- How to Connect an Android to a PC
- Corded and wireless options to connecting your phone to your computer
- What to Know
- How to Connect an Android to a PC
- Connect an Android to a PC With USB
- Connect an Android to a PC With AirDroid
- Connect an Android to a PC With Bluetooth
- Connect an Android to a PC With Microsoft Your Phone
- 6 Best Apps to Control Any Android Device from Your PC
- Best Apps to Control Android from a Computer
- APowerMirror
- Vysor for Google Chrome
- VMLite VNC Server
- MirrorGo
- AirDROID Mirror
- Samsung SideSync
- TeamViewer QuickSupport
- Final Thoughts
How to Connect an Android to a PC
Corded and wireless options to connecting your phone to your computer
What to Know
- Connect the devices with a USB cable. Then on Android, select Transfer files. On PC, select Open device to view files >This PC.
- Connect wirelessly with AirDroid from Google Play, Bluetooth, or the Microsoft Your Phone app.
This article explains how to connect an Android to a PC by using a USB cable or a wireless connection via AirDroid, Bluetooth, or the Microsoft Your Phone app.
How to Connect an Android to a PC
If you want to connect an Android to a PC, there are several options. The most common approach is to use a USB cable, but there are a number of wireless solutions that’ll work just as well, and often offer a faster connection.
Most Android devices come with a USB charging cable, with the charger end connected via the USB end of the wire. If you unplug the USB end from the charger, you can plug that end into your PC to initiate a connection with your computer.
However, if you don’t have your USB cable with you, or prefer a wireless solution, these are the ways you can connect an Android to a PC without a cable:
- Using AirDroid: This popular app uses your home network to establish a connection between your computer and Android device and transfer files.
- Bluetooth: Most modern computers have Bluetooth available. You can use Bluetooth to transfer files from your Android.
- Microsoft’s Your Phone App: Microsoft now offers a new app for Windows 10 users called Your Phone, which provides an easy connection with your Android.
Connect an Android to a PC With USB
Using a USB cable to connect your Android to your PC is easy, but it only allows you to transfer files back and forth. You can’t remotely control your Android using this connection.
First, connect the micro-USB end of the cable to your phone, and the USB end to your computer.
When you connect your Android to your PC via the USB cable, you’ll see a USB connection notification in your Android notifications area. Tap the notification, then tap Transfer files.
On your computer, you’ll see a notification asking what you’d like to do with the new USB device. Select this notification.
This will open a window to select how you’d like to use the device. Select Open device to view files.
Now, when you open Windows Explorer, select This PC and you’ll see your device available. Select the device to expand it and browse through all of the folders and files on your phone.
Connect an Android to a PC With AirDroid
AirDroid is an impressive app because it allows you to not only transfer files to and from your Android, but it also includes a number of remote control features.
Install AirDroid from Google Play onto your Android device.
Open the app and enable the features you plan to use. You may need to create a new AirDroid account if this is the first time you’re using the app.
Some features, such as remotely controlling your Android screen, requires root access to the device. Additionally, some features are disabled unless you purchase the Premium plan.
Visit AirDroid Web, and log into the same account you created above.
Once you connect, you’ll see the main dashboard. On the right, you’ll see a toolbox with a summary of information about your phone storage. On the left, you’ll see all of the apps that let you control your phone.
Select the Files app to browse files on your phone and transfer files back and forth.
Select the Messages app to review stored messages on your phone or to launch a new SMS session with anyone in your contacts list.
You can even use the Camera app to remotely view and control the camera on your Android phone.
Connect an Android to a PC With Bluetooth
If you only need a connection to transfer files, bluetooth is an excellent option because it requires no wires and the transfers are fast and easy.
Make sure bluetooth is turned on for both your Android device and your computer. When it is, you’ll see the computer show up on your Android as an available device to pair with.
Tap this device to pair with it. You should see a pair code appear on both the PC and on your android device. Tap Pair to complete the connection.
Once connected, on your PC right-click the bluetooth icon on the right side of the taskbar, then select either Send a File or Receive a File.
Next, browse to the file on your PC that you want to transfer and select Next.
This will initiate the file transfer from your PC to your Android.
Connect an Android to a PC With Microsoft Your Phone
Another convenient cloud bases service that’ll let you access your phone’s files, texts, and notifications is a new service provided by Microsoft called Your Phone.
The Your Phone app is ideal for those situations when you’ve forgotten your phone at home. From your laptop, you can still see all messages and notifications you might have otherwise missed.
Install the Microsoft Your Phone app from Google Play onto your Android. You’ll need to accept all of the requested security permissions.
Install the Your Phone app from the Microsoft Store onto your Windows 10 PC.
Launch the Your Phone app on your computer and select Android as the phone type that you want to connect to. Then select Get started.
Your computer will connect to your Android phone. Select Photos from the left panel to view all photos on your phone.
Select Messages to view messages, or send and receive new messages, from your computer through your Android phone.
Select Notifications to view all recent notifications on your Android phone.
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6 Best Apps to Control Any Android Device from Your PC
In this guide we’ll show you how to control any Android device from a computer in 2019. Then, we’ll share a list of the best apps to control Android from your PC or even Google Chrome. That way you’ll have more ways to multitask, do more with your phone or tablet, plus it’s a cool trick to show your friends and family.
There are several different reasons for using a computer to control your Android device. Whether that’s playing games or apps on a bigger screen or responding to texts or WhatsApp messages from a computer. You can even do this to play Android games with a keyboard and mouse.
Additionally, this is a great tip for business users or teachers sharing emails and presentations on the big screen. I do this to play Clash of Clans on a 30-inch monitor. You’ll find several apps with this functionality, and each one has slightly different features or controls.
Keep in mind that the setup process is different depending on which program you download. Some like Samsung’s Sidesync are simple, while others take a bit longer. And yes, most of the apps on our list let you control Android from a Mac too. You can even use apps like Vysor to mirror Android inside the Google Chrome Browser so it works on any operating system.
Best Apps to Control Android from a Computer
- ApowerMirror
- Vysor for Chrome
- VMLite VNC
- MirrorGo
- AirDROID
- SamsungSideSync
- TeamViewer QuickSupport
Each of these apps will share your entire Android experience on a computer. Whether that’s just mirroring the display, or giving you full access to send messages, control the screen, and do more with your device. You could even do this to play Fortnite in your living room if an Android is all you own.
APowerMirror
First up is ApowerMirror, a powerful program that gives you absolute control over all aspects of Android from a computer. This will let you mirror your Android phone or tablet and control it with a keyboard and mouse. You can also use ApowerMirror to take screenshots, record your phone screen, and more.
There’s no root or jailbreak access required, and it works on any Android device. My favorite aspect is the quick connect via USB or WiFi.
Setup only takes a few minutes. Simply download the app for both your Android device and PC or Mac then launch it and follow the instructions. Connect your Android using a USB cable or to the same WiFi network as your computer. Open ApowerMirror on your Android and tap Start Now.
The entire interface is clean, smooth, and easy to use. Tap on the toolbar off to the side for tons of controls and options. Give this app a try today.
Vysor for Google Chrome
Arguably one of the most popular tools to get Android on your computer is Vysor, which does everything inside the Google Chrome browser.
And because Chrome is available on almost every operating system, you can control your Android device from a PC, Mac, ChromeOS and more. They also have a dedicated desktop app, if you don’t want to limit yourself to the Chrome browser.
There are a few different ways to use Vysor. One is the dedicated app and desktop client, and the other is inside Chrome. When you use a browser, you’ll plug in a USB cable so your phone charges while it’s streaming Android to the PC. To start, you’ll need to enable USB Debugging in developer options, download ADB for Windows, then get Vysor for Google Chrome.
Next, just launch the program, click OK to allow the connection and plug-in the USB cable. Choose your Android device and start mirroring it right away. Personally, the dedicated app and desktop program is the best route. With Vysor, you can even share control of your Android device with other people, like a friend to help you troubleshoot problems.
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VMLite VNC Server
Another option is VMLite VNC Server, which sets up Virtual Network Computing and gives you access to your phone from anywhere. This app is more complicated than most on our list, and it’s not free, but it’s more powerful at the same time.
Like Vysor, you’ll need to enable USB debugging from developer options and set a few things up, then pay $9.99 for the app on the Google Play Store. Connect the two devices with a USB cable, run the program and it will automatically download the drivers for Windows. You’ll also need the VMLite controller app, then hit start to enjoy the service. Here’s a full setup guide for those interested.
If you’re rooted, you can try DROID VNC Server for free instead.
MirrorGo
MirrorGo is another popular choice if you want to record and mirror games on Android. You can mirror your device to the PC and record everything at the same time. Then, easily upload gaming sessions to YouTube or Twitch. Even if you’re not a gamer, it’s a great option for controlling your Android phone from a computer.
Unless you’re going to use MirrorGo often, we recommend trying some of the others first. Not because it’s bad, but because after the free trial it costs around $6 a month. Or, just buy a 1-year subscription for $17 and save some money.
What makes MirrorGo great for gamers? Well, it offers fullscreen support in HD, mouse and keyboard support, screen capture and record, syncing game data and saves, and hotkeys for a better gaming experience. Basically, matching touchscreen controls to your keyboard. This is perfect for playing Fortnite or PUBG Mobile on a computer.
To start, download MirrorGo for Android, get the desktop program, launch them both and follow the on-screen instructions.
AirDROID Mirror
AirDROID is one of the most popular Android Emulators for PC, but that isn’t all it has to offer. If you don’t want to run an emulator use AirDROID Mirror to stream your screen to a PC. Like most on our list, you connect via USB or WiFi, so it’s fast and easy. And just like Vysor, they have a Chrome extension that gives you more options and support for different operating systems.
Simply launch AirMirror inside AirDROID 3 to get started, and follow their easy to understand instructions. We really like the option to control your Android device at home, or remotely, inside Google Chrome. More information is available here.
Samsung SideSync
Millions of people own a Samsung Galaxy smartphone or tablet. As a result, the company builds a suite of tools that let you do more with your phone. And while SideSync is mainly meant to transfer data and files, or check for updates, it has a mirror option too. It comes pre-installed on the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S9, so try it right now.
Download Samsung SideSync on your computer and install it on your phone from the Google Play Store if you don’t have it already. Then, just open them both and follow the instructions. Sidesync is very user-friendly, so you shouldn’t have any problems getting it all set up.
Once SideSync is open on your computer and a Galaxy phone go to Settings and look for “presentation mode”. This is what you’ll use to mirror your Samsung Galaxy to a computer.
Additionally, if you have a Galaxy S8, Galaxy Note 9, or new devices like the Galaxy S10 buy Samsung’s DeX dock. This turns your phone into a full desktop experience, almost like a completely new operating system. It’s still Android, and you can control it with a keyboard and mouse. Then you don’t have to mirror anything. Essentially, Samsung DeX skips the need to bridge a PC with your phone and does everything for you.
TeamViewer QuickSupport
Last but not least is TeamViewer, a program that is a long-time fan favorite. Gamers love TeamViewer, and I’ve used it in the past for tech support on a family members computer. Instead of trying to explain something to someone just get remote access to their device and do it yourself. That’s the power of TeamViewer.
The main feature is giving someone else remote access and mirror control over your Android. That said, you can set it up and control everything yourself too, making it an excellent alternative to most paid programs. Download TeamViewer to your computer, and get the QuickSupport app for Android. Connect the two and easily access your Android devices from a computer.
With Remote Access, you can quickly control an Android device at your house while you’re at work. Perfect if you forgot a presentation, left your phone at home, or want to control some smart home products or gadgets.
Final Thoughts
These services will let you control any Android device from your computer. Some are perfect for gamers, like MirrorGo, while others have a little of everything to fit any users needs. Figure out what you’re trying to do, or what task you need to complete, then choose one and download it today.
Once you know which Android to PC service is right for you go download it and get started. Try playing Android games from a computer, or enjoy millions of apps on a bigger screen. While you’re here, check out this list of the 100 Best Android Apps for 2019.
Last update on 2021-12-05. This post may contain affiliate links. Click here to read our disclosure policy for more details. Images via Amazon API
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