Joining a remote help session
I'll be on the phone with you the whole time and talk you through every step, so there's nothing to remember. This page is here if you'd like to see the steps written down.
Only ever do this with me
Only start a session when you booked it and I've rung you from 07910 202256.
If anyone else calls out of the blue and asks you to install something or share your screen, hang up – even if they say they're from your bank, Microsoft, BT or the police. Genuine companies don't do this.
Before we start
- Make sure your computer, phone or tablet is charged or plugged in.
- Have your reading glasses handy, and a pen and paper if you like.
- I'll phone you at the time we agreed. Just answer as normal.
- Prefer text, or hard of hearing? We can do the whole session by text chat or a captioned video call instead.
Which are you using?
Not sure? Don't worry – just answer the phone and we'll work it out together.
Windows computer
We'll use Quick Assist, which is already built into Windows.
- Click the Start button (the Windows symbol at the bottom of the screen) and type Quick Assist. Click on it when it appears.
- I'll read you a short security code. Type it into the box and click Submit.
- A message will ask if you want to share your screen. Click Allow. If it asks again, click Allow again.
- That's it – I can now see your screen and help. To stop at any time, click Leave or close the Quick Assist window.
Apple Mac
We'll use Chrome Remote Desktop, which is free from Google.
- Open Google Chrome and go to remotedesktop.google.com/support
- The first time, click the download button under “Get Support” and follow the steps to install it. I'll help you with any messages your Mac shows.
- Click Generate Code and read the numbers out to me.
- When a box asks if you want to share your screen with thechilterntechie@gmail.com, click Share. To stop at any time, click Stop Sharing.
No Google Chrome? No problem – we can use a FaceTime call instead.
iPhone or iPad
We'll use FaceTime, which is already on your device.
- Answer my FaceTime call.
- Tap the screen once to show the buttons, then tap the share button (it looks like a little person in front of a screen).
- Tap Share My Screen. After a short countdown, I can see your screen.
- To stop sharing, tap the share button again, or simply end the call.
Android phone or tablet
We'll use a WhatsApp video call.
- Answer my WhatsApp video call.
- Tap the screen once to show the buttons, then tap the share screen button (a phone with an arrow).
- Tap Start now. I can now see your screen.
- To stop, tap Stop sharing, or simply end the call.
You're in control the whole time
- You can see everything I do on your screen.
- I'll never ask for your passwords. If one is needed, I'll look away and you type it in yourself.
- You can stop at any moment by closing the window or hanging up.
- When we finish, I'll disconnect and I won't be able to get back in without a new code from you.
- Afterwards I'll send you written notes of what we did, so you can do it again yourself.