How can I control an iPad that is on a different WiFi network?

My Dad is a cognitively intact 99(!) years old in assisted living.

One thing that happens as you get older is that your fingers can’t trigger the capacitive touch sensor on the iPad, so a stylus makes it much easier for him to navigate.

I am trying out a tech-support app that allows me to control his iPad

so far, so good. I was able to find a movie he wanted to watch (Vertigo) and start it on his iPad.

Hope this helps!

[Edited by Moderator]

FYI, while the exact details are uncertain, Apple has formally announced a future capability in this regard w/ iPadOS 18.

“… To assist someone more directly, you can ask for permission to control their device remotely … “

See the announcement here; described under the section titled Share Play:

iPadOS 18 Preview - Apple

iOS/iPadOS has no facility for remote control or remote management of the device. 

The best that you can likely achieve is to use FaceTime (or other communication platform) - and literally “talk-though” a problem; if you have similar hardware, and the same version of iPadOS installed, you should be able to work through a problem step-by-step.

When using FaceTime - and both devices are using iOS/iPadOS 15.1 or later - you can quite literally share and see whatever is on screen:

Make and receive FaceTime calls on iPad - Apple Support

Share your screen in FaceTime on your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support

Apple needs to add remote support for devices with same Apple account. I have iPad, iPhone, Macbook Pro, Apple Watch & iPod {Also Airpod Pro, Magic Mouse & Magic Keyboard} (All item registers to same account) Some time I need a file that save on my iPad (not everything save on cloud - because no matter how many devices you owns Apple only give 5GB per account, That’s also something needs to be changed. I think Apple need to add 5 additional GB when you add a New device {only for main devices, not for accessories or peripherals} to your account), but I forgot it home, so I think it’s good to have remote access capability for my own devices.

jay@hotpathz wrote:

Apple removes the link and company information. Search for GoTo

GoTo Standard does not provide remote management on an iPad like the OP is requesting and is a service the costs $39/month that will not help.

They do provide a product called Resolve, but that will not help either. As it states on their website:

With GoTo Resolve, you are able to remote into Macs, PCs, and Androids, from any Mac, PC, Chromebook, Android or iOS device.

Note that the OP wants to remote into an iPad, which they do not support. Your suggestion is just not one that will help.

Jean-Luc Dinsdale wrote:

Jay, can you share the tech support app that you are trying out? We’re in a similar situation with an elderly relative in a home, and they would benefit from us being able to log in and quickly help out when they are having trouble navigating their iPad.

Apple SharePlay (remote access) is an iPadOS 18 feature, and that’ll be available rather soon.

That is not possible.

Perhaps this would be useful.

Use Guided Access with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support

megaB96 wrote:

Hey, whats the software you use? I need to use something like this for my mother as well.

iOS 18 (arriving later this year) has remote support capabilities.

There's another option available that allows you to remote to the iPad and actually see what the user sees, but doesn't allow you to control the device. The service isn't free, but it's very helpful to see exactly what's on the screen. You should look into "On-Demand Assist" from RealVNC.com. The user of the iPad needs to download the "server" app and run it, and the support person (who has paid to subscribe to be the "On-Demand" tech) can remotely connect and view the device.

-V

jay@hotpathz wrote:

My Dad is a cognitively intact 99(!) years old in assisted living.

One thing that happens as you get older is that your fingers can’t trigger the capacitive touch sensor on the iPad, so a stylus makes it much easier for him to navigate.

Knuckles also work with iPad.

Gloves, Apple Pencil assuming a Pencil-compatible iPad, and third-party styluses can all work here too, but that’s more parts.

If you really want remote control as did the original post here, an iMac is usually more easily workable.

Jay, can you share the tech support app that you are trying out? We’re in a similar situation with an elderly relative in a home, and they would benefit from us being able to log in and quickly help out when they are having trouble navigating their iPad.

Thanks!

kapilaktk wrote:

no matter how many devices you owns Apple only give 5GB per account

Apple sells more storage. I have hundreds of gb of photos and videos alone in my iCloud. It's like $3/month for 200 GB. I'm surprised you've gotten along this far without it. It makes everything so much smoother and I would consider it a "must have" personally.

kapilaktk wrote:

Apple needs to add remote support for devices…

Best send your feedback directly to Apple: Product Feedback - Apple

You might be able to do this over FaceTime, it works on iPhones so hopefully will work with an iPad too. Share screens using Messages on iPhone - Apple Support (CA)

Hey, whats the software you use? I need to use something like this for my mother as well.