Step by step

Install RustDesk for your device

Pick your operating system below. Each option is pre-configured to connect to my server, so you don't have to copy/paste server settings or public keys manually.

Windows

Easiest path: download the pre-configured installer. The filename contains the server settings, so RustDesk reads them automatically when you install — you don't touch a single setting.

Download Windows installer →
  1. Click the green button above. Save the `.exe` file. Don't rename it — the filename is what configures it.
  2. Double-click the downloaded file. If Windows SmartScreen pops up ("Windows protected your PC"), click More info → Run anyway. The file is safe; this warning appears for all small publishers.
  3. Follow the install prompts. Default options are fine.
  4. Open RustDesk. You'll see Your ID and a password on the left. Send me both.
  5. Wait for my connection request. Click Accept when you see it.

macOS

Install the standard RustDesk app, then run a one-line command that tells it to use my server.

  1. Download the macOS app: latest release from GitHub. Grab the `.dmg` for your chip (Apple Silicon: `aarch64.dmg`; Intel: `x86_64.dmg`).
  2. Open the `.dmg` and drag RustDesk to Applications.
  3. Open Terminal (Cmd+Space → "Terminal"). Paste and press Enter: 
    mkdir -p ~/Library/Preferences/com.carriez.RustDesk && cat > ~/Library/Preferences/com.carriez.RustDesk/RustDesk2.toml <<EOF
[options]
custom-rendezvous-server = 'rustdesk.jonathanellis.dev'
relay-server = 'rustdesk.jonathanellis.dev'
key = 'JJ84OHiivky8RCgfbA9JUa801qBTpRIgDARzrFYEIPk='
EOF
  4. Open RustDesk (Cmd+Space → "RustDesk"). Grant Screen Recording permission when macOS asks.
  5. Copy your ID + password from the left side of the app. Send both to me.

Linux

Install the package for your distro, then drop in the config file.

  1. Grab the package: latest release on GitHub.
    • Ubuntu/Debian → `.deb`
    • Fedora/CentOS → `.rpm`
    • Any distro → `.AppImage` (no install needed)
  2. Install it: sudo apt install ./rustdesk-*.deb (or your distro's equivalent).
  3. Drop the config file: 
    mkdir -p ~/.config/rustdesk && cat > ~/.config/rustdesk/RustDesk2.toml <<EOF
[options]
custom-rendezvous-server = 'rustdesk.jonathanellis.dev'
relay-server = 'rustdesk.jonathanellis.dev'
key = 'JJ84OHiivky8RCgfbA9JUa801qBTpRIgDARzrFYEIPk='
EOF
  4. Launch RustDesk from your apps menu. Share ID + password.

iPhone / iPad

Apple doesn't let apps ship pre-configured, so there's one extra step: paste a config string into the app.

  1. Install from App Store: RustDesk on the App Store.
  2. Open the app. Tap the ⚙ Settings icon (top right or in the menu).
  3. Tap Network.
  4. Fill in:
    • ID server: rustdesk.jonathanellis.dev
    • Relay server: rustdesk.jonathanellis.dev
    • Key: open the Key page and tap the Copy button, then paste here.
  5. Tap Apply / Save. Back out to the main screen.
  6. Tap your ID (or "Set up password" if prompted) to get your connection credentials. Send ID + password to me.
  7. When I request connection, tap Accept. For me to see your screen, tap Start Broadcast when prompted — this is Apple's screen-share permission.

Android

  1. Install from Play Store: RustDesk on Play Store. Or grab the `.apk` from GitHub releases if Play Store isn't available.
  2. Open the app. Grant Screen Capture and Input permissions when asked.
  3. Go to Settings → Network. Enter:
    • ID server: rustdesk.jonathanellis.dev
    • Relay server: rustdesk.jonathanellis.dev
    • Key: copy from the Key page.
  4. Apply. Share your ID + password when I ask.

Connection isn't working?

Run the connection test — it'll check if your computer can reach my server. If that fails, your firewall or network is likely blocking. Text me and we'll find a workaround.