How to Set Up Chrome Remote Desktop on Ubuntu: A Step-by-Step Guide
Accessing your Ubuntu desktop from anywhere in the world is a powerful capability, whether you’re working from home, managing a remote server, or just need to grab a file on the go. While there are many remote desktop solutions, Chrome Remote Desktop offers a free, secure, and surprisingly simple way to connect to your machine from any device with a Chrome browser.
This guide will walk you through the entire process of installing and configuring Chrome Remote Desktop on an Ubuntu system. While these steps are demonstrated for Ubuntu, the core principles apply to most modern Debian-based Linux distributions.
Prerequisites
Before we begin, ensure you have the following:
- An Ubuntu machine (the “host”) you want to access remotely.
- A Google account.
- The Google Chrome web browser installed on both the Ubuntu host and the client machine you’ll be connecting from.
- Sudo (administrator) privileges on the Ubuntu machine.
Step 1: Install the Chrome Remote Desktop Host Component
The first step is to install the necessary software on your Ubuntu machine. This package allows your computer to listen for secure, incoming connections from your Google account.
- Open a terminal on your Ubuntu machine.
- Download the latest Chrome Remote Desktop installation package using
wget. This is more efficient than navigating to the download page manually.
bash
wget https://dl.google.com/linux/direct/chrome-remote-desktop_current_amd64.deb
- Once the download is complete, install the package using
apt. Usingaptis recommended overdpkgbecause it will automatically handle and install any required dependencies.
bash
sudo apt install ./chrome-remote-desktop_current_amd64.deb
After the installation finishes, the core service is in place. Now, we need to configure it.
Step 2: Install a Desktop Environment (If Necessary)
Chrome Remote Desktop works by streaming a graphical desktop session. If you are setting this up on an Ubuntu Server installation that doesn’t have a graphical user interface (GUI), or if you prefer a more lightweight environment for remote sessions, you’ll need to install one.
For a fast and lightweight experience, we highly recommend XFCE. It uses fewer resources than the default Ubuntu (GNOME) desktop, which translates to a smoother and more responsive remote connection.
To install XFCE, run the following command:
sudo apt install xfce4 xfce4-goodies
If you prefer to use the default Ubuntu desktop, you can skip this step, but performance may be slower over a weak internet connection.
Step 3: Configure the Default Remote Session
Now you must tell Chrome Remote Desktop which desktop environment to launch when you connect. This is a critical step that is often overlooked and can lead to a black screen on connection.
You will create a file in your home directory that specifies the startup command for your chosen desktop environment.
- For XFCE (Recommended):
bash
echo "exec /etc/X11/Xsession /usr/bin/startxfce4" > ~/.chrome-remote-desktop-session
- For the default Ubuntu (GNOME) desktop:
bash
echo "exec /etc/X11/Xsession /usr/bin/gnome-session" > ~/.chrome-remote-desktop-session
This single command creates the necessary configuration file and sets your default session manager.
Step 4: Authorize Your Computer
The final step involves linking your Ubuntu machine to your Google account. This process is handled through the Chrome Remote Desktop web interface.
- On your Ubuntu machine, open the Google Chrome browser and navigate to the Chrome Remote Desktop web page: remotedesktop.google.com/access
- Click the “Turn On” button to set up remote access.
- You will be prompted to choose a name for your computer. Pick something easily identifiable, like “Ubuntu-Desktop” or “My-Linux-Server”. Click “Next”.
- You will be required to create a secure PIN with at least six digits. This PIN is your final layer of security and will be required every time you connect. Do not reuse a common password. Click “Start”.
- A prompt may ask for your system password to finalize the service setup.
Your Ubuntu machine should now appear in the list of available computers on the Chrome Remote Desktop site.
Step 5: Connect to Your Ubuntu Machine
The setup is complete. To connect, simply go to any other computer (Windows, macOS, or another Linux machine) that has Google Chrome installed.
- Visit remotedesktop.google.com.
- Make sure you are logged into the same Google account you used for the setup.
- You will see your Ubuntu machine listed under “Remote Devices”.
- Click on the machine name, and you will be prompted to enter the secure PIN you created in the previous step.
- After entering the PIN correctly, you will be connected to your Ubuntu desktop directly in your browser tab.
Important Security Tips
- Use a Strong, Unique PIN: Your PIN is the key to accessing your desktop. Treat it like a password and ensure it is not easily guessable.
- Keep Your System Updated: Regularly run
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgradeon your Ubuntu machine to ensure all software, including the remote desktop service, is patched against security vulnerabilities. - Enable Your Firewall: Ensure that your Ubuntu firewall (UFW) is enabled and configured correctly. While Chrome Remote Desktop connections are secure, a properly configured firewall is a fundamental security practice.
- Review Connected Devices: Periodically check the Chrome Remote Desktop website to see which computers are authorized. Remove any devices you no longer use or recognize.
You now have a robust and secure method for accessing your Ubuntu desktop from anywhere, providing flexibility and control over your remote workflow.
Source: https://kifarunix.com/install-and-setup-chrome-remote-desktop-on-ubuntu-18-04/
