In this article, we’ll explain how to use the new Remote Control feature in iOS 18. It lets you not only view someone else’s iPhone remotely but also take full control of the other device. This feature also works on iPads.Imagine your parents need help with something on their iPhone or iPad, and explaining it over the phone isn’t the most convenient option. Sometimes even how-to articles don’t help.
In this case, you can use the new FaceTime feature to take control of their device from your iPhone. You’ll be able to open apps, access menus, turn features on and off, and practically everything else, all while being remote.
Warning: Apple’s remote control feature works similarly to AnyDesk and similar services. It’s a favorite method for attackers to gain control of victims’ devices. Once accessed, attackers can steal from the victim. It’s important to educate your older relatives about not accepting remote access requests from unknown numbers or those posing as support staff.
Requirements
Both iPhones or iPads used must be running iOS 18, iPadOS 18, or later.
At the time of writing, only iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 beta versions are available. The feature works in the second developer beta and later.
Important: Currently, you can remotely control an iPhone from an iPad, but you can’t control an iPad from an iPhone. This may be fixed in the future.
How to Remotely Control Another iPhone
1) Open the FaceTime app and call the person whose device you want to control. It doesn’t matter who initiates the call or who answers.
2) Once the FaceTime video call is active, the other person should enable screen sharing on their iPhone. You can also request this yourself if they can’t do it.
- Turn on screen sharing: Tap the screen in a FaceTime call to open the menu, then select Share > Share Screen .
- Send a broadcast request: Tap the screen in a FaceTime call on your smartphone and select “Share” > “Send Request .” A notification with the request will appear on the other person’s screen. Ask them to select “Share . “
3) When screen sharing begins, the window on your iPhone will be blurred. Audio will be available for both parties, and the other person will be able to see you. Ask the other person to minimize the FaceTime app and go to their home screen. You’ll see their iPhone screen on yours.
4) Tap the window with the image of the other person’s iPhone screen to open it to almost full screen.
Tip: Drag the video window to the edge of the screen to hide it and see only the screen image. Your conversation partner can also hide your video if needed.
5) Now you can touch elements on someone else’s screen, and they will be read and displayed on their iPhone. This way, you can give instructions on what they should do.
6) If your contact is having trouble following your directions, it’s time to take control of their iPhone! To do this, tap the index finger icon in the lower right corner of your iPhone screen. Your contact will receive a notification on their iPhone. They need to tap “Allow . “
7) Now you can remotely control your contact’s iPhone. You can access apps, change settings, and more. Your contact will see all your actions on their device. They can also take control of your device.
How to use remote control
You can control someone else’s iPhone remotely in the same way as your own iPhone.
- You can open applications and menus in them.
- Press and hold to activate various menus.
- Swipe up to open the home screen.
- Open Control Center and Notification Center.
- Open the app switcher and force close apps.
- Tap the top of the screen to move to the top of the list.
- And much more…
However, swiping right from the left edge of the screen to go back doesn’t work. To do this, use the buttons in the upper left corner to return to the previous page. You can also hold down the back button to view the entire path and jump back.
You won’t have access to your contact’s Apple ID, Face ID and password settings, or some other privacy and security features.
How to zoom in on another iPhone’s screen
Tap the plus icon to enlarge the other person’s smartphone window on your screen. You can zoom in or out by using two fingers on the window. While zoomed in, you cannot control the other person’s smartphone. To regain control, use a pinch to unzoom.
How to terminate remote access
Once you’ve completed all the tasks, you’ll need to terminate remote access. This can be accomplished in several ways:
- Ask the other person to tap “End” on their iPhone.
- Tap the Remote Access icon on your iPhone.
Disabling remote access will prevent screen sharing from ending. However, it’s very easy to end.
- Ask the other person to return to the FaceTime app and tap the “Share” button to end the screen sharing. The call will remain active. Ask the other person to tap the camera button to return to their video feed.
- If something doesn’t work out for the other person, press the red end button to end the call. You can then simply call again.
