Quick guide
RustDesk — How to Use (Users)
Simple • user-focused • no server setup

RustDesk in 5 minutes ✅

This page is for normal users. It shows how to install RustDesk, find your ID, connect to someone else, and enable unattended access safely (if you really need it).

🚀 Start connecting → ⬇️ Download RustDesk 🔐 Unattended access
Golden rule: Only share your RustDesk ID with people you trust, and never accept unexpected connection requests.

Install RustDesk

Do once

  1. 1) Download and install

    Install RustDesk for your device (Windows/macOS/Linux/Android/iOS).

    Official releases:
https://github.com/rustdesk/rustdesk/releases

  2. 2) Open RustDesk

    You will see Your ID and usually a Password on the main screen.

Connect to another device

Most common task

  1. 1) Get the other device’s ID

    Ask them to open RustDesk and send you their ID (and the temporary password if needed).

  2. 2) Enter the ID and connect

    In RustDesk, type their ID into the “Control Remote Desktop” (or similar) box, then click Connect.

  3. 3) Finish the permission step

    The other person must accept the request. You may also be asked for their password. Once accepted, you’re in.

Quick tip: remote sound / file transfer

In a session, look for toolbar options like audio, clipboard sync, and file transfer. If something is missing, it’s often limited by the device OS permissions (especially on mobile).

Accept a connection request

If someone connects to you

  1. 1) Confirm you trust the person

    If you don’t recognize them, deny. No debate.

  2. 2) Tap “Accept”

    RustDesk will show a permission window. Accept to allow remote control.

  3. 3) Keep an eye on the session

    You can usually end the session instantly from the same window or toolbar.

Do not accept random requests. If you do, you’re basically handing over your device.

Unattended access (optional) 🔐

Use carefully
Unattended access means someone can connect without you clicking “Accept”. Only enable it on devices you own/manage, with strong passwords.

  1. 1) Find “Unattended Access” in Settings

    In RustDesk Settings, look for security/unattended access options.

  2. 2) Set a strong password

    Use a long password. Don’t reuse a password you use elsewhere.

    Good: 16+ characters, mix of letters/numbers/symbols

  3. 3) Test once

    Try connecting from another device you own to confirm it works.

What if you change your mind?

Turn off unattended access and change the password. If you suspect compromise, uninstall RustDesk and rotate passwords.

Fix common problems 🩺

Fast troubleshooting
It says “Connecting…” then fails

Restart RustDesk on both devices. Then try again. If you’re on a restricted network, try another network (some block remote tools).

I can connect but can’t control / black screen

This is usually OS permissions on the target device (especially macOS/mobile). Make sure the target device granted screen recording/control permissions.

It’s slow / laggy

Lower session quality settings (resolution/FPS) and close heavy downloads/streams. Remote desktop speed is mainly network quality.

I don’t see the same buttons as this guide

RustDesk UI changes by version. Update to the latest release. The core flow is always: get ID → connect → accept → control.

If you want, tell me your platform (Windows/macOS/Linux/Android/iOS) and what you see on your screen, and I’ll map these steps to your exact UI.