2024/08/08
How to help your parents with remote access
We all need help sometimes. Here’s how to support your loved ones and make remote troubleshooting a breeze.
While technology may seem simple to you and me, older generations often struggle with new devices and software. Given the rapid rate of technological change, it’s hard to hold this against them. After all, if you’d talked about AI even two years ago, most people would have imagined science fiction rather than real life.
And while they’re improving all the time, devices still break. In fact, according to a recent study from the University of Copenhagen, computers malfunction between 11 and 20% of the time (sometimes, the percentage seems much higher). As an aging millennial, I've grown pretty used to helping my parents with computer tasks.
Of course, when you’re living together, it’s mostly straightforward to help with computer issues. But what happens when you move out and can’t be there in person? Or even live in a different country, like I do?
Well, the good news is that remote support can be super easy with the right tools. Introducing TeamViewer Remote – which is always free for personal use.
Our users swear by it for helping their tech-challenged folks. As Rick, one happy user recently put it: “TeamViewer has been amazing for sorting out their tech issues from the comfort of my lounge. Thanks guys, you've saved my hairline.”
High praise, indeed!
Take the tech burden off your shoulders
As the tech-savvy member of your family, your parents probably have you on speed dial when it comes to computer problems. Thankfully, TeamViewer’s remote access software allows you to solve tech issues from afar.
Crucially, TeamViewer is also fully device-agnostic. In practical terms, this means that it doesn’t matter what platform you or your loved ones are using. Even if your parents are on a PC and you’re on a Mac, TeamViewer will help you to deliver excellent remote support.
Alex has been using TeamViewer for years to help his elderly father with his computer issues. “TeamViewer has made it so easy for us to regularly set up a remote session,’ he says, ‘that I can actually focus on guiding him through everything from virus management to finding a file he misplaced. I doubt we'd be able to successfully use another tool as easily and that makes it invaluable to us.”
Need to give support?
Download TeamViewer now to reduce headaches and resolve your family’s tech issues in a flash.
Common tech issues solved remotely
Many computer issues are small — but that doesn’t make them any less frustrating for less tech-savvy users.
From “the internet has gone” to “the printer isn’t connected,” these problems can often be fixed remotely. Taking advantage of this means you can save yourself the hassle, and often the cost, of going there in person.
And with TeamViewer’s mobile apps, you can even provide tech support on the go, making it easier than ever to help your friends and family.
Install TeamViewer today and make remote tech support simple and efficient.
Learn more: Connections from mobile to mobile devices
The ease of remote assistance
Helping relatives with tech problems over the phone can be time-consuming and frustrating. Without seeing their screen, guiding them through steps is often challenging (to put it mildly).
In my experience, installing TeamViewer for free makes this process a lot more pleasant for everyone. With it, you can remotely control their computer to see exactly what they see and quickly solve the problem at hand. Or indeed, know when it’s time to call a professional.
Troi, another happy customer, put it like this: “Often, even trying to clearly communicate the problem let alone the solution is difficult with ones who have not grown up with computers. Being able to see and work with these ones takes a lot of the stress and resistance to change out of already challenging situation.”
How to get started with TeamViewer
Follow these steps and you’ll be solving computer problems remotely in no time.
- Install TeamViewer on your computer and/or smartphone.
- Set up TeamViewer on your parents’ computer or assist them with the download and installation.
- In the future, with their permission, get your parents’ Partner ID and password to provide tech support. Another option is to connect with them via easy-to-use session links.
- Make sure that both you and your parents have a stable Wi-Fi connection.
- Create a shortcut to TeamViewer on your parents’ computer for quick access.
- Wait for the inevitable computer issues to arise — and for your phone to ring!
Educate and empower your parents
While TeamViewer helps you solve many issues, educating your parents on basic computer functions is just as important. Understanding how to use a browser, install software, and manage emails can prevent most day-to-day problems.
Not only this, but education can help your loved ones to stay safe online. Phishing and social engineering attempts often target older people who are less familiar with technology. Some technological competence can go a long way in countering this.
You can send them YouTube tutorials for visual learning. The TeamViewer Knowledge Base is also a great resource for learning about issues big and small.
Learn more: How to protect yourself from phishing and social engineering
Summary
Of course, you can use TeamViewer for plenty of other things than helping your parents online. You can use it to support your entire network: other relatives, friends, colleagues — really whoever needs tech support and can download TeamViewer. After all, who needs free time?
But seriously, remote support doesn’t need to be a hassle with TeamViewer. No more frustrating phone calls with the other person trying to describe the problem at hand. No matter where they are, TeamViewer allows you to see what the other person is seeing and troubleshoot in a flash.
Download TeamViewer now and become the go-to tech support for your loved ones.
Want to give free remote support?
TeamViewer is always free for personal use — meaning nothing gets in the way of staying connected and supporting your family and friends.