session. Configured in Security Settings.

• Blacklist / Whitelist: access control lists in Security Settings that restrict which accounts or Device IDs can connect to your device.

What to explore next

Now that you've made your first connection, here are some directions to try next:

• Mobile gestures. When controlling a computer from your phone, DeskIn maps touch gestures to desktop actions. See How to use gestures.

• Screen sharing. Share your screen without giving control to the viewer — useful for presentations and walkthroughs. See How to share screen.

• Android phone control. Control an Android phone remotely from another device, root-free. See How to control Android phone.

• Wake-on-LAN setup. Power on your PC remotely even when it's turned off. See How to set up Wake on LAN.

• Need help? Reach out to the DeskIn support team at support@deskin.io, or join the DeskIn community on Discord