Remote access to your Android phone: 5 applications

1. AirDroid

A universal tool for complete remote access to an Android phone or tablet with a lot of auxiliary functions. Using a browser, computer, or even another Android smartphone, you can make calls, send messages, view photos, transfer files, and launch apps as if you were holding the device in hand.

To work, you just need to give AirDroid permissions and scan the QR code on your PC screen—you don’t even need to register. Connection is possible both via a local network and via the Internet. However, in the latter case, without registration, a data transfer limit of 200 MB will apply.

The application can be used for free on two devices or you can buy a subscription, which will cost at least $2.5 per month. The paid version will allow you to remove limits on the number of gadgets and add functions such as finding a lost phone or using a camera via the Internet.

Web version →

Download for Windows, macOS →

2. Windows connection

Microsoft's proprietary application for interacting with smartphones on Android, which is already included in Windows 10 and Windows 11. “Phone connection” - this is the name of the computer part of the software - ideal for working with a personal smartphone, which will eliminate the need to pick up the gadget in order to read the next notification or perform similar routine tasks.

Unlike other tools in the collection, the Microsoft solution does not allow full remote access to the phone. You will be able to perform only basic actions such as calls, sending messages, copying photos, and viewing information about the status of your smartphone. On some Samsung, Honor and Microsoft Surface Duo devices, you can additionally interact with applications, drag and drop files, and access the shared clipboard.

"Link to Windows" is completely free and does not require installation. It is part of the OS and can be easily found using the built-in search.

3. AnyDesk

A cross-platform tool for remote phone access, which is suitable for both specialists and ordinary users. AnyDesk broadcasts the contents of your Android device's screen to your computer and allows you to control it using your keyboard and mouse.

Among the advantages of the application is a fast and seamless connection over a local network or the Internet, protected by encryption. You can record the stream, save screenshots and make notes on the screen. There's clipboard sharing, file copying, and internal chat, which comes in handy if you're remotely helping someone solve a problem.

For home use, AnyDesk is completely free without any restrictions on functions.

Download for Windows, macOS, Linux →

4. Wondershare MirrorGo

A powerful solution for managing Android devices from Windows computers. With Wondershare MirrorGo you will see everything that happens on your smartphone screen and control it using your usual mouse and keyboard.

The utility allows you to launch applications and games as if the phone was in your hands. Of course, all notifications, messages, and file sharing using drag and drop will be available on your computer.

The application has a free version, but it is very limited: connection is only via cable, there is no support for device management and file transfer. To unlock all features, you will need a subscription, which costs a minimum of $3.33 per month.

Download for Windows →

5. ApowerMirror

A functional tool to mirror Android smartphones or tablets to computers and even other Android devices, including TV set-top boxes. With ApowerMirror, you can connect up to four gadgets simultaneously and control them from your keyboard and mouse on your PC.

Calls, messages, notifications, and photos are available on the receiving device. You can work with applications and play games. For the latter, a convenient binding of interface elements to keys on the keyboard has been implemented, which will allow it to be used in PUBG and various mobile games. Broadcasting with the ability to record, screenshots and drawing notes over the picture on the screen is also available, which will be useful for presentations.

ApowerMirror can be used for free on one device, but the session is interrupted every 10 minutes. To remove restrictions, you will need a subscription starting at $20 per month or a one-time purchase of $70.

Download for Windows, macOS →

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