How to Remotely Access and Control iPads and iPhones

Unlike Android or Windows devices, iOS devices (including iPadOS for simplicity) have much tighter policies and are more challenging to control remotely. There are some options for individual users looking for simple tech support (like troubleshooting your mom’s iPad, for example), but what’s a team to do when you need remote control functionality at scale? 

Esper's Remote Viewer for iOS

The Apple “Problem” — Why Remote Control Is So Hard on iOS

It's hard to get stricter security than Apple's ecosystem when it comes to secure operating systems for a broad range of uses. Now, before you hit me with, “But Cam, there are highly secure Linux distros!” let me stop you. I know, I know. But we’re talking about widely available, out-the-box-ready operating systems here. Not specialty Linux distros.

But I digress. A big part of Apple’s philosophy prioritizes user security and privacy over openness and accessibility. This security-first approach starts at the ground level and is foundational to how Apple built iOS and iPadOS. For example, apps run in a sandboxed environment, meaning they have limited access to specific parts of the overall system and other apps’ data. 

So, right of the gate, you can see how remote control is challenging — if an app that aims to offer remote control abilities to iOS can’t see other apps, then there’s a roadblock before you even get out of the driveway. That said, there are ways to do this in limited capacities with certain apps — like the remote support scenario (fixing your mom’s iPad) outlined earlier. iOS/iPadOS heavily police these situations and require explicit user consent for each remote session. That makes it impractical for large scale, unattended remote control deployments. 

Now, Apple may change this in the future. We’ve already seen the framework roll out with SharePlay Remote Control on iOS 18 for a potential path toward a baked-in, native remote control offering that could eventually work at scale. That day is not today, but it paints a promising future. This issue right now is that SharePlay Remote Control is tied to specific Apple IDs, so it’s clearly for consumer use. 

So, What are the Options for Businesses? 

If you run a business, the odds are that one-off remote control sessions simply aren’t practical for you — and if they are, they won’t be long-term. 1:1 remote control simply isn’t a scalable solution. 

And here’s the thing: there really isn’t a scalable solution. I know that’s not what you want to hear, but I’m spitting facts here — not fluff. 

But that doesn’t mean you’re totally without options. The good news is that Apple offers APIs that MDMs (like Esper) can leverage to provide remote viewer for iOS devices. The viewer allows you to see the device’s screen and everything happening, but you can’t physically interact with it. It’s a reliable form of remote troubleshooting that allows IT teams to walk users through processes and potential fixes in real-time. 

So, if you’re looking for a “plan B” (with remote control being your plan A), this is it. Currently, it’s actually plans B - Z unless you just fancy traveling to troubleshoot iPads on location. But c’mon, it’s 2024 — there’s no reason to do that. Using remote viewer is the best alternative to a nonexistent remote control function because if you have a user on the other end (at the iPhone or iPad), you kind of are remotely controlling it. You tell them where to tap, they do the tap, and you see the result. You can troubleshoot vicariously through them, seeing what they see. 

Ultimately, while a full remote control option may not be feasible due to Apple’s restrictions, remote viewer serves as the next best thing. 

The Benefits of Remote Viewer at Scale

A good MDM solution with a reliable, integrated remote viewer functionality is invaluable. It enables businesses to maintain a desirable level of predictability and responsiveness. Other benefits include:

• Real-time support and troubleshooting: When something goes awry, it shouldn’t take more than a couple of clicks to get an instant view of what’s going on. When you can see what the end user sees, it dramatically simplifies troubleshooting. 
• Improved productivity: Remote viewing reduces downtime, improving productivity and eliminating the need for costly, time consuming tech field visits. 
• Increased security: When your MDM is also your remote viewer, you can ensure a high level of security. Fewer remote tools means fewer points of entry. As an aside, you can also use remote viewer to enforce security policies, remotely lock devices, and other critical functionality to match your company’s security posture. 

We understand the challenges that businesses face in managing iOS and Android devices — both together and separately. Our robust suite of tools offer full control over both types of devices from anywhere you have an active connection. Hit us up to see what you’re missing out on.

iOS Device Management