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Using the App

Moving Between Devices and Sharing a Session

One device controls your workstation at a time. When a second device connects, you choose whether it takes over the session or joins it. Taking over moves your work to the device in front of you. Sharing lets two people see and work on the same desktop. Taking over is the default, so a device left connected at the office never keeps you out of your own workstation for long.

The sharing step of the first-session walkthrough: move between devices, or work together


Connecting while the workstation is in use

Section titled “Connecting while the workstation is in use”

If your workstation is already in use on another device, Remotle shows “This machine is in use on device”, naming the device.

On your own device, over the Remotle connecting screen: This machine is in use on ARCH-LT-07, Taking over disconnects it, You can ask to share instead, Taking over in 8s, with Ask to share and Take over

ChoiceWhat happens
Take overMoves the session to this device and disconnects the other one. Your desktop carries on as it was: open windows stay open.
Ask to shareAsks the person already connected to let you join. Remotle waits while they answer.
No choiceRemotle takes over after a 10-second countdown.

Taking over is the right choice when the other device is yours: a laptop you left connected at home, or an iPad on the sofa. Ask to share when someone else is working on the workstation and you want to join them.


If you are connected and someone asks to share, Remotle shows “name wants to connect”, with “Let them join to share this session, or disconnect them. They will take over in 30s if you do not answer.”

A dialog over the picture reading Alex's iPad wants to connect, with Disconnect them and Let them join buttons

While you wait for an answer after Ask to share, your device shows “Waiting for the other user” with a Cancel button.

On your own device, over the Remotle connecting screen: Waiting for the other user, You will take over in 24s if they do not answer, with Cancel

ChoiceWhat happens
Let them joinYou both see and work on the same desktop.
Disconnect themThey cannot join, and see Couldn’t join.
No answerThey take over after 30 seconds, and your device sees Session moved to another device.

While a session is shared, a pill at the top of the screen shows how many devices are connected, for example “2 devices connected”. Everyone sees the same desktop and can move the pointer and type.

WhatWhich device’s is used
Camera and microphoneThe device that controls the session
USB devicesThe device that controls the session
Screen layoutThe device that controls the session

MessageMeaningWhat to do
Couldn’t joinThe person using the workstation chose not to let you join.Ask them, or connect later.
Session moved to another deviceAnother device took over this session.If it was you on another device, carry on there. If not, connect again and take over.
Machine busyAnother device is already waiting to join.Try again shortly.
Session endedThe workstation ended this session.Connect again.

These messages appear on your workstation’s card in Your machines, so you can read them after the session has gone.


Will I lose my work when I take over from another device?

Section titled “Will I lose my work when I take over from another device?”

No. Taking over moves the session; your desktop and its open windows carry on exactly as they were. The other device is disconnected.

Can two people use the keyboard and mouse at the same time?

Section titled “Can two people use the keyboard and mouse at the same time?”

Yes. In a shared session both devices control the same desktop. Agree who is working, as you would when sharing a screen in a meeting.

I left Remotle connected at the office. Can I get in from home?

Section titled “I left Remotle connected at the office. Can I get in from home?”

Yes. Connect from home and choose Take over, or wait 10 seconds and Remotle takes over for you. The office device shows Session moved to another device.

Sign In and Connect

Connecting and the In use by you status. Open

Connection Messages

Every message you might see when connecting. Open