Android Smartphone Remote Control - The best ways to control your smartphone remotely. How to remotely connect to an Android phone - control your smartphone from a distance

Remote control of an Android device is a way to access data and files or functions on an Android smartphone or tablet via the Internet. You can connect your Android device to your computer - wirelessly: to transfer or download files, install applications, or manage your contact book and image gallery.

We will tell you how to use the free AirDroid and TeamViewer applications to gain remote control of an Android device via a PC or vice versa, how to control a computer from your phone, and even how to find a lost Android! For example, if your device is stolen or lost, you can easily delete all personal data: photos, contacts, and even applications with your data.

What can you do with your Android device remotely via AirDroid?

1. Remote connection and control of an Android device via PC
2. Remote contact management: how to view and delete
3. Remote installation of programs and applications
4. Transfer, delete or download files to your device
5. Detect device location

How to connect Android to computer remotely via Airdroid

With the free AirDroid service you can control your Android device from your computer, and the devices do not necessarily need to be on the same Wi-Fi network. By connecting to the device, you will have access to files, including those stored in the internal memory, contacts and even applications. Moreover, during this time you can freely continue to use your phone or tablet. The ease and speed of setting up the connection, as well as the capabilities and convenience of this service, lead to funny situations when it takes longer to get the wire than to turn on the application.

The remote control function is provided for personal computers and mobile devices - tablets and smartphones. Gadgets store a lot of personal information: user information, bank card and account data. Remote control of Android from a computer increases the security of using information and helps you interact with the device, even if it is not within range.

What is remote access to Android

In order to control your smartphone, wires are no longer required: the Android Device can be connected to a PC using special applications. It becomes possible to manage data from the device - contacts, images, videos, personal information. The connection does not affect the operation of the tablet or phone; the connection time takes a couple of seconds.

What is it needed for

Remote control of an Android tablet is not just another “smart” option, it allows the user to:

• If there is a problem with the loss or theft of a device, set up remote blocking of information, take a photo of the thief with the front camera;
• copy images or any files from your phone to your computer or, conversely, without connecting a USB cable;
• determine the location of the child’s phone, use the camera as a tracking tool.

Benefits and features

Android remote control is the blocking of personal data when a smartphone or tablet is lost or stolen: contacts, photos, bank card information, social network accounts. Controlling Android via a computer helps to implement parental control over children’s phones, launch location detection, and monitor via video camera.

How to enable remote control for Android

The computer is controlled remotely through several applications with different functionality. Connection may vary: through a Google account or QR code, registration on the manufacturer’s website, providing data about the device. In order to remotely control a smartphone and gain access to its information, you need to install the application and execute a number of commands in the settings menu that synchronize the operation of the gadget and the PC.

Google remote access

Before you start remotely controlling Android, you need to check the Android OS version on your gadget: is it possible to support this option? If there is no such function in the settings, you need to use the system update function to the latest version. After that, find the item “Remote control” (Settings, Security, Device Administrators), check the box.

Remote access to an Android phone will only work when the device is connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network). On your computer, you need to go to the website to confirm your Google account password. You will have access to the following functions:

• determining the location of the device;
• a call that will work even if the gadget is turned off;
• turn off the phone, block and delete data if stolen or lost.

Third party programs and software

Google has released its own application for remote control of Android gadgets, but there are several other effective programs released by third-party companies:

• TeamViewer QuickSupport is a free program that makes it possible to control a tablet and smartphone from a PC and vice versa;
• AirDroid is a free application with the function of broadcasting the smartphone screen to a PC monitor, there is data management, but there is no direct launch of applications;
• MobileGo – can work with data, applications, quickly copy data to a PC;
• Airmore – connects via QR code, view data, photos, manage contacts, write SMS

From an Android device

There are Android applications that provide feedback and make it possible to work on a PC from a mobile device based on Android:

• Splashtop2 Remote Desktop – works when you create an account in the service, controls the desktop of a Windows PC through a screen touch system;
• TeamViewer is a multifunctional application that gives access to a PC, working with its data and memory card, locking, connecting not only to your own, but also to third-party PCs;
• PocketCloud Remote Desktop – easy navigation, several connection modes, the free version only connects one PC.

Connection via built-in services

The Android application system provides built-in services to control Android from a computer. Google services are an effective tool for remote work with mobile devices. Determining the location of the gadget, calling (even to a switched off phone), blocking data if stolen or lost, completely rebooting the Android system, turning off the phone if necessary.

To connect you need:

1. Go to the “Applications” section, then “Google Settings”.
2. Select "Security".
3. Check the box next to the “Remote device search” sub-item.
4. Enable geolocation (in the settings, go to the “Personal” section, enable location detection).
5. On your computer, go to the Google website.
6. Enter your Google account password.

Control your Android phone from your computer

Several applications have been developed that are designed to gain access to mobile devices from a personal computer. The principle of operation and installation are similar, but differ in connection type and functionality. Some programs are free for private use, while others only offer certain options in the paid version.

Google account

A prerequisite for connecting to a PC using the remote Google service is to have an account, because in the process you will need to enter your username and password on the computer. The connection is made through the phone settings and takes less than a minute:

• setting up remote access capabilities;
• account confirmation;
• work with phone and PC.

The built-in application finds the phone on the map, this works even when another SIM card is inserted into the device. Shows the time and location of the phone's last activity. A useful feature is a forced call, even if the smartphone is turned off. Data blocking and a full reset helps if your phone is lost or stolen. The advantages include accessibility and ease of connection. The downside is truncated functionality and the inability to remotely manage Android data.

A popular free application that provides remote control of Android using a remote connection to a computer. There are two ways to install the AirDroid service - through a Google account, an account on the Airdroid website or a QR code, but then the PC and the gadget must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network. To use advanced features, additional configuration is required (providing root rights).

The advantages include simple, quick setup, convenient functionality, and the presence of many functions in the free version. Cons – the full version requires installing an application with additional settings. Some features are available for money. Features of the Airdroid application (free):

• control panel, working with data, music, photos;
• list of messages;
• searching for a phone using a sound notification;
• switching the phone to silent mode;
• use of front and regular cameras (paid);
• transfer of files larger than 50MB (paid).

The Airmore application is designed to provide remote control of an Android device from a computer. Remote connection does not require account information, the connection is made through a QR code. Pros of the application - the program is free, there is no limit on the size of copied files, easy installation. The disadvantages include the lack of a Russian-language version.

The installation process is simple: install via a browser on your computer, then press the camera button while scanning the graphic code from the monitor window. Next, download the application from Google Play and install it on your phone. Application functionality:

• full access to file manager, contacts and SMS;
• simultaneous notifications on PC and mobile phone;
• camera control screen lock;
• determining the location of the phone;
• creating backup copies, transferring files of any size.

A functional program for synchronizing mobile devices on the Android platform with a computer. It is convenient to use when connected to a PC using a cable or connected via Wi-Fi networks (you will need to scan a QR code). You need to download the application on both devices and launch the program. Some features may require root access. The MobileGo service provides:

• work with contacts, calls;
• copying files to PC;
• viewing and converting video files on the monitor;
• working with phone RAM;
• working with installed applications and device manager.

A popular application for remote control of Android devices from a personal computer, free for personal use. It is installed on the PC and device, then a login and password are created for the computer. Additionally, you must enter the smartphone identification number. The connection to control your Android device is secure. Works on all operating systems.

TeamViewer QuickSupport features:

• working with files, there is an option to select a recipient folder;
• working with applications;
• broadcasting the smartphone screen to a monitor, transferring screenshots;
• viewing system status information;
• no limit on the size of transferred files.

Controlling a computer from Android

With the option of remote control of a PC from a smartphone, it becomes possible to work with files on the computer, manage programs and broadcast the desktop to the screen of a mobile device and any gadgets connected to it. As a rule, when connecting, you must first obtain registration on the application manufacturer’s website and enter the login and password received there.

Application with paid and free (use only one computer) version. The difference from other programs is the choice of connection method (via Google account, RDP protocol or VNC system). It is suitable for beginners and advanced users; it has rich functionality. Fully displays the desktop on the screen of a mobile device, adjustable using certain gestures and a virtual keyboard.

To connect the program, you need to download the application from the official website of the developer on your PC and smartphone. Next comes registration and entering device data. The advantages include quick installation and configuration, a convenient toolbar, and advanced functionality. The downside is that the free version connects one computer, after purchasing the paid version, up to five machines are connected, and cloud storage for Splashtop information is provided. The cost of the paid version is low - around 160 rubles.

A new mobile version of the well-known program for remote access to a PC. Easy installation (on both media), secure connection, user-friendly interface. The free version offers desktop broadcasting, data management, keyboard and sound control. In the paid version, the functionality of the software is wider - viewing video from a PC, managing printing and transferring files. To set up a connection, registration on the manufacturer’s website and mobile device data are required.

Video

Modern mobile devices and personal computers can be controlled remotely thanks to a stable Internet connection. So, using a smartphone, you can set up your PC, turn on music on your tablet, view photos, etc. Let's take a closer look at the remote control function on Android.

There are many programs that provide control of one device using another. In the current material, we will focus on the most popular software, which has wide functionality and useful features.

Remote control of Android from a computer via Google

First on the list is a Google service called Find My Device. It is an emergency service and will come in handy if your smartphone is lost or stolen. Login to the service is performed through any browser at: https://www.google.com/android/devicemanager. On the start page you will need to enter your password.

It is important to know

The account must match the one connected on your phone or tablet.

The main window will display all devices associated with the current profile, so you should select the one you want to manage. Next, information about the time of last registration on the network, battery charge level and Internet connection will be displayed. Below is a control panel that allows you to perform the following actions:

• Call. The phone will start beeping even with the Silent profile active. The function will be useful if you lose your smartphone.
• Block. The option allows you to deny access to the device and display any text on the screen, for example, the owner’s contact number.
• Erase data. Executes.

Among other things, the current location of the device will be displayed on the map.

note

All of the above actions are possible only if you have an active Internet connection.

TeamViewer

The company's software allows you to remotely control Android or Windows from another Android. To complete a task you need to download and install the appropriate version of the program or application on both devices. Since different connection options have their own nuances, we will consider each case separately.

How to control Android via computer?

You should install the “” application on your phone or tablet, and the client of the same name on your computer. Pairing of devices occurs according to the following scenario:

The process is complete. Now the smartphone desktop will be displayed on the monitor.

Will be useful

Using the mouse, you can perform absolutely all actions with full control of the device.

How to log into Android via Android?

Until recently, there was no function to control one Android phone using another. However, thanks to the efforts of the developers, users received this opportunity. It works almost identically. To make it clearer, let’s assume that you need to manage your tablet via a smartphone. The setup process will look like this:

• Install the TeamViewer application on your phone.
• Install and launch “TeamViewer QuickSupport” on the tablet. There is also the “TeamViewer Host” application, which provides pairing of devices located on the same local network.
• Enter the received ID into your smartphone, then enable remote support on your tablet. In some cases, a message may be displayed stating that screen sharing is not supported, after which the system will prompt you to install the add-on. You must agree and complete the operation, and then try again.

The connection process is complete. The only difference in functionality is the presence of a floating button that can be moved to any location on the screen. It launches the keyboard, opens settings and closes windows. In the parameters, the quality of the transmitted image can be changed: if the connection to the Internet is good, then you can optimize the quality, if it’s bad, you can optimize the speed.

With the AirDroid service, you can control your Android phone from your computer using a browser. To do this you should:

You can fully display the phone interface only after installing a browser add-on called “AirMirrow”. The link to the plugin is located on the main page of the service. Thanks to the function, it will be possible to respond in real time to messages received in instant messengers, change smartphone settings and perform other actions.

It is an alternative to the previous service, which also provides remote access to the phone. To set up a connection, you must complete the following steps:

The basic setup is complete, you will have access to files located in the mobile device’s memory and will be able to take screenshots. The free version of the software allows you to control the phone only when. To remotely control the device, you will need to purchase a Pro account costing $48.

The information provided will help you understand how to remotely access your computer via the Internet from Android or control your smartphone using another mobile device. To successfully complete the task, you will need to install special software on both operating systems. Currently, the richest and completely free functionality is provided by TeamViewer products.

The more smart devices become part of our daily lives, the more ways we can interact with them. This article will discuss just one of these methods, namely: how to control an Android via a computer.

If your device is rooted, then this radically changes the matter, because there are many more complex, but at the same time more convenient ways to carry out the above actions using administrator rights. However, our article will describe both simple and root-requiring methods for remotely controlling Android from a computer.

Despite its apparent uselessness, the described feature can be useful in many cases. For example, you are an Android developer and you need to test the operation of your program without directly interacting with the device. Or for

Using the Vysor program

So, the simplest and fastest way to organize remote control of a tablet and smartphone from a computer via USB will require you only to have the Chrome browser installed on your PC and a USB cable standard for your device to connect it to the computer.

Android developer Koushik Dutta recently developed the “Vysor” program, which allows you to get a graphical translation of the device in use on a stationary device running MacOS, Linux or Windows of any version. The Internet browser mentioned is necessary due to the fact that the program described above is an installable add-on to Chrome.

To get started you will need to do the following:

• Download Google Chrome, if you do not already have it installed and install the Vysor extension
• Prepare a USB cable to connect your Android device and PC
• The device itself with USB debugging enabled (you can read more about this in this)

Android remote control: connection setup

• Open the Vysor app in Chrome App Launcher
• Click on the “Find Devices” button and select your device from the list
• After a short download, the Vysor mobile client will be installed on your device and you will see the device screen on your PC
• (Optional) You can set your phone to automatically connect when connected via USB

Attention!
This program may not work on some devices. This may be due to the lack of screen capture support on it.

Now everything is ready! Control the device using a mouse and keyboard: you have at your disposal absolutely all the functions originally available in the device itself.

By controlling a smartphone from a computer via USB, we have 4 main advantages:

• You do not need to install absolutely anything on the device directly
• This method works on Windows, Linux and Mac
• USB allows you to control your smartphone in near real-time, unlike wireless control options. There are some problems with data processing speed when rendering images using Vysor, but this is not so significant
• The ability not only to see the smartphone screen, but also to control it from a PC

Securely manage Android with Avast Anti-Theft

The popularity of the Android OS has now reached its apogee and is widely used in a mind-boggling number of mobile devices around the world. Therefore, continuing our topic about remote control of smartphones and tablets, we should also touch on the security of this type of interaction. It would be more precise to say - the use of remote control in order to ensure the security of data located on the Android device.

After all, the potential for losing important confidential information under current conditions is very, very high. Therefore, a reasonable question arises about controlling data leaks in the event of loss of the Android device used. It is necessary to ensure that important information is not accessible to anyone other than its owner.

An excellent option that is quite capable of coping with the above tasks is the Avast Anti-Theft mobile program. This is a so-called anti-theft application that is perfect for finding lost Android tablets and phones.

The main feature of this application is the remote access function, which allows you to control your device even if it is lost. Anti-theft can be installed separately via the Anti-Virus itself, and can also be downloaded separately.

Installing and configuring Avast Anti-Theft

Google Play provides 2 versions of Avast Anti-Theft for installation: one for devices with activated root rights, and the second for non-rooted devices. If you have not yet decided to root your phone (or have not given the program administrator rights), then the standard version of Avast Anti-Theft will be used. Otherwise, you can additionally use a firewall, which requires root.

When you first launch the program, you will be asked to create a fictitious name and select a fictitious icon. This is necessary so that a potential attacker cannot detect the described software. After this procedure, you will be able to enter your username and password, which will subsequently be used to ensure the authentication of all remote commands and security in general.

In the advanced settings of Avast Anti-Theft, you can configure the behavior of your phone in case of theft or loss. You will have at your disposal both a screen lock and the ability to control both USB debugging settings and GPS behavior. Root users will be able to activate additional options, including complete erasing and resetting all settings. Also, a user with administrator rights will be able to install the program on the system partition.

Using Avast Anti-Theft to manage your Android device

To remotely control your Android smartphone or tablet, you don't need any special skills. Everything is quite simple: control is carried out using SMS commands (control via an Internet browser has also become available).

Avast Anti-Theft has a fairly long SMS list of commands for remote control of the device. Thanks to their simple structure, they are quite easy to remember. And the structure is as follows: first comes the password you choose (created during the initial setup of the application), and then it is accompanied by clear English words like LOST, FOUND, etc. You can find all SMS commands on the official page under the heading “Anti-Theft Controls”.

Removing Avast Anti-Theft from your device

There are several ways to delete an application:

• From the parameters of the Avast Anti-Theft application itself. To do this, call the Avast PIN code, and then in the window that opens, go to the “Advanced settings” item and launch the removal wizard from there
• From the settings of Avast Mobile Security (the antivirus itself, if installed). In your antivirus you need to go to “Anti-Theft” and use the same Avast Anti-Theft removal wizard

In addition, the program has the ability to disable it via an SMS message from a trusted number with the following code: “xxxx SET PROTECTION 0”, where “xxxx” is your Avast PIN code (replace with your own PIN code), SET PROTECTION is a special keyword, 0 - disables Avast Anti-Theft (1 - enables).

Attention!
If Avast Anti-Theft is disabled, the program will no longer be active, but will not be uninstalled!

Remote control of Android from a computer using AirDroid

Each method of remotely controlling an Android from a PC has its own characteristics - good and not so good. Therefore, if you are not satisfied with fiddling with a USB cable or do not need a secure control option, then do not worry. There is already a well-proven method for wireless control of an Android device - the AirDroid program.

This software allows you to access your Android device and control your Android phone from a computer through operating systems such as Windows and Mac, as well as through an Internet browser, and it’s completely free.

What's so special about the AirDroid app?

Key features of AirDroid:

• Working with SMS: sending and receiving messages
• Working with files: supports receiving and transferring files between devices, as well as their processing (viewing images, playing music and videos, etc.)
• View and edit all contacts (root rights required)
• Access to main and front cameras
• As a standard, 200 MB of free space is allocated in the cloud (clipboard between the Android device and computer)

Attention!
Access and use of Android device functionality may differ and depend on the client platform: Windows, Mac or Web, as well as on the presence or absence of root rights on the mobile device.

Installing and configuring AirDroid to work via the Web

Let's consider the simplest option for controlling Android from a computer, namely via an Internet browser. To get started, you will need the appropriate executable .apk file for your Android device. The next thing you need to do is register on the program website, creating your credentials, or log into the program using your existing Google profile.

Setting up synchronization between your mobile phone and computer is also as simplified as possible and will require a minimum of actions from you. You need to launch the AirDroid mobile client and enter your credentials used when registering on the program website in the fields provided. And, of course, you shouldn’t forget about turning on WiFi on your Android device.

After completing the steps described above, you can proceed to direct control of your smartphone or tablet through your computer browser. And the device itself can be put aside for now - absolutely no interaction will be required with it.

Of course, AirDroid is not without monetization: there are premium “goodies”. Here, for example, is one of the most remarkable: a smartphone camera takes a photo of an attacker who enters the wrong password to unlock the device.

Managing Android using the desktop version of AirDroid

In addition to using your web browser, thoughtful developers have added the ability to use a desktop Windows or Mac application. Due to the wide range of existing hardware platforms, some users will find it more convenient to use a full-fledged program instead of a browser to control Android from a computer.

Let's look at how AirDroid works through a separate program for Windows. You can download it directly from the official website of the developers by clicking on the Windows icon under the “Get AirDroid” item.

Attention!
After installing AirDroid on Windows, be sure to check your firewall: you must allow the program access to communicate on public networks, otherwise its correct operation is not guaranteed.

After installing the program, a window with fields for user authentication should appear. As a result of successful authorization, you will be taken to the main screen with parameters for managing your smartphone. A small informative widget about calls, messages and alerts will also appear on your desktop.

The functionality of this program is somewhat limited when compared to the Web version. However, it is possible to use the AirMirror function, which is similar to the Vysor program described above. To activate it, you need to go to the program settings, and then select the “Notification Mirroring Service” item. In the window that opens, you must activate the described function, as shown below.

Attention!
For the AirMirror function (so-called mirroring) to work correctly, you will need root rights. If they are missing, a warning window will appear.

If everything is in order with root access, a new window will open, the contents of which will duplicate the screen of your smartphone or tablet. By controlling the resulting virtual device, you will be able to interact with all the main functions of real devices currently connected to the program.

Cast your screen to PC using BBQScreen Android Client Beta

There is another interesting program for controlling Android from a computer, which will allow you to see the screen of your device in real time.

Attention!
The mobile client requires root rights on the device.

Main features of BBQScreen Android Client Beta:

• High frame rate on computer screen (supports 30 and 60 frames per second)
• Easy to use (only the mobile client and the application are needed)
• Multiplatform (works on Windows, Mac OS X and Linux supported)

More information about controlling your phone via a computer for Android using BBQScreen Android Client Beta is described in the video review below.

If you have any questions, be sure to leave them in the comments.

Sometimes situations arise when you need to find a phone, or configure a smartphone that another person currently has, or you need to control the device without using a USB drive. In all the above cases, remote control for Android will help you. The operation of a remote connection is similar to connecting two personal computers at a distance.

Remote Connection Options

In order for you to establish a connection with a smartphone that is nearby or very far away, there are special utilities. This involves establishing a connection between your PC and your Android device either locally or using Wi-Fi.

Today there is no good application that could show the screen of a smartphone and provide the ability to control it from a distance. The only program that can offer you to use such a service is TeamViewer, but this function has recently become paid. If the option of connecting the device to a computer using a USB drive suits you, then you can use programs such as Vysor or Mobizen Mirroring. This article will discuss wireless connection options.

Method 1: TeamViewer utility

Due to the enormous popularity of this program among PC users, its developers added the function of connecting a computer to a smartphone. Thanks to this utility, you can manage gestures, transfer documents, hide sessions, chat, and work with contacts.

If you need the screen sharing function, you will have to install a licensed version of TeamViewer, since the free version no longer has this feature.

As you can see, the free version does not have a complete list of all the features provided by the program, and naturally, they are not enough for advanced phone management. But, there are programs with wider functionality and less complex connections.

Method 2: AirDroid program

This is one of the most popular applications for remote device control. All actions will take place in a browser, on a desktop similar to a mobile screen. Information about battery charge, received messages and calls, and free memory will be displayed here. It also displays an explorer with which you can download movies, songs, and so on, both to your computer and phone. To connect, do the following:

Simple and functional controls allow you to transfer files, make calls and send messages. But this is only the basic level of working with an Android device. Settings and other additional functions, unfortunately, are not available.

The full version of AirDroid will allow you to use features such as Find My Phone or Remote Camera to take pictures from the front camera.

Method 3: Find My Phone app

This program is not exactly the same as those described in the previous methods. It is used mainly to protect information located on the smartphone in case it is lost. The owner can block his device from other people, or send a sound signal so that he can be found.

The program will only work if the following points are met:

• The smartphone is not turned off;
• Mobile Internet or Wi-Fi enabled;
• Long before the loss, you logged into your Google account and synchronized the device.

Synchronization occurs according to the following instructions:

If geolocation is not enabled, then this search option is absolutely meaningless. But, with the help of this utility, you can block your phone, call it, log out of accounts, call your operator, and delete all existing data on the device.

Now you know what the most popular and easy-to-use options for remote control of Android devices are. They can be used for different purposes, for example, for work, entertainment, or if necessary to ensure the safety of your device. All you need to do is decide on the program that suits you and start using it.