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Updated on in How to, Troubleshooting

How to Fix Chrome Remote Desktop Keyboard Click Not Working?

Author: Emma Collins
Emma Collins Article author

For many remote workers, Chrome Remote Desktop is a staple tool for remote IT support and collaborative workflows. But many users experience a frustrating issue with this software. Oftentimes, the keyboard input fails to register when connected to a remote machine. Some users are unable to type or experience noticeable input lags while using the app.

The solution below can help when your Chrome Remote Desktop keyboard stops working.  Learn how to fix it in this article.

If you’re frustrated with Chrome Remote Desktop issues, try HelpWire — a reliable, hassle-free alternative to Chrome Remote Desktop that delivers smooth and secure remote access.

Why Is My Keyboard Not Working on Remote Desktop?

The usual culprit of the Chrome Remote Desktop keyboard not working error is a keystroke transmission failure. Your local device is unable to “inform” the remote computer of your key presses. If this problem persists, it will be impossible to enter prompts or commands for your remote machine.

But what causes this “transmission failure”? 

Network Issues: The Internet connection is slow or unstable, which results in lag in keyboard input signals.

Outdated Program: Older versions of Chrome Remote Desktop can block all keyboard data transmissions between the devices.

Permission Issues: Absence of permission accessibility or privilege can prevent the remote machine from receiving the host’s keyboard inputs.

Driver Issues: Failure in keyboard data transmission might occur when the system’s keyboard drivers are outdated or incompatible.

Browser-Based Problems: Some Chrome extensions, such as Vimium, can interfere with remote keyboard input and cause the keyboard not working on remote desktop.

How to Fix Chrome Remote Desktop Keyboard Click Not Working?

Assuming that your keyboard hardware is in good condition, the Chrome Remote Desktop keyboard not working error might be caused by certain software issues.

Here are some recommended fixes:

Quick tips: 
  1. Update Chrome and Chrome Remote Desktop
    Install the latest versions of Google Chrome and Chrome Remote Desktop. You should uninstall these programs first before the update to get rid of their broken or corrupt files.
  2. Reinstall Chrome Remote Desktop
    If there is no new version of Chrome Remote Desktop available, you can perform a clean reinstall instead. This will resolve all existing corrupted files and prevent keyboard input problems.
  3. Check Network Connection
    Check your Internet upload and download speed. If both of these variables are low, it can cause network or packet loss that results in keyboard data transmission delays.

  1. Disable Conflicting Chrome Extensions

    If you have a Chrome extension installed (e.g., Vimium), it is advisable to disable it temporarily. You may also whitelist the remote desktop URL using this prompt:

    (https://remotedesktop.google.com/*).

  2. Use the Onscreen Keyboard Icon (for Mobile Users)

    This solution applies to mobile devices. Open Chrome Remote Desktop app and use a three-finger swipe to check if the Google remote desktop keyboard is not working. If you suspect an error, tap the application’s keyboard icon to bring up the keyboard manually.

  3. Verify Permissions and Accessibility Settings

    Chrome Remote Desktop must have the essential permissions on your operating system to work properly. If you’re on Windows, double-check your Firewall and input device permissions via Windows Settings or Control Panel. If you’re on macOS, check permission settings via System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Accessibility.

  4. Inspect Hardware and Driver Issues

    Check if your keyboard drivers are up-to-date. Otherwise, download the necessary updates and reattempt to connect to the keyboard upon launch of Chrome Remote Desktop.

  5. Restart Remote Desktop Session

    Sometimes, the session experiences glitches because of some technical problems in the host and remote machines. A simple machine restart of the remote session can resolve the keyboard problem.

  6. Clear Browser Cache and Cookies

    It is common for corrupted cached browser data to interfere with keyboard data transmission. Hence, clear your browser cache and cookies, then restart your browser to test the fix.

Additional Tips for a Smoother Remote Keyboard Experience: 
  1. Make sure that the keyboard language and layout on both local and remote machines are matched.
  2. Use keyboard shortcuts like Ctrl + Alt + Del to refresh keyboard input on Windows sessions.

Use HelpWire - Alternative Remote Desktop Software

Keyboard issues in Chrome Remote Desktop can be a recurring problem that disrupts remote work productivity. If the fixes above are ineffective, it may be time to switch to a more reliable alternative, like HelpWire. 

HelpWire is a remote desktop solution designed for optimized sessions that can handle keyboard input with ease, zero lag, or unresponsiveness.

Check out HelpWire’s top-level features for remote workers:

Top HelpWire Capabilities

Final Thoughts

The Chrome Remote Desktop tool is highly beneficial for today’s remote work. Yet, it remains vulnerable to common technical issues such as keyboard malfunctions, input delays, or lag. You can resolve these problems by following the recommended steps outlined above.

However, some of these measures can be cumbersome to implement. 

Excellent alternative like HelpWire can help you. 

HelpWire is a leading remote support tool that enables unattended access to remote devices without requiring complex configurations. With its built-in live chat and multi-platform compatibility, you can easily troubleshoot remote keyboard issues through seamless communication with an IT professional.

Tags:
Chrome Remote Desktop, Tips & Tricks