How To Install Chrome Remote Desktop on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS

In today’s interconnected world, the ability to access your computer from anywhere has become increasingly important. Chrome Remote Desktop offers a powerful and user-friendly solution for remote access, and it’s fully compatible with Ubuntu 24.04. This guide will walk you through the process of installing and setting up Chrome Remote Desktop on your Ubuntu system, ensuring you can stay connected to your machine no matter where you are.

What is Chrome Remote Desktop?

Chrome Remote Desktop is a free remote access tool developed by Google. It allows users to securely access their computers from another device, whether it’s a smartphone, tablet, or another computer. This versatile application offers several key features:

• Cross-platform compatibility (Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS)
• Secure connections using HTTPS and SSL protocols
• Easy setup and user-friendly interface
• Support for file transfers and multi-monitor setups

Compared to other remote desktop solutions, Chrome Remote Desktop stands out for its simplicity and integration with the Google ecosystem. While it may not offer as many advanced features as some paid alternatives, it provides a robust and reliable remote access experience for most users.

Prerequisites for Installation

Before we dive into the installation process, let’s ensure your Ubuntu 24.04 system meets the necessary requirements:

• A stable internet connection
• Ubuntu 24.04 LTS installed and up to date
• Administrative access to your system
• At least 2GB of RAM and 1GB of free disk space

Additionally, you’ll need to have Google Chrome installed on your system, which we’ll cover in the next section.

Preparing Your Ubuntu 24.04 System

To ensure a smooth installation process, let’s start by updating your system packages and installing any necessary dependencies:

1. Open a terminal window (you can use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+Alt+T).
2. Update your package list by running:

   sudo apt update

3. Upgrade your existing packages:

   sudo apt upgrade -y

4. Install required dependencies:

   sudo apt install -y wget curl

If you have a firewall enabled on your system, you may need to configure it to allow incoming connections for Chrome Remote Desktop. The default port used is 3389. To open this port using UFW (Uncomplicated Firewall), run:

sudo ufw allow 3389/tcp

Installing Google Chrome

Chrome Remote Desktop requires Google Chrome to be installed on your system. If you haven’t already installed it, follow these steps:

1. Add the Google Chrome repository:

   wget -q -O - https://dl-ssl.google.com/linux/linux_signing_key.pub | sudo apt-key add -
   sudo sh -c 'echo "deb [arch=amd64] http://dl.google.com/linux/chrome/deb/ stable main" >> /etc/apt/sources.list.d/google-chrome.list'

2. Update your package list again:

   sudo apt update

3. Install Google Chrome:

   sudo apt install -y google-chrome-stable

4. Verify the installation by running:

   google-chrome --version

You should see the version number of Google Chrome displayed in the terminal.

Setting Up Chrome Remote Desktop

Now that we have Google Chrome installed, let’s set up Chrome Remote Desktop:

1. Launch Google Chrome from the Applications menu or by typing google-chrome in the terminal.
2. Navigate to the Chrome Remote Desktop extension page in the Chrome Web Store.
3. Click the “Add to Chrome” button and confirm the installation when prompted.
4. Once installed, click on the Chrome Remote Desktop icon in the browser toolbar or navigate to https://remotedesktop.google.com/.
5. Sign in with your Google account if you haven’t already.
6. Under the “Remote Access” section, click on “Turn On” to set up remote access to your computer.

Enabling Remote Access on Ubuntu 24.04

After setting up Chrome Remote Desktop in your browser, you’ll need to configure it on your Ubuntu system:

1. In the Chrome Remote Desktop interface, click on “Download and Install” under the “Set up remote access” section.
2. Save the .deb package and open it with the Software Install application when the download completes.
3. Click “Install” and enter your system password when prompted.
4. Once the installation is complete, return to the Chrome Remote Desktop page in your browser and click “Next”.
5. You’ll be prompted to create a name for your computer and set up a PIN. Choose a memorable name and a secure PIN (at least 6 digits).
6. Click “Start” to begin the setup process.
7. A dialog box will appear asking for permission to start the Chrome Remote Desktop service. Enter your system password and click “Authenticate”.

Your Ubuntu 24.04 system is now set up for remote access through Chrome Remote Desktop.

Connecting to Your Ubuntu 24.04 Machine Remotely

To connect to your Ubuntu machine from another device:

1. On the remote device, open Google Chrome and navigate to https://remotedesktop.google.com/access.
2. Sign in with the same Google account you used to set up Chrome Remote Desktop on your Ubuntu machine.
3. You should see your Ubuntu computer listed under “Remote devices”. Click on its name.
4. Enter the PIN you created during setup.
5. You’re now connected to your Ubuntu 24.04 desktop!

When using the remote desktop interface, you can use your mouse and keyboard as if you were sitting in front of your Ubuntu machine. The toolbar at the top of the screen provides options for adjusting display settings, sending keyboard combinations, and more.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

While Chrome Remote Desktop is generally reliable, you may encounter some issues. Here are solutions to common problems:

Connection Problems

• Ensure both devices have a stable internet connection.
• Check that the Chrome Remote Desktop service is running on your Ubuntu machine:

  sudo systemctl status chrome-remote-desktop

  If it’s not running, start it with:

  sudo systemctl start chrome-remote-desktop

• Verify that your firewall is not blocking the connection (port 3389).

Audio and Video Issues

• For audio streaming, make sure PulseAudio is installed and running:

  sudo apt install pulseaudio
  pulseaudio --start

• If the display appears blurry or laggy, try adjusting the quality settings in the remote desktop toolbar.

Performance Optimization

• Reduce the screen resolution on your Ubuntu machine to improve performance.
• Close unnecessary applications and browser tabs on both the host and client machines.
• Consider using a wired internet connection for better stability and speed.

Security Considerations

While Chrome Remote Desktop uses secure protocols, it’s essential to follow best practices to protect your system:

• Use a strong, unique PIN for your remote access setup.
• Enable two-factor authentication on your Google account.
• Regularly update Chrome Remote Desktop and your Ubuntu system.
• Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks when accessing your computer remotely.
• Log out of your remote session when you’re finished using it.

Advanced Features and Tips

Chrome Remote Desktop offers several advanced features to enhance your remote access experience:

File Transfer

While Chrome Remote Desktop doesn’t have a built-in file transfer feature, you can use Google Drive or other cloud storage services to move files between devices. Simply upload files from your Ubuntu machine and download them on your remote device, or vice versa.

Multi-Monitor Support

If your Ubuntu system has multiple monitors, you can view and control all of them through Chrome Remote Desktop. In the remote session, use the “Select Monitor” option in the toolbar to switch between displays.

Keyboard Shortcuts

Familiarize yourself with these helpful keyboard shortcuts:

• Ctrl + Alt + (Del): Send Ctrl + Alt + Del to the remote computer
• Ctrl + Alt + (PrtScn): Take a screenshot of the remote desktop
• Ctrl + Alt + (Esc): Exit full-screen mode

Congratulations! You have successfully installed Chrome Remote Desktop. Thanks for using this tutorial for installing the Chrome Remote Desktop on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS system. For additional help or useful information, we recommend you check the official Chrome website.