# RealVNC Viewer: Remote Desktop

> Productivity

Canonical page: [https://chrome-stats.com/d/id352019548](https://chrome-stats.com/d/id352019548)

## Overview

- **ID:** `id352019548`
- **Platform:** Apple
- **Type:** Apple app
- **Status:** Available
- **Publisher:** RealVNC
- **Category:** Productivity
- **Rating:** 4.80 / 5 (15,260 ratings)
- **Version:** 4.9.4
- **Last updated:** 2026-06-09
- **First published:** 2010-02-02
- **Size:** 9.28 MB
- **Data as of:** 2026-09-17
- **Store listing:** [Apple App Store](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/realvnc-viewer-remote-desktop/id352019548)
- **Website:** [https://www.realvnc.com/en/connect/](https://www.realvnc.com/en/connect/)
- **Privacy policy:** [https://www.realvnc.com/en/legal/#privacy](https://www.realvnc.com/en/legal/#privacy)

## Description

RealVNC Viewer gives you instant remote access to Macs, Windows and Linux computers from anywhere. View your desktop and control the mouse and keyboard as if you were sitting in front of it. Sign in to RealVNC Connect and your devices automatically appear; tap to connect.

All sessions are password-protected and end-to-end encrypted. The app uses a cloud-based connection workflow, lets you backup and sync connections across devices, and supports a Bluetooth keyboard. A scrolling bar above the on-screen keyboard provides advanced keys like Command/Windows for a seamless remote experience.

## Rankings

- #13,597 — Overall
- #2 — viewer
- #16 — error
- #18 — desktop
- #88 — screen sharing

## Review summary

Users find RealVNC Viewer useful for iPad-based remote access, especially for Raspberry Pi and remote server management. However, repeated issues with keyboard input and pass-through on iPadOS 26.x, expensive subscription pricing, update-driven regressions, and convoluted session management significantly detract from the experience. Peripheral and second-display compatibility problems add to the frustration, with some users feeling the app is not well supported.

### Pros

- Good for Raspberry Pi remote control with minimal setup (no host installation required).
- Widely used for remote server management on the go / while traveling.
- Solid core remote desktop functionality on iPad for everyday use.

### Cons

- iPadOS 26.x/26.1 breaks keyboard/mouse input: external keyboards (Ctrl, PgUp/PgDn, Shift) and the Magic Keyboard do not pass keystrokes reliably.
- High price and subscription model; many users want a one-time purchase instead of ongoing fees.
- Update/regression issues and perceived lack of timely fixes or ongoing support (keyboard input regression, compatibility problems).
- Cumbersome session management: too many sessions, not easily closed from the app and often requires using a web portal.
- External display/peripheral compatibility issues (second display, external keyboard, Logi keypad) and occasional black screen or input/output problems.

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Source: [Chrome-Stats](https://chrome-stats.com/d/id352019548)