How to Connect to Windows RDP from Mac, Linux, iPhone, and Android

You've got a Windows RDP server. Now you need to actually connect to it from whatever device you're using. The process is straightforward, but finding the right app and settings can be annoying if you've never done it before.

Here's how to connect from every major platform.

What You Need

Before connecting, make sure you have:

Your server's IP address (something like 185.193.125.42)
Username (usually Administrator or a custom user)
Password
RDP port (3389 by default, but some providers use custom ports)

Connecting from macOS

Microsoft makes an official Remote Desktop app for Mac. It works well.

Step 1: Download "Microsoft Remote Desktop" from the Mac App Store. It's free.

Step 2: Open the app and click the + button, then select "Add PC".

Step 3: Enter your connection details:

PC name: Your server's IP address
User account: Click "Add User Account" and enter your username and password

Step 4: Click "Add" and then double-click the connection to connect.

Tips for Mac users:

Enable "Use all monitors" if you have multiple displays
Under "Display", you can set a custom resolution or use your Mac's native resolution
For better performance on slow connections, disable "Retina resolution"

Alternative: Jump Desktop

If you want something fancier, Jump Desktop ($35 one-time) has better multi-monitor support and a fluid remote desktop experience. But for most people, Microsoft's free app works fine.

Connecting from Linux

Linux doesn't have an official Microsoft RDP client, but there are solid open-source options.

Option 1: Remmina (Recommended)

Remmina comes pre-installed on Ubuntu and most Debian-based distros.

# Install if needed
sudo apt install remmina remmina-plugin-rdp

To connect:

Open Remmina
Click the + to create a new connection
Set protocol to "RDP"
Enter your server IP, username, and password
Click "Save and Connect"

Performance settings:

Set color depth to "RemoteFX (32 bpp)" for best quality
Use "Good" or "Best" quality unless you're on a slow connection
Enable "Network auto detect" for adaptive quality

Option 2: xfreerdp (Command Line)

If you prefer the terminal:

# Install
sudo apt install freerdp2-x11

# Connect
xfreerdp /u:Administrator /p:YourPassword /v:185.193.125.42:3389 /f

Useful flags:

/f — Fullscreen mode
/size:1920x1080 — Custom resolution
/smart-sizing — Scale to window size
/sound — Enable audio redirection
+clipboard — Enable clipboard sharing

Connecting from iPhone or iPad

Microsoft Remote Desktop is available on iOS and works surprisingly well, even on an iPhone.

Step 1: Download "Remote Desktop Mobile" from the App Store.

Step 2: Tap the + button and select "Add PC".

Step 3: Enter your PC name (the server IP) and tap "User Account" to add your credentials.

Step 4: Save and tap the connection to connect.

iOS-specific tips:

Use the three-finger tap gesture to access the keyboard and mouse options
Swipe from the right edge to show the sidebar with session controls
For longer sessions, keep your device plugged in — RDP drains battery
iPad with a keyboard and mouse works almost like a laptop

Connecting from Android

Same app, different platform.

Step 1: Install "Remote Desktop" by Microsoft from the Play Store.

Step 2: Tap + and select "Add PC".

Step 3: Enter the server IP and your credentials.

Step 4: Tap the connection to connect.

Android tips:

Enable "Swap mouse buttons" if you're using a physical mouse and it feels backwards
Long-press brings up right-click
Samsung DeX users: RDP works great in desktop mode

Connection Troubleshooting

If you can't connect, check these things first:

"Unable to connect" or timeout:

Verify the IP address is correct
Check if RDP is enabled on the server (it should be if you're using a hosting provider)
Make sure you're using the right port (ask your provider if unsure)
Try connecting from a different network to rule out local firewall issues

"Access denied" or wrong credentials:

Double-check username and password (copy-paste to avoid typos)
Some servers use .\Administrator instead of just Administrator
Make sure Caps Lock is off

Slow or laggy connection:

Reduce color depth to 16-bit
Disable visual effects (wallpaper, font smoothing)
Choose a server location closer to you
Check your internet speed

Security Recommendations

RDP exposed to the internet is a common attack target. A few precautions:

Use a strong, unique password (20+ characters)
Change the default RDP port from 3389 to something random
Enable Network Level Authentication (NLA) if your provider supports it
Consider using a VPN to access your server instead of exposing RDP directly

Which App Should You Use?

Platform	Best Option	Alternative
macOS	Microsoft Remote Desktop (free)	Jump Desktop ($35)
Linux	Remmina	xfreerdp (CLI)
iOS	Microsoft Remote Desktop (free)	—
Android	Microsoft Remote Desktop (free)	—

Microsoft's apps work well enough that there's rarely a reason to pay for alternatives unless you need specific features like file transfer or multi-session management.

Once connected, your remote Windows server works just like a local machine. You can run any software, browse the web, and leave programs running 24/7 without keeping your own computer on.