iOS remote access: how your team can begin implementation

Posted:
05/17/2023
| By:
Anna Morgan

Modern IT professionals are expected to support a growing number of increasingly sophisticated mobile devices. Combined with this, the advent of the bring your own devices (BYoD) trend means that you’re seeing a greater variety of devices on your networks than ever before. And as the devices that make up the Internet of Things (IoT) develop in complexity, so too must remote support tools. IT professionals need to be equipped to handle any issue, from anywhere, at any time, on any devices their teams regularly use. 

Since IT professionals require fast, on-the-go solutions, mobile apps that provide remote iPhone support and remote iPad support are essential to the future of industry and IT.

Read further to discover how iOS devices are solving problems in your organization and about how you can implement remote IT solutions to support them. 

iOS devices and how they support organizations

iOS devices, such as remote access iPhones and remote access iPads, can support:

  • Communication: iOS devices come with a built-in messaging app, FaceTime, as well as the ability to make and receive traditional phone calls. This can help employees stay in touch with each other, and with customers and clients, no matter where they are.
  • Collaboration: iOS devices offer access to various collaboration tools such as Microsoft Teams, Google Drive, Freeform, and Slack. These tools can be used to share files, collaborate on projects, and communicate with team members via text.
  • Productivity: iOS devices have a range of productivity apps such as Apple's own Pages, Numbers, and Keynote, as well as third-party apps such as Microsoft Office and Google Docs. These apps allow employees to create and edit documents, spreadsheets, and presentations from anywhere.
  • Security: iOS devices are known for their security features, including touch ID and Face ID, encrypted messaging, app tracking transparency, and the ability to remotely wipe a lost or stolen device. 

iOS devices offer organizations a flexibility they’ve never had before. Workforces are able to operate without geographical boundaries. Companies can source the best talent from anywhere in the world, not just from a relatively small local pool. The downside is that your IT team must be able to handle issues remotely. This is a relatively easy downside to overcome

Why you need iOS remote access tools

Work as we know it has been trending toward mobile platforms for the past decade. As more people transition into work-from-home roles, this trend has accelerated significantly in the past few years. IT professionals have to find new ways to navigate a massive departure from traditional office life. 

These shifts in the worldwide work paradigm have caused problems that can only be solved by innovative solutions such as IT remote mobile apps. Here are 5 ways that using these cutting-edge tools can help you improve your IT services.

1. Lower costs for your organization

Using IT remote access tools with mobile apps to provide remote iPhone support or remote iPad support can lower your operating cost.

2. Offer service on-demand

Remote tools allow you to be available any time IT issues arise. Since your teams aren’t left waiting for a phone call to schedule an appointment and for you to drive over to their site, you’ll significantly reduce response time. Remote access tools with iOS apps for technicians bring a whole new dynamic to service delivery. Technicians can resolve problems on desktops and servers from their own iOS device with the mobile app

3. Raise company productivity levels

With networks and corporate IT frameworks being as complex as they are, IT professionals have no shortage of daily tasks. Being able to accomplish more mundane tasks remotely and automatically frees up your time to handle more “mission-critical” issues. Reducing the number of tedious, distracting, and menial IT tasks will also increase employee satisfaction and morale as they focus their time on the more challenging, rewarding tasks their job entails.

4. Allow your tech stack to grow

New software platforms, apps, and updates are constantly on the horizon, and the business world itself is moving just as fast. IT professionals need to be able to “green light” new software installs quickly without worrying about the adverse effects these may have on their network infrastructure.

For more information on keeping your remote access secure, hop over to our checklist, 18 things to keep your remote work secureconvenient, and stress-free.

Read more about what you need to think about before selecting a remote support tool, and learn more about what ConnectWise offers below. 

Creating an effective and safe policy for iOS remote access

Ready to start providing your team with remote iPhone and iPad support? Follow these step-by-step instructions to share the screen of an iOS device:

  • Reword: iOS screen-sharing is included in the latest stable version of the ConnectWise Control iOS mobile application. Check it out on the App Store.
  • The screen-sharing feature comes along with other improvements in the latest update. You can read all the details in the What’s New section.
  • iOS screen-sharing works better on more recent ConnectWise Control versions. If you use an older version, you may need the Legacy iOS Compatibility extension that makes minor UI changes to help compatibility with the iOS app on older versions.

With ConnectWise Control, technicians can provide remote support for customers’ iPhones or iPads anytime and anywhere. Once the mobile app is installed, you can set up email, troubleshoot, and more, enabling you to deliver faster service to your customers.

Take ConnectWise Control remote desktop software for a test drive by requesting your free 14-day trial today. 

FAQs

To set up your iPhone or iPad for remote support, follow these steps:

  1. Ensure that your device is running the latest version of iOS or iPadOS. You can check for updates by going to Settings > General > Software Update.
  2. Download a remote support app from the App Store. There are many remote support apps available, such as TeamViewer, AnyDesk, and LogMeIn.
  3. Install the remote support app on your device and open it.
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions to set up an account or sign into an existing account.
  5. Once you are logged in, provide your remote support provider with your device ID or access code, which can be found in the app. This will allow them to connect to your device remotely.
  6. Follow any additional instructions provided by your remote support provider to grant them access to your device and begin the remote support session.
  7. Once the remote support session is complete, you can disconnect the remote connection and close the remote support app.

The easiest way to provide iPhone remote support is through screen share. This process is facilitated by using IT remote control tools, but the general process is:

  1. Download your chosen IT remote control app.
  2. Open the app and enter your technician ID.
  3. Click “Join Session.
  4. Select “Initiate Screensharing.
  5. Troubleshoot their IT issue.

If both you and your client are on iOS devices, the process is even more straightforward. The steps are as follows:

  1. Connect both devices to the same Wi-Fi network.
  2. Log on to iCloud with the same Apple ID on each device (make sure Switch Control is already activated on both iOS devices).
  3. Use your switch to navigate the Switch Control menu.
  4. Select the device of the individual you are helping.

Control their device and troubleshoot their IT issue.

The system requirements for remote support on your iPhone or iPad will vary depending on the remote support app that you are using. However, here are some general requirements to keep in mind:

  1. Operating system: Your iPhone or iPad must be running iOS 11 or later, or iPadOS 11 or later.
  2. Internet connection: You will need a stable and reliable internet connection, preferably a Wi-Fi connection. Some remote support apps may work with cellular data, but this can be slower and less reliable.
  3. App compatibility: Make sure that the remote support app you choose is compatible with your iPhone or iPad model and operating system.
  4. Storage space: Ensure that you have enough available storage space on your device to download and install the remote support app.
  5. Permissions: You will need to grant the remote support app permission to access your device's camera, microphone, and other features as needed for the remote support session.

To troubleshoot technical issues on your iPhone or iPad remotely, follow these steps:

  1. Connect to a remote support app: Use a remote support app to connect with a technician who can help troubleshoot your device. You can find remote support apps in the App Store, such as TeamViewer, AnyDesk, or LogMeIn.
  2. Grant remote access: Once you are connected with a technician, grant them remote access to your device so that they can diagnose and fix the issue.
  3. Communicate the issue: Clearly communicate the issue you are experiencing with your device, including any error messages or symptoms you have noticed. The technician may ask you questions to help diagnose the issue.
  4. Follow instructions: Follow any instructions provided by the technician to troubleshoot and fix the issue. This may include resetting your device, uninstalling and reinstalling an app, or changing device settings.
  5. Test the device: After the technician has made changes, test your device to ensure that the issue has been resolved. If the issue persists, continue to work with the technician to further troubleshoot the problem.
  6. Disconnect remote access: Once the issue has been resolved, disconnect remote access to your device to ensure that your personal information remains secure.

To access remote support for your iPhone or iPad, follow these steps:

  1. Download the remote support app: Download and install the remote support app on your iPhone or iPad from the App Store.
  2. Create an account: Once you have installed the app, create an account or sign into an existing account.
  3. Request support: Open the remote support app and click on the "Request support" button. This will generate a unique session code that you will need to provide to the support technician.
  4. Share the session code: Share the session code with the support technician. They will use this code to connect to your device remotely.
  5. Grant remote access: Once the support technician has connected to your device, grant them remote access so that they can diagnose and fix the issue.
  6. Follow instructions: Follow any instructions provided by the technician to troubleshoot and fix the issue.
  7. Test the device: After the technician has made changes, test your device to ensure that the issue has been resolved. If the issue persists, continue to work with the technician to further troubleshoot the problem.
  8. Disconnect remote access: Once the issue has been resolved, disconnect remote access to your device to ensure that your personal information remains secure.