Logging in to the remote host

Whenever you connect to a computer running the remote host software, you must authenticate yourself to the host, that is, the target computer. That means you need to prove that you have the right to use the remote (host) computer by entering a user name and password that the computer recognizes. Do not enter your LogMeIn ID (email address) and password (those are the ones you use to sign in to the Client app or at www.logmein.com). This will result in Error 1326 or Error 5 (incorrect user name and password).

Remember: Your LogMeIn ID is the email address that you use to log in at LogMeIn.com. Your computer user name is the one that you use to physically log in to your Windows or Mac host - that is, when you are physically there at your computer.

There are two alternative ways to log in to your remote host:

You have a user set up on your computer. In this case, you have to enter your login credentials to log in to your computer.
When you switch on your computer, you can use it without first seeing a login screen. In this case, you need a computer access code.

I have a user on my computer. So which user name and password do I enter?

Important: A PIN is not considered a legitimate password and therefore accessing PIN-protected remote computers is not supported. That's when you have to type a PIN code to sign in to your computer. This also means that when your computer is PIN-protected, you still have to enter your password to access it remotely. If you do not want to create a password, you have to set up an access code.

Enter the user name and password you use to access your computer. It should be the same information you enter when you see a logon screen like one of these samples. If you don't see a similar login screen, go to What if I don't have a user on my remote host computer? (Computer Access Code)

Most computers with multiple users or on a corporate network require you to authenticate in this way. For example, on a Windows PC you are typically forced to press Ctrl-Alt-Delete and enter your user name and password. When connecting via LogMeIn Central to such a computer, you will be asked to enter the same user name and password you use when logging in locally.

Remember: Do not enter your LogMeIn ID (email address) and password (those are the ones you use to sign in to the Client app or at www.logmein.com). This will result in Error 1326 or Error 5 (incorrect user name and password).

What if I don't have a user on my remote host computer? (Computer Access Code)

On some computers you may be prompted to enter a Computer Access Code, also known as "computer passcode". Usually you are prompted to create a Computer Access Code when you install the host software to a remote computer that is not configured to require a Windows or Mac user name and password (when you start the computer, it is ready to go without entering a password). The Computer Access Code gives you assurance that only people who know the special code can access your remote computer.

Important: Do not lose your Computer Access Code. It can be changed from the host - that is, the remote computer - itself, but cannot be retrieved! In other words, there is no way to change it remotely from the LogMeIn website or from the Client app. See Change your Computer Access Code.

Remember: Do not enter your application password when asked for a Computer Access Code as they have different purposes.

Tip: Advanced Users: In Windows, the Computer Access Code is actually linked to a hidden Administrator account called LogMeInRemoteUser. The Computer Access Code is the password for the user LogMeInRemoteUser.

Trying to remote control to a shared computer that multiple users connect to

Keep in mind that only one user can remote control a computer. While someone remote controls the host, another user can still use the file manager to transfer files, but can't control the remote computer.

Still can't connect?

If you still experience issues, call us by selecting Contact Support.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I reset my account password?: Check out our Reset Password FAQs.
Remember: Your account password lets you in to your client, not your remote host.
How do I change my Windows password on the client computer?: On many Windows computers you can press Ctrl+Alt+Del, and then select Change a password or Reset Password. If your computer uses a Microsoft account for Windows login (Windows 8 and above), follow these instructions from Microsoft.
How do I change my Windows password on the remote host computer?: If you forgot your Windows password that you use to log in to the remote host, you can still reset it while you are physically at the remote host computer.
What if I don't know my remote computer's user name?: Learn how to find it here: Troubleshooting logging in to remote hosts (error 5 / 1326 / 1327 / Login failed)
Note: Computer user names are often associated with a Microsoft email address and its respective password.
What if I don't need a password to sign in to my remote computer?: Then you must set up a Computer Access Code, also known as "computer passcode". See What if I don't have a user on my remote host computer? (Computer Access Code)
What if I forgot my Computer Access Code?: You can change it while physically at the remote host. See Change your Computer Access Code.
What's the difference between a 'host' and a 'client' computer?: See Understanding the difference between a host and a client.