You have likely wished you could control your Android device from your PC at instances. Your cell phone may be on the backside of your bag. Otherwise, you’re at school and desire a delicate method to message somebody. Or it is advisable to sort several textual contents or look at something on an even bigger display screen.
Thankfully, it is simple to access your Android cellphone from a PC. The most effective options are listed here, from already built into Windows to a full-screen mirroring app.
Control Your Android phone from Windows 10
When using Windows, you have already obtained a primary method to access your cell phone from your PC. That works through your cell phone app in Windows 10.
Your Cellphone is a built-in app that allows you to see your 25 most up-to-date photos, send and obtain text messages, and handle calls on your PC. Microsoft additionally gives a screen-mirroring feature, which supports a limited number of devices.
To set up Your Cellphone:
- Update the Your Cellphone app on Windows, and install Your Phone Companion on Android.
- Log into your Microsoft account on each device.
- Launch the app on your cell phone and PC, then follow the on-screen directions to hyperlink the two.
The setup process is generally temperamental. However, as it is going, it works effectively. Therefore, finding a fast method to reply to texts on your laptop is worth it.
Access Your Cellphone From a Laptop With AirDroid
AirDroid is a much more highly effective version of Your cell phone. It provides you desktop access to many of the essential features in your cell phone, and you do not even have to create an account to use it. In addition, whereas AirDroid is free, you may subscribe to the premium for more features.
The service provides a desktop app for Windows and Mac. However, you do not want these since it works in any main web browser on any platform. That is super easy and protects it on a shared PC.
AirDroid helps you control your Android cellphone from a PC over the internet or through Wi-Fi if each device links to the same network.
To begin with AirDroid:
- Set up AirDroid on your cell phone. Accept the permissions when prompted.
- Open a web browser on your laptop or desktop computer and go to web.airdroid.com. A web page will load, displaying a QR code.
- Launch AirDroid on your cell phone and tap the Scan icon on the top of the display screen alongside AirDroid Web.
- Scan the QR code.
- Tap Sign In (even when you have not created an account).
- You are now linked. Your cell phone’s features are accessible within the web browser.
The AirDroid Web resembles a desktop and appears excellent when changing to full-screen mode. You may see your accessible apps and functions on the left, with tools and information about your cell phone on the right. It would help if you used a panel on the top to search for apps, make calls, set alarms, etc.
Also: How Spy Apps for Android Help in Parenting
AirDroid Features
AirDroid features do not work with third-party apps so you may use Snapchat on your laptop. However, that is the only main limitation. It packs a ton of functionality elsewhere.
You can also make calls, plus send and read text messages. It also gives access to the photos and videos saved on your cell phone and locally saved music.
Also, many tools seamlessly link your cell phone and desktop. For example, you may wirelessly move data from your PC to your phone, enter a URL on the desktop, have the web page open on your cell phone, and install APK files remotely.
You want a free version account for several features and some limits. The upgrade to AirDroid Premium costs $3.99 per month or $29.99 for 12 months; however, apart from probably the most advanced, customers should find the free option sufficient.
Access Android Remotely From a PC With AirDroid Cast
AirDroid helps a fundamental mirroring feature; however, for extra control, you need to use AirDroid Cast, which allows you to control your cell phone from your desktop.
To begin with, download AirDroid Cast for Windows or Mac and install the Android AirDroid Cast app on your cell phone.
Now, launch the apps on both devices. You will see a QR code. Click the Scan icon, scan the code, then tap Start Casting. Your prompt to Allow in your desktop and Start on your cell phone for safety purposes.
After this, you are well connected. Unfortunately, AirDroid Cast only permits basic mirroring within the free version. However, if you want complete touch control through your Windows PC or Mac, you may upgrade for $3.49 a month. There is a free trial, too, so you may ensure it fits your needs.
Unlike AirDroid, you may work with third-party apps in Cast, and transferring files to and from your cell phone is possible. However, due to the app mirroring your cell phone’s display screen, it is advisable to keep the display turned on and intend to use it.
Control an Android phone from a PC With Vysor
Vysor works identically to AirDroid and is accessible for Windows, Mac, Linux, and Chrome OS, available in free and paid variations. A free model is excellent enough to provide you with an offering style. Nevertheless, it’s restricted—it consists of advertisements, and you may solely use a wired connection.
However, Vysor is great because there is almost no setup or configuration process. You need to enable USB Debugging. However, that is all. Install Vysor on your PC and connect your cell phone. Everything occurs automatically.
An app is forced onto your Android device along the way. If you ever wish to uninstall this, you can go to Settings > Apps & Notifications on your Android device.
Vysor Features
While the installation is complete, you will see your cell phone’s screen mirrored in a window on your desktop. There are helpful buttons to take screenshots, record your display screen, and control the volume. You can do the whole lot together with your mouse on the virtual touchscreen.
As Vysor is a screen-mirroring service, there is no concern about app compatibility. Something that runs on your cell phone can be useable on the desktop. Although lag can be a problem in video games that want quick reactions, it consists of gaming.
Different Methods to Control Your Phone From a PC
You may look at several different apps to access your cell phone from a PC. MightyText is built mainly around messaging, just like Your cell phone. Pushbullet is closer to AirDroid, albeit a more expensive option.
In addition, there’s ApowerMirror, a display screen mirroring app just like Vysor. Vysor comes with a standalone app for Windows and Mac, limiting the free version. The upgrade to the entire app is pricier than Vysor.
There’s also a free, open-source app, Scrcpy, which provides similar options to those you’d need to pay for in Vysor. That sounds good, but it could be more user-friendly. The installation process is more involved, and you may only adjust the app’s settings through the command line. Still, it is valuable to look into when you’re a more advanced user.
Use Android Remotely on a Desktop With an Emulator
You already know the best choices for using an Android cellphone from a laptop or desktop. They let you handle devices from whatever works best at the moment.
One different option is not to control your cell phone directly but to use an emulator as an alternative. That allows you to use your favorite apps or play smartphone video games on your laptop by running Android inside an app.
