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Updated on in Remote access, Troubleshooting

How to Fix Chrome Remote Desktop Not Working: Reasons and Fixes

Author: Robert Agar
Robert Agar Article author

Chrome Remote Desktop (CRD) is an RDP tool that enables users to remotely access data (like files and programs) via an internet connection.

Unfortunately, sometimes users face issues like: Chrome Remote Desktop can’t connect, or Chrome Remote Desktop not installing… and this can be incredibly frustrating.

Google remote desktop not working? Explore some common Chrome Remote Desktop issues and ways to fix them in this article.

Problem: Chrome Remote Desktop Not Starting After Installation

If the Chrome Remote Desktop (CRD) fails to start after you install it? The issue could be due to incorrect settings or permission errors. Despite being a helpful remote access solution, CRD may not work as it’s supposed to. You may encounter a blank screen when connecting, and if you do, our article, Chrome Remote Desktop Black Screen, can help you solve it. 

Now, let’s quickly understand the different reasons CRD may not launch after installation, as well as troubleshooting Chrome Remote Desktop.

Note:  It’s recommended to check your network connection first. If all is good,
  1. Go to the Chrome Remote Desktop client installed on your computer. Select Remote Devices.
  2. Delete the device causing the issue.
  3. Go to Remote Access. Choose Set up remote access to reconnect it.

Chrome OS under development

Reason: If you’re using a Chrome OS version on Chromebooks that’s still under development, it may have incomplete features or bugs affecting the Chrome Remote Desktop application.
Solution: Update the Chrome operating system to the most recent version if the CRD connection is not working. 

Chrome Remote Desktop unable to authenticate due to server errors

Reason: Sometimes, authentication errors may happen due to conflicts between newly added email accounts and login credentials saved previously. As a result, you may face trouble launching the CRD app. 

Solution: When you create or add a new email address to your existing Gmail account, this issue can happen. To solve this issue:

  1. Delete the email accounts from your Gmail profile
  2. Log in again using the same email addresses you used before 

CRD failed to start remote access

Reason: Software conflicts, limited system resources, and installation issues could be the reason the Chrome Remote Desktop (CRD) may fail to start the remote access service.

Solution: First, check if the remote desktop application is installed in your system. If it’s there but can’t establish a remote connection, reboot your computer. Try relaunching the remote desktop application. 

If the CRD is greyed out and you are unable to interact with it, our Chrome Remote Desktop Greyed Out guide may help you resolve the issue. 

Problems Connecting and Accessing Chrome Remote Desktop

You are not alone if you find yourself having issues with connection and access on Chrome Remote Desktop. Many times these problems are the result of the same common culprits, be they just a setting or a network hiccup. We’ll dive into the most likely scenarios here, and show you precisely how to fix them.

"Connect Without a PIN" Feature Turned On

Cause: If the option “Some devices can connect without a PIN code” is enabled, Chrome Remote Desktop (CRD) may not work as it should. 

How to fix: 

  1. Go to the official website of Chrome Remote Desktop from the host machine (Windows or macOS).  
  2. Locate the host device’s name. Find and choose the option – “View / Edit”. 
  3. Remove all devices that can access without a PIN by clicking “Delete All”. 
  4. Go to “Remote Support” > “Share” in the Remote Desktop application. 

You’ll see a new pop-up window with a new PIN code. Try connecting using this code. 

Insufficient CRD Permissions

Cause: Chrome Remote Desktop (CRD) won’t work correctly if it doesn’t have adequate remote access permissions. In this case, you might witness an error, something like this:

“The app lacks necessary permissions to function properly.”

How to fix: 

  1. Check if you’ve enabled all the required permissions for CRD to enable the remote access functionality. 
  2. In case you can’t see the permissions window, take a look again to find if the option is hidden behind other windows. 
  3. And if you encounter Chrome Remote Desktop Mouse Click Not Working or Chrome Remote Desktop Keyboard Click Not Working, permission-related problems could be the culprit. 

IPv6 Server Issues

Cause: IPv6 may not support all services, but Windows still prefers using it by default. If IPv6 is not supported or is unstable, you may face connection issues with CRD. 

How to fix: 

Switch to the universally supported server connection version – IPv4 to solve this issue. Here’s how to make the switch from IPv6 to IPv4. 

  1. On your computer, navigate through this path: 

    Settings > Network & Internet > Ethernet > Change adapter settings

  2. On the desired adapter, right-click and then choose Properties. 
  3. Locate Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP / IPv6). Notice the box beside the option will be checked. Uncheck the box to disable IP and enable IPv4. 
  4. Restart your computer by clicking OK. 

Explore our Chrome Remote Desktop Goes Offline article to get more information on this.

CRD Showing ‘The Access Code Is Invalid’

Cause: An expired or wrong code in use could lead to Chrome Remote Desktop errors, such as:

“The access code is invalid.”

How to fix: There are two ways to solve this issue:

  1. Turn off the feature allowing connection without a PIN
  2. Remove Gmail  

Solution 1: Turn off the feature - ‘Connect Without a PIN’

Note:  Avoid using an expired PIN code. Instead, use the 6-digit PIN code as the access code. Consider reinstalling the extension if you don’t remember the PIN. In this case, set up a new 6-digit PIN.

Follow these instructions: 

  1. Open the remote desktop application installed on your computer. 
  2. Go to the device manager.
  3. Launch the browser client. From the device menu, choose VIEW/EDIT. 
  4. Revoke access from each device connected by clicking Delete All. 
  5. Locate Remote Assistance. Choose Share.
  6. You’ll see a pop-up window appear with a PIN code. Connect remote devices using this code. 

Solution 2: Remove Gmail from your Google account

  1. Open your Google account. Navigate through this path: 

    Google Account settings > Data & Privacy > Data from apps and services you use > Delete a service
  2. Choose Gmail to delete your Gmail account. 
  3. Before deleting, back up important data. 

HelpWire: A Reliable Chrome Remote Desktop Alternative

Turn to a dependable alternative, like HelpWire, to avoid wasting time resolving frustrating problems. It is remote assistance software you can use for free, which makes it one of the best Chrome Remote Desktop alternatives.

HelpWire allows you to assist your clients remotely without having to do an extensive setup procedure or setting configuration.

Top features:

Conclusion

We hope this article helps you pinpoint the issues behind Chrome Remote Desktop not working properly. Consider the Chrome Remote Desktop solutions mentioned for each specific issue to be able to use CRD smoothly. If you still face frequent issues, you can switch to HelpWire – a reliable, high-performing, feature-rich, and free remote desktop software. 

Tags:
Chrome Remote Desktop, Free, Tips & Tricks