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How to Remotely Control an iPhone in 2024

Author: Robert Agar
Robert Agar Article author

If you want to learn how to control an iPhone from a PC or Mac, it’s important to note that the process is constrained due to Apple’s security and privacy protocols.

However, if you want to have partial control of your iPhone over the internet or within the same Wi-Fi network, there are some methods to do that. These alternative methods offer some interaction flexibility but with limitations. In this article, you will discover various options for remotely controlling an iPhone from a Windows or Mac computer, allowing you to choose the one that best suits your specific needs.

Useful tip:   If you need to control your Mac or Windows PC from another computer, consider using HelpWire, a free remote control software.

How to Control iPhone Remotely from Mac

Apple introduced the Switch Control feature with the release of iOS 7 in 2013. The functionality added by Switch Control was originally intended to help users with disabilities control their devices. Anyone can use Switch Control to gain access to another Apple Device as long as both devices are logged into the same Apple account and on the same network.

Switch Control will not show your iPhone’s screen on your Mac. Instead, you can use this option if you use another Apple device or an adaptive device like a joystick or switch to move around the screen and select items, and want to use that same switch on your iPhone.

The following procedure allows you to establish remote iPhone control from a computer running macOS.

  1. Both devices need to be on the same network and you need to be signed in to the same Apple ID.

  2. Enable Switch Control to allow remote control iPhone from Mac. Click the Apple logo and choose System Preferences > Accessibility > Switch Control.

    How to enable Switch Control to remote control of iPhone

  3. Go to the General tab and select Enable Switch Control.

  4. Enter your password when prompted.

  5. Go to Devices on the Switch Control panel.

    How to remote access iPad

  6. Select the iPhone you want to control from the list. Once selected, you will be able to see the device’s screen from your computer.

  7. Click on the iPhone you want to control remotely and click Connect.

After completing all the steps, you can control iPhone from Macbook easily.

How to Control iPhone Remotely from PC, Mac or Linux

You can find plenty of solutions in the market to enable remote access to your iPhone from PC or Mac. Some of the notable remote access solutions include TeamViewer, Splashtop, Chrome Remote Desktop, Anydesk, Zoho Assist, etc.

However, it’s important to remember, while these tools offer some level of interaction with your iPhone from a Mac, they mostly provide screen mirroring or viewing capabilities rather than full remote control. Due to stringent security features of iOS, enabling full remote control is highly restricted on iPhones in terms of remote access and operation.

TeamViewer

To remotely access an iPhone’s screen from your PC or Mac, TeamViewer is a handy tool. If the iPhone user has an internet connection, they can be located anywhere in the globe and allow you to access the screen remotely. However, you can only give instructions to the iPhone user to select required items by themselves but not control the device remotely.

  1. Install TeamViewer;
    • Search for the Quicksupport application by TeamViewer on the App Store. Install the application on your iPhone.
    • To install the application on your Mac or PC, visit https://www.teamviewer.com. At the top-right corner, click on “Free Download”. Choose your operating system. Then, click on “Download”.

  2. Create/Sign-in to your TeamViewer account;

  3. Initiate QuickSupport on iPhone: Open the QuickSupport app on your iPhone to see your ID, which consists of multiple numbers.

  4. Connect from Computer: On your computer, navigate to “Your Sessions” and select “Join a Session.” Then, choose “Connect to a TeamViewer ID” and enter the ID displayed on your iPhone.

  5. Grant Permission on iPhone: Back on your iPhone, tap “Allow” when prompted to permit screen broadcasting, then start the broadcast by tapping “Start Broadcast.”

     

AnyDesk

AnyDesk is another solution to control an iPhone remotely from a PC or Mac. This process mostly involves screen sharing instead of gaining full remote control.

  1. Install AnyDesk on Both Devices: Download and install AnyDesk from the App Store on your iPhone. For your computer, visit the official AnyDesk website, download the software compatible with your operating system, and install it.

  2. Enable Screen Recording for AnyDesk:
    • Swipe to access the “Control Center” on your iPhone.
    • Long-press or firmly press the “Screen Recording” icon, choose AnyDesk from the list, and tap ‘Start Broadcast’ to begin screen sharing.

  3. Connect from Computer: Open AnyDesk on your computer, enter the iPhone’s AnyDesk address into the ‘Remote Desk’ field, and click ‘Connect’ to establish the connection.

  4. Access iPhone’s Screen: Once connected, you will be able to view the iPhone’s screen from your PC or Mac. Note that this allows screen viewing and potentially some interaction, depending on AnyDesk’s features and permissions set on the iPhone.

Chrome Remote Desktop​

Chrome Remote Desktop is yet another ‘yes’ answer to the ‘can you remotely control an iPhone?’ question. The main advantage of this solution is its ability to remotely access devices connected to different WiFi networks.

Just log into the same Google account on both your iPhone and the device you’re going to control it from, and Chrome Remote Desktop will connect them no matter how far you are or which OS your local device is using. The steps we’re going to show you are universal for all platforms.

  1. Log into your Google account

  2. Go to the Chrome Remote Desktop web page.

  3. Click the arrow to Set up remote access.

    Chrome Remote Desktop Set Up

  4. Download the Chrome Remote Desktop extension and add it to Chrome.

  5. Create a name for the computer and click Next.

    RD Gateway

  6. Create a PIN of at least 6 digits that will be used when connecting remotely.

    How to set up Chrome Remote Desktop

  7. Launch the Chrome Remote Desktop app on the iOS device you want to control.

  8. Select the PC from the list of devices in the app and enter the PIN to establish connectivity.

    Connect to the remote device
You can now control the iPhone from your PC.

How to Remotely Access iPhone from Another iPhone

To remotely control an iPhone from another iPhone, the “Control Nearby Devices” feature is a straightforward option. This feature, once enabled, allows you to select another nearby iPhone and use a limited set of controls. It doesn’t permit app opening or screen interactions on the controlled device but lets you navigate to the Home screen, access the App Switcher, Control Center, Notification Center, or manage media playback (adjust volume, change playlist items, or pause).

Here’s how to access another iPhone remotely:

  1. Log into the same iCloud account on both iPhones.

  2. Ensure both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network, have iCloud enabled, and Bluetooth turned on.

  3. Navigate to Settings > Accessibility > Control Nearby Devices on the controlling iPhone.

    Access iPhone from another iPhone

  4. Choose the iPhone you wish to control from the list of devices nearby.

  5. Utilize the on-screen buttons to remotely control the iPhone.

Keep in mind that the article also mentions other methods for remote control, such as Switch Control and third-party solutions. These options offer additional capabilities and may suit your needs depending on the situation.

Conclusion

As you can see, the correct answer to the ‘can you remotely control an iPhone?’ question may vary according to your expectations. For close-range access in the same WiFi network, the best remote control iPhone is the native Switch Control feature you can use to fully control your phone without having to touch its screen. For long-distance connection, you will need to choose a third-party remote access tool.

Depending on the level of remote access and control you need, the free solution using the Chrome browser may be adequate. If more functionality is required, you should consider a tool like, TeamViewer or Anydesk.

FAQ

To remotely access an iPhone from another iPhone or iPad, ensure both devices are on the same network and logged into iCloud with the same Apple ID. Then, on the controlling device, go to Settings > Accessibility > Switch Control and set up a new switch under Switches. Finally, select “Device” and then “Use Other Device” to establish the remote connection.

A jailbroken iPhone enables users to install apps not verified by the Apple App Store and allows preinstalled apps to be deleted. Jailbreaking your phone subverts Apple’s OS security and will invalidate your phone’s warranty.

Yes, you can control an iPhone remotely without WiFi using third-party screen mirroring apps. The devices will still need to be connected to the same network for this method to work.

Yes, someone can access your iPhone remotely if you give them permission. The device can also be accessed if spyware has been installed on it. Take care regarding your iPhone’s security to minimize the chances of being infected with spyware.
Tags:
AnyDesk, Chrome Remote Desktop, iOS, Linux, macOS, TeamViewer, Windows