How to control a computer with Android via USB: 5 working methods

Forgot your mouse at home and urgently need to show a presentation at work? Or do you want to scroll through web pages on the big screen while lying on the sofa without getting out of bed? Controlling an Android computer via USB solves these problems - and it’s easier than it seems. A cable connection is more reliable than Wi-Fi: there are no delays, no router configuration is required, and the phone's battery consumption is minimal.

But how to make the phone work like universal remote control for a PC? Spoiler: not all methods are equally convenient. Some apps only allow you to view the screen, others give you full control over the cursor and keyboard, and others require superuser rights (root). We tested 5 methods - from simple to advanced - and collected step-by-step guide with pictures of processesa comparison table and answers to common errors.

Important: all methods in this article work for Windows 10/11, Linux and partially on macOS. For Android any version from 5.0 (Lollipop) and later is suitable, but some functions may require Android 8.0+.

1. Preparing your phone and computer: what you need to do before connecting

Before you rush to download apps, check three key points:

• 🔌 USB cable: you need original a cable that supports data transfer (not all charging cables are suitable!). It is better to use the one that came with the phone.
• 📱 Developer mode: without it, most methods simply will not work. Turns on via Settings → About phone → Build number (press 7 times).
• 🖥️ ADB drivers: drivers must be installed on the PC for Android Debug Bridge (you can download from the website Google or via SDK Platform Tools).

If you have never turned on USB debugging, do it in advance: Settings → System → For developers → USB debugging. When you connect to the PC for the first time, the phone will ask for permission — do not ignore this window, otherwise the connection will not be established.

Developer mode is enabled on the phone|

USB debugging is activated|

ADB drivers are installed on the PC|

The original USB cable is used|

The firewall is disabled on the PC (temporarily)-->

⚠️ Attention: if you connect the phone to working PC or someone else's device, after using disable USB debugging in the settings. This will prevent unauthorized access to data via ADB.

2. Method 1: Scrcpy - controlling a PC from a phone without root (the best option)

Scrcpy is open software from Genymobilethat allows not only view the PC screen on the phone, but also completely manage it. Advantages:

• 🚀 Works without rootrights and without installing apps on the phone.
• 🎮 Supports audio transfer from PC to phone (starting from Scrcpy 1.24).
• 🔒 Encrypted connection (data is not transmitted over the Internet).

How to set up:

1. Download Scrcpy from official GitHub (choose the version for your OS).
2. Extract the archive to any folder on your PC (for example, C:\scrcpy).
3. Connect your phone via USB and in the folder with Scrcpy run the file scrcpy.exe (for Windows) or enter the command in the terminal (Linux/macOS):

   ./scrcpy

If the PC screen is displayed on the phone, but there is no control, check whether the option is enabled Control via USB in the settings Scrcpy (right-click on the app window on the PC).

3. Method 2: Vysor - simple interface, but with limitations

Vysor is a popular management app Android from PC, but it also works in the opposite direction. It has two key disadvantages:

1. The free version shows ads and limits image quality.
2. For full control you need Pro version (from $2.5/month).

How to connect:

1. Install Vysor on PC from official website.
2. Connect your phone via USB and enable debugging.
3. In Vysor select your device from the list and press View.

⚠️ Attention: If the phone screen is not displayed, try:

• Reconnect the USB cable.
• Enable the option USB debugging (security settings) in the developer settings.
• Update drivers ADB on PC.

Scrcpy (free and without root)|

Vysor (simple interface)|

TeamViewer (remote access)|

Another option-->

4. Method 3: TeamViewer QuickSupport - for remote control

TeamViewer is known as a tool for remote assistance, but few people know what it can do. transfer control from phone to PC via USB. Pros:

• 🌍 Works even if the PC and phone are on different networks.
• 🎧 Transfers sound from PC to phone.
• 🔐 Encryption AES-256 for security.

Cons:

• The free version limits the session to 5 minutes.
• Requires installation TeamViewer Host on a PC.

Instructions:

1. Install TeamViewer QuickSupport on your phone from Google Play.
2. Install on a PC TeamViewer Host and write down ID and password.
3. In the mobile application, enter ID PC and connect.
4. Connect the phone to the PC via USB and settings TeamViewer select USB connection to reduce latency.

5. Method 4: Unified Remote - control as a remote control turns the phone into a PC, but it works with USB to a limited extent. Main functions:

Unified Remote turns your phone into universal remote control for PC, but it works limited with USB. Main functions:

• 🖱️ Emulation of mouse and keyboard.
• 🎵 Control of media players (VLC, Spotify).
• 💻 Launching apps and scripts.

How to set up:

1. Install Unified Remote on your phone and server part on a PC from official website.
2. Connect your phone via USB and in the application settings select USB as type connections.
3. Enable the necessary modes (for example, Basic Input for mouse/keyboard).

⚠️ Attention: for working via USB in Unified Remote may required disable battery optimization for the application in the Android settings, otherwise the connection will be lost.

6. Method 5: ADB commands - for advanced users

If you need not just to control your PC, but also automate actions (for example, run scripts or emulate keystrokes), this is suitable. ADB. This method requires knowledge of commands, but gives maximum control.

Examples of useful commands:

adb shell input tap 500 500 # Tap the screen at the coordinates (X=500, Y=500)
adb shell input text "Hello" # Enter text
adb shell input keyevent 3 # Press the "Home" button
adb shell am start -n com.android.chrome/com.google.android.apps.chrome.Main # Open Chrome

For control PC from the phone via ADB:

1. Connect the phone to the PC via USB and check the connection with the command:

   adb devices

   (the serial number of the phone should be displayed).

2. Install on the phone Termux or another ADB client.
3. Connect to the PC via adb connect [IP address] (if you use Wi-Fi) or directly via USB.

7. Problem solving: why USB control does not work

If the PC screen is not displayed on the phone or commands are not executed, check:

⚠️ Attention: if you see an error when connecting via ADB data-i="245">, this means that the phone has not confirmed its trust in the PC. Disconnect the cable, restart the phone and connect again - a window asking for permissions should appear. device unauthorized, this means that the phone has not confirmed its trust in the PC. Disconnect the cable, restart the phone and connect again - a window asking for permissions should appear.

8. FAQ: Frequently asked questions about controlling a PC from Android via USB

adb tcpip 5555
adb connect [phone_IP address]:5555