Remote access to a computer from an Android phone

Remote access to a computer from an Android phone

Many users store personal files, documents, and account passwords on their computers. Such a device is actively used for daily work, browsing and running certain programs. But sometimes it is not possible to use the PC. For example, when you are away from your home. In this case, you have to set up remote access to the computer from the Android phone with the help of special programs and services. Let's see how to do it correctly and as conveniently as possible.

What is remote access

Remote access is a convenient way to control your computer or other equipment from anywhere in the world. Of course, sometimes programs set certain restrictions, which slightly affects the work. Special services can help you access your computer via your phone. This way you can view your files and, in some cases, even access your desktop.

Benefits and Opportunities

Remote access to the computer from the phone opens up enormous opportunities for a person. First, you can view stored files from almost anywhere and, if necessary, make changes to documents. Secondly, you can remotely monitor your desktop, for example, by checking if a program is installed correctly.

Here's another trivial example. Suppose you have downloaded a long-awaited movie or TV series to your computer. You don't want to watch it from the comfort of your PC. Then a remote connection comes to the rescue. You can start the video on your computer and watch it from your smartphone. Agree that this is very convenient.

Also, some employees have a computer in the office, but sometimes work from home. To connect to their main machine, it is again convenient to use remote access. This allows you to open documents located on your desktop, edit them, and then save them. The advantages of managing your computer from your phone can be listed enough, but how to properly organize everything? We will try to give an answer to this question in the form of detailed instructions for each of the ways.

Manage with your Google account

The world's largest company, Google, has many services that can be used from anywhere in the world. The main prerequisite is a stable Internet connection. The most popular platforms are Google Drive, Docs and Tables. You can access each of the services with a Google account, which almost every Android phone user has. Well, let's take a look at how this whole system works.

First, you should take care of transferring important files from your computer to Google Drive cloud storage. Here's a quick tutorial that explains everything in detail:

  1. Go to the official website of the service.
  2. Log in to your own Google account. It is desirable that the selected account is already on your smartphone.
  3. Press the button "Create"and select the type of files you want to upload. It can be a separate folder, an archive or just a text document. Mark the desired object and click "Open". You can also simply select several files on your desktop and then drag and drop them into the service window.

Remote access to your computer through your Google account

When everything is done, we can try to access the computer files from the Android phone. To do this, install the "Google Disk" application on the smartphone, if it is not present initially. Start the program and authorize in the account, which was logged in on the PC. Go to the section "My drive"and see all the files uploaded to the cloud storage. You can open them, edit them, and then save them again.

Manage with your Google account

Synchronization of data in automatic mode

You can also set up data synchronization in automatic mode. Interested? Then follow the instructions below:

  1. Install the software on your computer "Autoloading and synchronization". Download the PC remote access application from official website service. Go to it and click on the blue button "Download".

Synchronizing data via the "Auto Upload and Synchronization" application

  1. Choosing "Accept terms and conditions and download".
  2. Open the downloaded file and perform the installation. After installation is complete, click on "Start".

Installing the "Autoloading and Synchronization" program

  1. Log in to the Google account linked to the phone. Simply enter your email address and password.
  2. Select the folders on your PC that will automatically be transferred to the cloud. This can be a section with documents, images, music, videos, and other objects. If you plan to upload photos, select their quality. To save the settings, click "Next".

Setting up the "Autoloading and Synchronization" program

  1. Configure the synchronization format and select "Start". Then the " " folder will appear on your computer screen.Google Disk". It contains all the files located in the cloud storage. We can open, edit, and delete them.

Synchronizing objects through your Google account

And now for the fun part. Go back to your phone and open the Disk app again. Go to "Computers" and see the folder "My device". Open it and notice the objects that have just been transferred from the computer. Yes, here are the same folders with which we have set up synchronization.

Manage files through your Google account

It's so convenient that you can access files on your computer directly from your phone. And most importantly, you can work with them from anywhere in the world. The main thing is to have the Internet. You can find out how to increase the speed of the Internet here.

Chrome remote desktop from Android phone

The next option of accessing the PC from Android involves the use of a special extension. Unlike programs, the plugin consumes less computer resources, which has a positive effect on overall performance.

Setting up on a PC

We will not talk about this method for a long time, but go straight to the instructions:

  1. Go to the official website of the extension and click "Download". The button for downloading is in the form of an arrow icon.

Setting up the Chrome remote desktop on your PC

  1. Automatically goes to the Chrome Web Store, where next to the desired extension, click "Install". Confirm the download and wait for the procedure to complete. By the way, you can also install this extension for Yandex Browser.

Installing the Chrome Remote Desktop App

  1. Click on the extension icon, and then on the page that opens, click "Set up remote access". Open the downloaded file and give permission for it to work. After that, the name of the computer will be automatically entered in the appropriate column. Choose "Next".
  2. Think of a secure PIN-code. It will be used to synchronize the phone with the PC. Press "Create".

Running the program

After that the configuration of the extension on the PC will be completed.

Gaining access from your phone

Now take your smartphone and install the "Chrome Remote Desktop" app from Play Market.

Chrome remote desktop
Chrome remote desktop
Developer: Google LLC
Price: Free

After that, perform the following steps:

  1. Open the application and authenticate to your Google account. This account must be linked to the browser on your computer, otherwise it won't work.
  2. On the Home screen, click on the computer name. If it does not appear, click on the update icon and check that your Internet connection is working.
  3. In the window that appears, enter the previously created PIN-code. Press "Connecting".

Gaining access from your phone

Surprisingly, the computer screen showed up on the phone. We can control the cursor, open programs and work with a document. During the testing of the app, a Word document was running. Even in that document, it was possible to make edits and highlight words through the smartphone.

PC access from the phone

In general, everything is very convenient and fast, so this method is one of the best.

Gestures to control your computer

To make it easier to use the remote Windows desktop over the Internet, there are some simple gestures to remember:

  • Changing the scale of the screen - put two fingers on the phone display. If they are brought together, it will be zooming. And if you move them apart, you will zoom out. The principle of operation is similar to using a camera on a smartphone.
  • Moving the cursor - put your finger on the screen and gently move it. It will be followed, respectively, by the mouse cursor.
  • Opening programs - put the cursor on the application and click on the screen.
  • Select - place the cursor on the text and hold your finger down. Then slowly move your finger and select the text.

In general, it is better to try each of the gestures yourself. That way you will understand and remember them better.

Deleting access

When you no longer need the remote Chrome desktop, it is advisable to cancel synchronization and disable access. This is very easy to do. All you have to do on your computer is click "Close access" in a special window.

Restricting access to the PC from an Android phone

For those who haven't noticed, this window appeared immediately after pairing with the smartphone. It can be in the center of the display or in the corner. If you want to permanently disconnect from the PC, in the mobile app, hold your finger on the name of the PC and then select "Delete". In the window that appears, click "Yes".

Deleting Android computer access

We are disconnected from the computer, which means you can't access it from your Android phone without the initial setup.

Ways to configure remote PC access via applications

There are many good and time-tested programs that allow you to access your computer remotely from your Android phone for free. We are going to tell you about these applications.

Microsoft Remote Desktop

Microsoft Remote Desktop is a default Windows 10 program that allows you to remotely access your computer from your phone or another laptop. From the disadvantages of the application can be highlighted the fact that during the connection, the computer screen is completely blocked. That is, you will only be able to control it from your phone. So, let's proceed to activate and configure the option:

  1. In the Windows search, type "Remote Desktop"and open the application from the output.
  2. Near the item "Enable Remote Desktop"Move the slider to the position "On.".

Enable Remote Desktop via Microsoft Remote Desktop

Now go to your phone and install the Microsoft Remote Desktop application on it.

Remote Desktop 8
Remote Desktop 8
Price: Free

Start the program and do the following steps:

  1. Agree to the privacy policy by clicking "Accept".
  2. On the side menu, click on the plus icon (+). Then in the window that appears select "Desktop".
  3. In the first field, enter the host name or IP address of the computer. To find out the real IP of the PC, run the command line. In it, enter the query ipconfig and press "Enter". After that in the line "ipv4 address"The desired combination of numbers will be displayed.

Microsoft Remote Desktop command line

  1. Press the button "Save" in the corner of the screen, and then run the created space through the main section of the application.

Downloading and installing Microsoft Remote Desktop

The result should be an automatic connection to the computer. Before you do that, of course, don't forget to turn on the Internet. To move around the screen, use the virtual cursor. If you click on the three bars at the top, an additional menu opens. In it we can disconnect from the current desktop or remove the cursor. And if you click on the keyboard icon, the keyboard will appear on the screen not only with letters and symbols, but also with the Windows keys.

Remote access to a PC via Microsoft Remote Desktop

To permanently delete access, go back to the main page of the application. Here, next to the created space, click on the three dots, and then select "Remove". Confirm deletion and close the program. It is also desirable to disable the option "Remote Desktop" in the Windows 10 settings.

TeamViewer - Remote Access

TeamViewer is a convenient software for remote access to your computer from your phone or another PC. Through this program you can not only manage your desktop, but also transfer the necessary files. It can be documents, images, music and even videos. Well, let's proceed with the installation:

  1. Go to the official website of the developer (teamviewer.com) and click "Download for free". Since the application will be used for personal purposes, you do not have to pay anything.

Download TeamViewer - Remote Access

  1. Run the downloaded file with the program and start the installation. At one of the stages it is necessary to set the checkboxes correctly, so that in the future you do not have to pay real money. In the first sub-item select "Install", and in the second - "Personal/non-commercial use". At the end click "Adopt-Complete".

Installing TeamViewer for remote access

Now let's move on to setting up remote access. Open TeamViewer and look closely at the block "Allow control". Here you specify the unique identifier of our computer, as well as the password to connect.

Controlling your computer using TeamViewer

For a better level of security, we recommend coming up with a strong password consisting of numbers, letters of the Latin alphabet and special characters.

It remains to install the TeamViewer application on your smartphone and make the connection. You can download the program from Play Market by entering the corresponding query in the search box.

TeamViewer-remote access
TeamViewer-remote access
Developer: TeamViewer
Price: To be announced

Here's a quick tutorial for the initial setup of the utility:

  1. At the first startup, view the introductory presentation, and then click "Start".
  2. Choose the type of operation: remote control or file transfer. In the first case you can simply manage your computer, and in the second case you can download folders and documents to your smartphone. In the field "ID partner"Enter a unique identifier, which is displayed in the program on the PC.
  3. Connect to the computer with the previously created password.

TeamViewer - Remote Access from Android Phone

That's it. The connection is successful, which means that you can now control your computer remotely.

Application tools

We suggest that you take a closer look at the application's tools, which are gathered in the bottom panel:

  • Keyboard icon - the ability to launch a virtual keyboard to control your computer. In addition to the usual letters and symbols, it contains unique Windows keys.
  • The key icon is a list of possible actions. For example, you can turn on the computer lock or restart it.
  • The gear icon is the connection settings. You can change the picture quality, screen resolution, hide the wallpaper and read the detailed operating instructions.

TeamViewer application tools

As for gestures, they are standard here. We use our finger to move the cursor, and by tapping we interact with the programs. To disable remote access, simply close the application on your smartphone. After this, the connection with the computer will be broken.

Unified Remote

Unified Remote is not a remote desktop management program, but rather a universal remote control for your computer. By installing the application on your smartphone, you get access to a huge number of control tools. For example, you will be able to switch clips in a certain player or change the volume level. Let's first install the program on the PC. Here are the step-by-step instructions:

  1. Go to the official website of the developer (unifiedremote.com). Click "Download". Click "Latest Server"to download the latest version of the program.

Unified Remote

  1. Open the downloaded file and perform the installation. You do not need to change any parameters, just at each step select "Next".
  2. Grant permission by clicking "Install".

Installing Unified Remote

  1. After clicking "Finish" to complete the installation.

Let's go back to the phone and install the mobile version of the app. As usual, we use Play Market.

Unified Remote
Unified Remote
Developer: Unified Intents
Price: Free

Let's run the program and do some basic setup:

  1. Log in through your Google account or skip this step.
  2. If the program was already installed on your PC, it will automatically synchronize. Press "Let's get started" to connect.
  3. Select the computer option you are interested in. For example, by clicking on the item "File Manager" we can open the file explorer with the files. However, there is one nuance - all documents will still open on the computer.

Remote access to a computer from an Android phone

This way you can remotely control your computer: open folders and files, change the overall volume level, turn off the machine, start some videos, and so on. The application's interface is intuitive, so it shouldn't be a problem to get to grips with it.

WiFi Mouse HD

WiFi Mouse HD is another program in the series of tools for remote computer management. As you can understand from the name, it is a mouse that connects to the PC via Wi-Fi. Well, let's install the application and check its functionality and usability:

  1. From your computer, go to the official website of the developer and download the program for remote access.
  2. Perform the installation of the software. There is nothing complicated about this, so we will not describe the procedure in detail.

Installing WiFi Mouse HD

  1. When everything is complete, double-click the shortcut to launch the application.

Now we pick up our smartphone and download the application to work on it. You can do this from Google Play by typing in the search box with the appropriate request.

WiFi Mouse
WiFi Mouse
Developer: WiFi Mouse
Price: Free

So, after installation, start the program and do the setup:

  1. Agree to the privacy policy.
  2. In the tab "Computer"Click on the name of the PC. If it is not displayed, enter the IP address of the shared network in the field below.
  3. By moving your finger over the special field you can move the cursor on the computer screen. The next section contains the applications installed on the PC. We can launch them directly from the smartphone. It is also possible to open folders and view available files.

Remote access via WiFi Mouse HD

To break the connection, you can simply close the app on your phone.

WiFi Mouse HD for Android

To uninstall the program on your PC, open "Control Panel", go to the section "Uninstalling the program"highlight the desired application and select "Delete".

Video tutorial

So, to get remote access to your computer from your Android phone or tablet, you can use special programs. All of them were discussed in detail in this article, so you can safely use them!