Understanding how to give remote control in Zoom is a huge help when you are troubleshooting a colleague’s computer, collaborating on a document, or teaching someone how to use software. Remote control lets another participant move your mouse and type on your machine while you share your screen, so you can hand over the keyboard without leaving the meeting.
This guide explains the whole flow: how the person sharing their screen grants control, how the other person requests and takes control, and how to enable the feature if it is switched off. Remote control only works during screen sharing on the desktop app, so we also cover the platform limits and the most common reasons the option is greyed out.
What remote control does (and doesn’t) do
Remote control gives another participant temporary command of your mouse and keyboard while you share your screen. They can click, type, and navigate as if they were sitting at your computer. You remain in control at all times: you can take back the mouse instantly by clicking, and you can revoke access with one click. Remote control ends the moment you stop sharing your screen.
It is important to know what it cannot do. Remote control works on the desktop app for Windows and Mac only. You cannot grant control from the mobile app, and a person on a phone or tablet cannot take control of your screen. It is a screen-share feature, not full unattended remote access like dedicated IT tools.
How to give remote control (the person sharing)
Follow these steps once you are already sharing your screen.
- Start sharing your screen. Click Share Screen in the toolbar and choose your screen or window.
- Reveal the sharing toolbar. Move your cursor to the top of the screen so the green meeting controls appear.
- Click Remote Control. This option sits in the shared-screen toolbar.
- Choose a participant. Select the name of the person you want to give control to from the list.
- They take over. That person can now click and type on your screen. A message confirms control has been granted.
- Revoke control when done. Click Remote Control again and choose Stop Remote Control, or simply click your mouse to interrupt and then stop sharing.
How to request remote control (the other person)
If you are the one who wants control, you can ask for it while viewing someone’s shared screen.
- Move your cursor to the top toolbar while the other person is sharing.
- Click View Options.
- Select Request Remote Control from the dropdown.
- Click Request to confirm. The sharer receives a prompt to approve.
- Click inside the shared screen once approved to start controlling. Click outside it to release control back.
You decide who gets control and can revoke it instantly. Grant it from the Remote Control menu on your sharing toolbar, and click your own mouse anytime to take back over.
Use View Options then Request Remote Control while watching their screen. You must wait for the sharer to approve before you can click or type.
How to enable remote control in settings
If the Remote Control option never appears, it may be disabled at the account level.
- Sign in at zoom.us and open Settings.
- Go to the Meeting tab and find the In Meeting (Basic) section.
- Locate Remote control and toggle it on.
- Save, then restart the Zoom desktop app so the change takes effect.
On managed work or school accounts, an administrator may have locked this setting. If the toggle is greyed out, contact your Zoom admin.
| Capability | Desktop (Windows/Mac) | Mobile app |
|---|---|---|
| Give remote control | Yes | No |
| Take remote control | Yes | No (view only) |
| Revoke control | Instantly, by clicking | Not applicable |
| Works without screen share | No | No |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I give remote control on the Zoom mobile app?
No. Giving and taking remote control is only available in the Zoom desktop app on Windows and Mac. Mobile users can view a shared screen but cannot control it.
Do I need to be the host to give remote control?
No. Any participant who is sharing their screen can grant remote control to someone else. You do not need host permission, though the feature must be enabled in account settings.
How do I take back control from someone?
Simply click your mouse anywhere on your screen to interrupt their control, then open the Remote Control menu and choose Stop Remote Control, or stop sharing your screen entirely.
Why is remote control greyed out?
The feature is likely disabled in your account settings or locked by an administrator. Turn on Remote control under Settings, then Meeting, and restart the app, or ask your admin to unlock it.
Is remote control the same as unattended access?
No. Zoom remote control only works while someone is actively sharing their screen in a live meeting. It cannot be used to access a computer that no one is attending.
