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How to Troubleshoot & Fix Your Parents' Android Issues Remotely

Jan 17, 2015 01:49 AM
Elderly woman sitting on a couch, using two mobile phones.

If you're the de facto tech support person in your family or circle of friends, you know how frustrating it can be to have to hold someone's hand and walk them through every troubleshooting step. Luckily, several options now exist for you to remotely access a Mac or Windows PC, which effectively skips the middle man and lets you get straight to fixing the issue yourself.

Unfortunately, such a solution has not existed for troubleshooting problems on smartphones and tablets. Until now, that is.

TeamViewer, the wildly-popular remote desktop client, now has an Android and iOS app that will let you adjust a phone's settings from anywhere in the world. In addition to that, Samsung, LG, ZTE, and a handful of other Android devices can even be fully controlled through a screen-mirroring interface, and nearly any rooted device is eligible as well.

Install TeamViewer QuickSupport on the Target Device

This step will have to be done by the person you're helping. Or, if you're in town visiting, you can do it yourself preemptively. Basically, you'll need to have Mom or Dad install the TeamViewer QuickSupport app, which can be found on the Google Play Store at this link.

TeamViewer QuickSupport app interface with Open and Uninstall buttons.

Install the Screen Mirroring Add-on (Optional)

If the target device is supported, a message prompting them to install an add-on will appear when they first run the app. Have them tap "Download" on this popup, then they'll be taken to a second Play Store install page. Walk them through installing this add-on if you'd like to have full interactive control over their device while troubleshooting.

How to Troubleshoot & Fix Your Parents' Android Issues Remotely
App installation options and user recommendations for TeamViewer on a mobile device.
How to Troubleshoot & Fix Your Parents' Android Issues Remotely
App installation options and user recommendations for TeamViewer on a mobile device.

If this add-on is not available for your friend or family member's particular device, the interactive screen-mirroring features can still be accessed if you've rooted their device in the past. If not, a robust "Dashboard" interface that allows for adjusting settings and uninstalling apps will still be available.

Copy the Target Device's Unique ID

With TeamViewer QuickSupport and its optional add-on installed, the app should now display a unique ID for this person's device. You'll need this number to connect to their phone, so go ahead and copy it down.

TeamViewer QuickSupport app interface with ID and connection status.
TeamViewer QuickSupport app interface displaying a user ID for remote support.
TeamViewer QuickSupport app interface with ID and connection status.
TeamViewer QuickSupport app interface displaying a user ID for remote support.

If you don't have direct access to their device at this time, you can have them tap the "Send my ID" button and use the Android share menu to text you this information.

TeamViewer QuickSupport app interface displaying a user ID and connection information.
Mobile screen displaying various app icons for sharing and connectivity options.
TeamViewer QuickSupport app interface displaying a user ID and connection information.
Mobile screen displaying various app icons for sharing and connectivity options.

Install TeamViewer on Your Own Computer

Back on your own computer, head to TeamViewer.com and click the "Download" button near the top of the page.

TeamViewer homepage featuring a woman pointing to the download button for remote support and online meeting software.

When the installer file has finished downloading, go ahead and launch it. Since TeamViewer is free for personal use, most of the options in the install wizard can be left at their default values. Just make sure to select "Personal/Non-Commercial Use" when prompted.

TeamViewer 10 setup screen with options for installation and usage type.

Connecting to a Remote Device

When installation has finished, TeamViewer should automatically launch. Type the unique ID that you copied in Step #3 into the "Partner ID" field, then click "Connect to Partner."

Remote control software interface displaying personal ID and connection options.

On their end, provided that they have the QuickSupport app open, they should see a message asking them if they'd like to allow your connection. Have them tap "Allow" on this message.

Remote support permission prompt on a mobile device.
How to Troubleshoot & Fix Your Parents' Android Issues Remotely
Remote support permission prompt on a mobile device.
How to Troubleshoot & Fix Your Parents' Android Issues Remotely

At this point, you'll be taken to TeamViewer's "Dashboard" view. This menu allows you to alter settings on the target device, as well as view logs, uninstall troublesome apps, and even transfer files.

System dashboard displaying CPU and memory usage, error status, and storage details.

If they were able to install the optional add-on in Step #2 (or if they're rooted), you can click the "Remote control" button at the top of this window to open an interactive session.

Dashboard overview displaying system performance metrics, including CPU usage, RAM usage, and storage status.

Again, they'll have to tap "Allow" on their end for you to be able to view and control their device.

Remote control permission request on a mobile device.
Screen sharing notification from remote support session.
Remote control permission request on a mobile device.
Screen sharing notification from remote support session.

Once they've done that, a window will open on your computer with a real-time feed of what is being shown on their display. You can now use your mouse and keyboard to control their device from anywhere in the world as if you were holding it in your hand.

Smartphone home screen displaying time, date, weather, and app icons.

Has TeamViewer QuickSupport already helped you fix your family's Android issues? If so, tell us about it in the comment section below, or drop us a line on Facebook, Google+, or Twitter.

Cover image via Shutterstock

The next big software update for iPhone is coming sometime in April and will include a Food section in Apple News+, an easy-to-miss new Ambient Music app, Priority Notifications thanks to Apple Intelligence, and updates to apps like Mail, Photos, Podcasts, and Safari. See what else is coming to your iPhone with the iOS 18.4 update.

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