You've probably wished you could control your Android phone or tablet from your PC at times. Maybe your phone is at the bottom of your bag, or you're in class and want a subtle way to message someone. Or perhaps you need to type a lot of text or look at something on a bigger screen.

Fortunately, it's easy to access your Android phone from a computer. Here are the best options, from one that's already built into Windows to a full-screen mirroring app.

1. Control Your Android Phone From Windows 10 and Windows 11

If you're using Windows, then you've already got a basic way to access your phone from your computer. This works through the Phone Link app in Windows 10 and 11, formerly known as Your Phone.

Phone Link is a built-in app that enables you to see your most recent photos, send and receive text messages, manage calls on your PC, and lots more. Microsoft also provides a screen-mirroring feature, which supports a limited number of devices.

To set up Phone Link:

  1. Update the Phone Link app in Windows, and install the companion app Link to Windows on your Android device.
  2. Log into your Microsoft account on both devices.
  3. Launch the app on your phone and PC, then follow the on-screen instructions to link the two.

The setup process can be a little temperamental, but once it's going it works pretty well. If you just need a quick way to answer texts on your laptop, it's worth trying.

2. Access Your Phone From a Computer With AirDroid

access android on pc with airdroid

AirDroid is like a much more powerful version of Phone Link. It gives you desktop access to most of the important features on your phone, and you don't even need to create an account to use it. While AirDroid is free, you can subscribe to the premium version for even more features.

The service offers a desktop app for Windows and Mac, but you don't need those since it works in any major web browser on any platform. This is super easy and makes it safe to use on a shared computer.

AirDroid lets you control your Android phone from a PC over the internet, or via Wi-Fi if both devices are connected to the same network.

To get started with AirDroid:

  1. Install AirDroid on your phone. Accept the permissions requests when prompted.
  2. Open a browser on your desktop or laptop and go to web.airdroid.com. A page will load showing a QR code.
  3. Launch AirDroid on your phone and tap the Scan icon at the top of the screen alongside AirDroid Web.
  4. Scan the QR code.
  5. Tap Sign In (even if you haven't created an account).
  6. You're now connected. Your phone's features are accessible in the browser window.
scan airdroid qr code

The AirDroid Web interface resembles a desktop and looks great if you switch to full-screen mode. You can see your available apps and functions on the left, with tools and info about your phone on the right. At the top is a panel that you can use to search for apps, make calls, set alarms, and so on.

AirDroid Features

access photo gallery on airdroid

AirDroid doesn't work with third-party apps, so you can't use Snapchat on your laptop. But that's the only major limitation. It packs a ton of functionality elsewhere. You can make calls, plus send and read text messages. It also provides access to the photos and videos stored on your phone, as well as locally saved music.

In addition, there are lots of tools that seamlessly link your phone and desktop. You can wirelessly move data from your PC to your phone, enter a URL on the desktop and have the webpage open on your phone, and install APK files remotely.

You do need an account for a few features, and some are limited with the free version. The upgrade to AirDroid Premium costs $3.99 per month or $29.99 for a year, but all aside from the most advanced users should find the free option sufficient.

Download: AirDroid (Free, subscription available)

3. Remotely Access Android From a PC With AirDroid Cast

airdroid cast

AirDroid supports a basic mirroring feature, but for more control you can use AirDroid Cast, which lets you control your phone from your desktop.

To get started, you need to download AirDroid Cast for Windows or Mac, as well as the Android AirDroid Cast app on your phone.

Now launch the apps on both devices. In your desktop app you'll see a QR code; tap the Scan icon, scan the code, then tap Start Casting. For security purposes, you'll be prompted to Allow on your desktop and Start now on your phone.

After this, you'll be connected. AirDroid Cast only allows basic mirroring in the free version, but if you want full touch control via your Windows PC or Mac you can upgrade for $3.49 a month. There's a free trial too, so you can make sure it fits your needs.

Unlike AirDroid, you can work with third-party apps in Cast, and you can also move files to and from your phone. Because the app mirrors your phone's screen, you need to keep the screen turned on in order to use it.

Download: AirDroid Cast for Android | Windows | Mac (Free, subscription available)

4. Control an Android Phone From a PC With Vysor

Vysor works in a similar way to AirDroid Cast. It's available for Windows, Mac, Linux, and Chrome OS. It comes in free and paid versions. The free version is good enough to give you a taste of what's on offer, but it's limited—it includes ads and you can only use a wired connection.

But what makes Vysor great is that there's almost no setup or configuration process. You must enable USB Debugging, but that's all. Just install Vysor on your computer and connect your phone. Everything happens automatically.

An app is pushed to your Android device along the way. If you ever want to uninstall this, you can do so by going to Settings > Apps & notifications on your Android device.

Vysor Features

Once installation is complete, you'll see your phone's screen mirrored in a window on your desktop. There are handy buttons to take screenshots, record your screen, and control the volume. You can do everything else with your mouse on the virtual touchscreen.

Because Vysor is a screen-mirroring service, there's no concern about app compatibility. Anything that runs on your phone will be useable on the desktop. This includes gaming, though lag will be an issue in games that need fast reactions.

Download: Vysor for Windows | Mac | Linux (Free, subscription available)

Other Ways to Control Your Phone From a PC

There are a few other apps you can look at for the purpose of accessing your phone from a computer. MightyText is built mostly around messaging, similar to Phone Link. Meanwhile, Pushbullet is closer to AirDroid, albeit a more expensive option.

In addition, there's ApowerMirror, a screen mirroring app similar to Vysor. It comes with a standalone app for Windows and Mac, with limitations on the free version. The upgrade to the full app is pricier than Vysor.

There's also a free, open-source app called Scrcpy, which offers similar features to those you'd have to pay for in Vysor. This sounds perfect, but unfortunately it's far from user-friendly. The setup process is more involved, and you can only adjust the app's settings through the command line.

Still, it's worth looking into if you're a more advanced user. Check out our guide to setting up and using Scrcpy if you want to know more.

How to Operate Your Mobile From Your Laptop

Now you know the best options for using your Android phone remotely from a laptop or desktop. They let you handle your devices from whatever works best at the moment.

One other option is to not control your phone directly, but to use an emulator instead. This lets you use your favorite mobile apps or play smartphone games on your laptop by running Android inside an app.