How to Control an Android from PC: 6 Best Free & Easy Ways

Want to know how to control an Android from PC? Whether you’re working, gaming, or just trying to stay organized, controlling your phone from your computer can save time and make everyday tasks easier. From replying to messages and managing files to playing mobile games on a bigger screen, modern tools make remote control Android simple and accessible.

With the right setup, you can enjoy seamless remote access Android without juggling devices. Some apps focus on quick remote phone access for notifications and calls, while others provide full mobile remote access for screen mirroring, gaming, or productivity. In this guide, we’ll cover six of the best ways to remote Android from PC, ranging from free, lightweight tools to feature-rich solutions.

1. OSLink: Powerful All-in-One Control

OSLink turns your Android into a versatile tool you can manage right from your PC. This tool opens a two-way gate, letting you view and access your phone from your PC and your PC from your phone. Beyond gaming, it’s excellent for remote access in everyday work tasks like opening and using mobile apps on your computer, replying to messages, and managing files, all without the hassle of installing extra apps. For gamers, OSLink also delivers smooth performance with low latency, advanced keymapping, and the ability to play emulator-detected games like PUBG using keyboard and mouse while avoiding bans. Its real strength lies in being a complete solution for both productivity and entertainment. 

How to set it up:

1. Download the OSLink app from Google Play on your Android and sign in.
   

2. On your PC, visit oslink.io, install the Windows client, and log in.
   

3. Select your Android device from the PC app and click “Mirror Screen.”
   
   
   

4. Select Screen Mirroring mode to control your mobile over Wi-Fi, or choose Game mode for smoother performance and higher graphics quality
   

5. Accept the permissions on your phone to start controlling it with your mouse and keyboard.
   

6. Enable Quality of Life Features: Add OSLink to your power whitelist and app lock so it stays active in the background. Turn on the floating icon to prevent idle lock, enable Unlock Screen Remotely to recover if your device locks or shuts down, and switch on Stay Connected for a stable connection without constant prompts.
   

7. Now you’re all set, use OSLink to run apps, play games with custom keymaps, share your screen, and transfer files effortlessly.
   
   

Pros: Multi-purpose (work + play), low latency, works across platforms.
Cons: Full potential requires setup on both phone and PC.

2. Microsoft Phone Link: Simple Texts and Notifications

If your main goal is to check texts, calls, and alerts without picking up your phone, Microsoft Phone Link is the easiest choice. It’s built directly into Windows and pairs seamlessly with Android through the Link to Windows app. While its mirroring features are limited, it delivers smooth remote phone access for everyday tasks like messaging and notification management.

How to set it up:

1. Open the Phone Link app on your Windows PC (it’s pre-installed). Sign in with your Microsoft account.
   

2. On your Android device, install the Link to Windows app from Google Play and log in.
   
   
   

3. Scan the QR code shown on your PC app using your phone.
   
   
   

4. Grant the required permissions, then select “Phone screen” to mirror and control basic functions.
   
   
   

5. Reply to texts, manage calls, and receive notifications directly on your desktop.

Pros: Free, built-in to Windows, reliable for messaging and notifications.
Cons: Limited mirroring and control compared to other apps.

3. AirDroid: Web-Based File Management

For anyone who wants fast remote access Android without cables, AirDroid is a strong pick. It’s web-based, which means you can log in from almost any computer and manage your phone without extra software. AirDroid shines when it comes to file transfers, app management, and notifications, making it ideal for productivity and backups rather than heavy gaming.

How to set it up:

1. Install the AirDroid app from Google Play and create an account.
   
   
   

2. On your PC, open a browser and visit web.airdroid.com.

3. Use the app on your phone to scan the QR code displayed on the website.
   
   
   

4. If prompted, install the AirDroid add-on to enable full remote control.
   
   
   

5. Once connected, you can mirror your screen, drag and drop files, or manage apps directly from your desktop.

Pros: Works in any browser, great for file management, easy to set up.
Cons: Less optimized for gaming and high-performance tasks.

4. Vysor: Chrome-Powered App Testing

If you’re a developer or someone who needs to test Android apps on a bigger screen, Vysor is a convenient option. It mirrors your phone through Chrome, making remote control Android straightforward without heavy installs. The free version works over USB, while the paid plan adds Wi-Fi control for more flexibility. This makes Vysor especially useful for debugging, demos, or quick remote phone access during development.

How to set it up:

1. On your Android, enable USB debugging: go to Settings > About Phone > tap Build Number 7 times, then open Developer Options.
   

2. Visit vysor.io then download and install it on your PC
   

3. Connect your phone to your PC via USB.

4. Next Download and install ADB driver
   

5. Open Vysor and click “Connect Network Device.” Allow access on your phone.
   
   
   

6. Start mirroring your screen and control your device using your mouse and keyboard.

7. For wireless access, upgrade to the paid plan and enable Wi-Fi mode.

Pros: Simple integration, great for developers, supports both USB and Wi-Fi.
Cons: Free version is limited; wireless control requires a subscription.

5. Scrcpy: Raw Power for Techies

If you’re looking for a free solution, Scrcpy is a good choice. It offers remote access Android over USB or Wi-Fi and gives you full control of your device from your PC. Since it’s open source, it’s highly customizable, making it the go-to tool for tech-savvy users who want just the remote phone access without unnecessary extras.

How to set it up:

1. On your Android, enable USB debugging via Settings > Developer Options.
   
   
   

2. Download Scrcpy from its official GitHub page and extract the files to a folder on your PC.
   
   
   

3. Connect your phone to your computer with a USB cable.

4. Open a command prompt in the Scrcpy folder and run adb devices to confirm the connection.
   
   
   

5. Type scrcpy and hit Enter — your phone’s screen will appear instantly on your desktop.
   

6. For Wi-Fi, run adb tcpip 5555, then connect wirelessly to mirror your screen.

Pros: Completely free, open source, great for file management, supports both USB and Wi-Fi.
Cons: Command-line setup may intimidate non-technical users.

6. KDE Connect: Seamless Device Sync

For users who want more than just screen mirroring, KDE Connect is a versatile choice. It focuses on syncing your Android with your computer, offering mobile remote access features like shared clipboards, file transfers, and even using your phone as a remote input device. While it doesn’t emphasize gaming or high-performance mirroring, it’s excellent for productivity and keeping your devices connected in one ecosystem.

How to set it up:

1. Install the KDE Connect app from Google Play on your Android.
   
   
   

2. Download KDE Connect for your PC from kdeconnect.kde.org (available for Windows and Linux).
   
   
   

3. Make sure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network.

4. Open KDE Connect on both devices, pair them, and confirm the PIN.
   
   
   

5. Enable features like Remote Input to use your PC for basic remote control Android tasks.
   
   
   

6. Share files, sync notifications, or copy text between devices effortlessly.

Pros: Free and open source, great for syncing files and notifications, privacy-focused.
Cons: Not built for gaming or heavy screen mirroring.

FAQ 

Can I control my Android phone from my PC without a USB?

Yes. Tools like AirDroid, OSLink, and Microsoft Phone Link allow remote access Android over Wi-Fi, so you don’t need a cable for everyday tasks.

What is the best free tool to remote Android from PC?

Scrcpy is the top free option for remote control Android. It’s open source, lightweight, and works with minimal lag.

Which tool is best for gaming on PC using an Android phone?

OSLink is designed for gamers, offering smooth remote phone access with keymapping and macros to play mobile games on a bigger screen.

Is it safe to use mobile remote access apps?

Most apps like Microsoft Phone Link, KDE Connect, and OSLink are secure, but always download from official sources and grant permissions carefully.

Can I also access files when I remote Android from PC?

Yes. AirDroid and KDE Connect are excellent for mobile remote access and let you drag, drop, and organize files directly between your phone and computer.

Conclusion

Controlling your Android from your PC has never been easier, with options ranging from simple notification syncing to full-featured screen mirroring. Whether you just need quick remote phone access for texts or a powerful setup for gaming and productivity, the right tool can transform how you use your devices. If you’re ready to take the next step, try OSLink for smooth, low-latency control and gaming features that turn your Android into a true PC powerhouse.