Need to connect to your home PC from an Android device? If the PC is running Windows, you've got a couple of good options to make this happen. But no matter what mobile or desktop OS you use, remote access is possible.
In just a few moments, you can have remote access to your home PC from the comfort of your phone or tablet, from anywhere in the world. Keep reading to learn how to control your PC from a phone.
What Is Remote Desktop?
Remote desktop is a means to remotely control another computer. Several variations on the idea are available, using either proprietary software or one of two mainstream technologies:
- Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP): Created by Microsoft, this requires client and server software on the home and remote devices. Clients are available for most operating systems, and the server software is built into Windows 10. RDP server software for Linux is also available.
- Virtual Network Computing (VNC): Relying on the Remote Framebuffer (RFB) protocol, VNC works with Windows, macOS, and Linux desktop environments that use the X Window System.
Other popular technologies that you might have used include ICA (Independent Computing Architecture, developed by Citrix), HP Remote Graphics Software, or even SSH with X11 forwarding if you require remote access to a Linux desktop.
If you've been on the receiving end of a remote desktop connection, however, the engineer might have used TeamViewer or LogMeIn, or any number of other services. These typically use a proprietary technology (one developed purely by or for that service) or one of those mentioned above.
But it isn't just PC-to-PC connections you can set up. It's even possible to remotely control your PC with the Android device in your pocket.
Reasons to Remote Desktop Between Phone and PC
I first used remote software from a mobile device to my PC back in 2006, using a Windows Mobile phone to access my computer over mobile internet. In those days, it was less about productivity and more about the novelty factor.
But why might you want to remotely control your PC from your phone? It could be any number of reasons:
- Grabbing an email or attachment that was sent to the wrong address
- Accessing a forgotten file (perhaps to email it to yourself, or sync to your cloud storage)
- Enable a media server, such as Plex
- Playing a PC-only video game
- Initiating a Windows Update or software upgrade
- Help a loved one with some remote technical assistance
- Switch off or reboot your PC
Whatever your use case, using remote desktop software between Android and a PC is so simple, anyone can do it.
Control a PC From a Phone on the Same Network
Just want to easily access your PC from the comfort of your bed or sun lounger? You'll need a computer with RDP or a VNC server installed.
Remotely Control Your PC With Android Using RDP
RDP server software is part of Windows 10 and is also available for Linux (using xrdp). You'll also find xrdp for macOS.
If you use Windows, you can use Remote Desktop to control Windows 10 Pro and Enterprise. This also applies to Windows 8/8.1 Enterprise and Pro, and Windows 7 Professional, Ultimate, and Enterprise.
However, you can't access Home editions (such as Windows 10 Home) using the RDP method.
To install an X-compatible RDP server on a Linux PC, open the Terminal and enter:
sudo apt install xrdp
You can install xrdp on macOS, but it requires a lot of work. The xrdp GitHub page will guide you.
Once you're confident that RDP is running on your PC, you'll be able to use the free Microsoft Remote Desktop app for Android (there's also an iOS version) to connect.
Using the mobile app:
- Tap + symbol then Desktop to start a new connection
- Input the target computer IP address or hostname in the PC name field
- Add the user name and password you use to access the computer
- Tap Save to continue
You can also add things like a Friendly name, Gateway, and configure Sound via the Show additional options menu.
In the main Remote Desktop menu, tap the icon representing the computer to commence connection. Moments later, you'll be remotely controlling your PC from your phone!
Remote Connections Between Android and PC Using VNC
Meanwhile, VNC server software is also readily available for Windows, macOS, and Linux distributions.
In fact, if you don't have Windows 10 or macOS, VNC is the ideal solution as it has no restrictions. You can choose from various VNC server and client software packages; RealVNC is arguably the most popular.
VNC Connect from RealVNC is the VNC server software you'll need. It features VNC Server and VNC Viewer (a client app) software and is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. You'll even find a version for the Raspberry Pi.
Once downloaded and installed, you'll need the VNC Viewer app for Android. There's also a version for iOS if you need it.
To control your computer with your phone using VNC Connect, first install the software on your PC. When prompted, create a VNC Connect account (or sign into an existing account). Select Home subscription (allowing up to five computers) and set a secure password. Click Done to finish.
In the VNC Server window you'll find the details you need to keep handy. The Identity check section lists some details you'll need to match with the client software if prompted. There's also a Change password button should you need to set a new password.
When you're ready to remote connect to your PC:
- Open the VNC Viewer app on your phone
- Sign in with the account credentials and verify when prompted
- Tap the computer you set up to commence the remote session
- Quickly match the catchphrase and signature from the Identity Check section in the VNC Server window on your computer (too slow and it will time out)
- Enter the password to establish the connection
The app will display some control details (finger-based gestures). Once you've familiarized yourself with this, you can exit and start remote controlling your PC.
To end the connection, tap the X button in the top-right corner, or close the app in the usual way.
How to Connect to Your PC Across the Internet
Looking for a solution that you can use from outside your home network? While RDP and VNC both work beyond your network, it's unlikely that you pay for a static IP address from your internet provider.
Instead of worrying about setting up a personal VPN and forwarding router ports to your PC, a smarter solution is employing a third-party service to connect remotely to your computer from your smartphone.
Android users can enjoy apps from TeamViewer, Splashtop, LogMeIn, GoToMyPC, and various other remote services.
You've possibly seen these in action at work, when tech support uses remote software to fix problems on your computer. The beauty of these tools is that they're easy to set up.
Simply install the remote server software on your computer, download the client app on your phone, and initiate a remote connection. Note that you may need to configure a few settings to automatically accept those connections.
Remote Control a PC With Your Phone Using Chrome Remote Desktop
With the Chrome Remote Desktop browser extension for Google Chrome on your PC, and the companion app installed on your Android phone (or iOS device) you have another option for remote connection beyond your home network.
Using a PIN-based authentication system, you can remote control your PC if it's running Google Chrome. It's also possible to use this method from other computers, if the Chrome Remote Desktop app is installed.
Our guide to using Chrome Remote Desktop features full steps for setup and using it with Android and iOS.
Now You Know How to Remotely Control Your PC With Your Phone
These three methods of connecting to a Windows PC from an Android or iPhone device let you maximize your productivity.
It's ideal for getting hold of a missing file, enabling media server software on your PC, and much more. Better still, this works whether you're on the same network (using RDP or VNC) or you're in a completely different location (thanks to specialist remote access software).
Whatever your reasons for wanting remote access to your PC, be sure to use a secure internet connection. If this isn't possible, consider using a VPN to keep your connection protected. Our recommended option is ExpressVPN, which is available for a 49% discount to MakeUseOf readers using this link.