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Best remote access software for Android

Best Tools to Establish Android Remote Access

FlexiHub by Electronic Team, Inc. allows remote access to Android devices across an IP-based network. Sharing locally-connected Android devices with remote computers is simple with FlexiHub. The software enables remote USB connection to a network-connected device and allows utilizing its full functionality.

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Olga Weis Olga Weis Last updated Aug 6, 2024

There are many reasons you might want to establish remote access and control of an Android device. Mobile workers may need to access Android devices currently in a different physical location. Remote support teams may need to access your Android to help you resolve a problem or assist with configuring a new app. You might just want to look up some important information on the phone while you are traveling, or view some photos stored on the device.

This article covers the top solutions for remotely accessing Android devices from various operating systems. Readers will learn about different third-party apps designed for both business and personal use, helping them choose the best tool for their specific needs.

Watch our quick overview:

1. FlexiHub

Best use case: Individuals or businesses looking to get the most value from their USB-connected devices including Android phones.

FlexiHub is a connectivity application developed by Electronic Team, Inc. that allows a remote connection to USB-attached Android devices over an IP-based network. This remote USB over network software provides the same functionality as if you had a direct connection to the Android phone or tablet.

FlexiHub makes it easy to connect to network-connected Android phones from anywhere in the world. You can connect to your Android device from desktop or laptop machines running the Windows, macOS, or Linux operating systems. You can even use the Tunnel Server feature to connect to devices attached to remote USB ports on machines without a public IP address.

Top Features:
  • Generate login tokens to allow others to access your account while keeping your credentials private.
  • Secure data transmission with 2048-bit SSL encryption.
  • Tunnel Server for connecting to machines with no public IP address.
  • Automatic device type identification.
FlexiHub

icon pros Pros:

  • Supports Windows, Mac, and Linux machines.
  • Encryption and login tokens keep data secure.
  • White-labeling available in the business version.
  • A free demo is available.

icon cons Cons:

  • The demo version has a five-session limit.
Price: Starts at $14 a month for personal use and $12 for the business version.

How to remotely access an Android phone from a PC using FlexiHub

The following steps will connect your PC to a remotely located Android phone.
  • 1.
    Sign up for a FlexiHub account. You will receive a free, 30-day demo during which you can evaluate and test the product. blank
  • 2.
    Download and install FlexiHub on the machine that is physically connected to the Android device. This computer is known as the server.
    download and install flexiHub
  • 3.
    Install FlexiHub on the client computers that will access the Android phone remotely. blank
  • 4.
    Start FlexiHub on the server and client using the same account and credentials.
    log in to your account
  • 5.
    Find the Android device you want to connect to using the tool’s interface.
    find the android device you want to connect
  • 6.
    Click the Connect button to establish connectivity.
    click the connect button
  • 7.
    The Android device will be visible on the client machine when the connection is complete. You can access the full functionality of the connected device. blank

Connecting to USB devices shared from Android

FlexiHub for Android enables users to establish remote access with USB devices connected to Android tablets and smartphones from network-connected computers.

Attaching a USB peripheral to a network-connected Android device (with an OTG cable) immediately makes the equipment available to client computers that have FlexiHub installed.



Follow these steps to remotely access USB devices connected to an Android phone or tablet:

1
Create a free FlexiHub account on the official website.
2
Download and install FlexiHub on the Android device that will act as the server and the remote client which needs access to the connected USB peripheral.
3
Launch the app and log in to your account. Use the same ID and password to first log into the Android device and then the remote client computer.
4
Connect a USB peripheral to the Android device and verify that it can be seen on the FlexiHub app.
5
Locate the USB device in FlexiHub on the remote computer and click Connect to establish connectivity.

2. USB Network Gate

Best use case: Companies that need to share USB devices across the network and connect with multiple types of platforms.

USB Network Gate is a connectivity tool that provides remote access to phones or any other device attached to a network-connected USB port. Remote access to an Android phone is supported on Windows, Mac, and Linux computers.

USB Network Gate is a flexible and comprehensive solution for accessing USB devices over a network. It’s a great tool for small or large offices that want to share USB peripherals without physically moving the devices. The software uses a standard network configuration that anyone can set up.

Top Features:
  • Supports forwarding of USB devices to virtual environments.
  • Windows remote desktop connections and the Citrix ICA protocol are supported.
  • USB Network Gate’s functionality can be integrated into your hardware and software products.
  • Traffic compression to limit bandwidth usage.
  • Encryption to keep data transmissions secure.
USB Network Gate for Android remote access

icon pros Pros:

  • A free trial is available.
  • Per-session or per-user isolation limits access to sensitive devices.
  • Supports virtually any type of USB-connected device.
  • Runs on Windows, Mac, and Linux machines.

icon cons Cons:

  • More expensive than some alternatives.
Price: A free trial version is available. Paid versions start at $159.95 with custom pricing available for enterprise use.

How to connect to an Android phone remotely with USB Network Gate

  • 1.
    Download and install the USB Network Gate software on the local computer and a remote machine.
  • 2.
    Launch the app on the local machine and connect an Android device to its USB interface.
  • 3.
    Go to the Local USB Devices tab and click Share to enable other machines to access the Android phone or tablet.
  • 4.
    Start USB Network Gate on the remote computer and open the Remote USB Devices tab.
  • 5.
    Click Connect next to the device you attached in Step 2 to establish connectivity.

3. Splashtop SOS

Best use case: Dedicated technical support teams.

Splashtop SOS is a software solution that provides remote access to Android tablets and phones. The company offers multiple versions of the tool with varying feature sets to address the needs of diverse user groups.

The SOS app lets tech support teams connect to remote resources for timely troubleshooting of business-critical systems. All plans include a user-friendly interface, file transfer capability, and allow access to remote machines without the need to install software on the devices.

Top Features:
  • Fast and reliable remote connectivity.
  • Two-factor authentication for secure connections.
  • 256-bit AES encryption protects your valuable data.
Splashtop Android remote access software

icon pros Pros:

  • Free trial version.
  • An intuitive and user-friendly interface.
  • Supports the Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, and Chrome operating systems.
  • Multiple subscription plans.
  • An inexpensive education plan.
  • Multi-monitor display support.

icon cons Cons:

  • Priority technical support is only included in high-tier plans.
  • Limited features in more economical plans.
  • A level of technical expertise is required to install the tool.
Price: Business Access costs $60 to $99 per user. Splashtop SOS runs from $199 to $399 per user and the Remote Support plan is $479 for every 25 covered computers. The Education plan is $29.99 per teacher.

Remote controlling an Android from a PC with Splashtop

Use the following steps to connect your Android with Splashtop.
  • 1.
    Download Splashtop SOS to your computer.
  • 2.
    Download the SOS app to the Android device you want to control.
  • 3.
    Run Splashtop on your computer and click the SOS icon to open the SOS connect screen.
  • 4.
    Enter the nine-digit code displayed on the Android device.
  • 5.
    Click the arrow to begin the remote session.

4. Teamviewer

Best use case: Large technical support teams.

TeamViewer is another remote control solution that runs on Android devices. It allows you to remotely connect to any computer, smartphone, or tablet with an Android from any network-connected location. It supports computers running Windows, Linux, or macOS and enables users to gain complete control over the connected computers from their Android devices.

You can also access USB devices using TeamViewer functionality. The app features intuitive touch and control gestures, two-way file transfers, chat, and contact management. Secure data transfer is enforced with 256-bit AES encryption to keep your data safe.

Top Features:
  • Efficient and secure file transfer.
  • Conduct online meetings from an Android device.
  • Full remote access to desktop machines from Android devices.
  • Cross-platform support for Windows and macOS machines.
Teamviewer for Android Control

icon pros Pros:

  • Free for personal use.
  • Very popular in the business community.
  • Variable pricing plans.

icon cons Cons:

  • Can be an expensive option for small teams.
Price: Free for private use. Paid versions range from $34.90 to $206.90 per month based on the feature set and the number of users.

How to establish a desktop connection from an Android device to a PC with TeamViewer

  • 1.
    Install the TeamViewer app on the Android and TeamViewer on the PC.
  • 2.
    Obtain the TeamViewer ID and password from the remote desktop client.
  • 3.
    Open TeamViewer on the Android and enter the Partner ID obtained in the previous step.
  • 4.
    Click Remote Control.
  • 5.
    Enter the password and click OK.
  • 6.
    Select Continue to establish control of the remote computer from the mobile app.

5. AirDroid

Best use case: Individuals who want to access and manage their Android devices remotely.

AirDroid is an app that provides access to most of the important features of your Android phone without the need to create an account. This app has a user-friendly interface that lets you manage your Android device from a desktop computer. A business version of the app is also available that allows users to manage any endpoint running the Android OS.

Top Features:
  • Remote monitoring makes use of the remote Android device’s camera and microphone.
  • Screen mirroring is supported for devices on different networks.
  • Supports file transfer and management.
  • Provides remote control on all brands of Android phones and tablets.
Access Android device with AirDroid

icon pros Pros:

  • A free version is available.
  • User-friendly interface.
  • 4.3 star review on Google Play Store.

icon cons Cons:

  • The free version limits users to managing two Android devices.
  • A 30MB file limit is enforced with the free version.
  • Remote monitoring is not supported in the free tool.
Price: A free version with limited features is available. AirDroid Premium starts at $2.50 per month.

How to connect to an Android phone with AirDroid

Use the following steps to connect to your Android with AirDroid.
  • 1.
    Install AirDroid on the Android device and accept the permissions request.
  • 2.
    Go to web.airdroid.com using a web browser. The page will display a QR code.
  • 3.
    Start AirDroid on the Android phone and tap the Scan icon in the app.
  • 4.
    Scan the QR code from the webpage.
  • 5.
    Tap Sign In.
  • 6.
    You are now connected and have established remote access to the Android phone.

6. ISL Light for Android

Best use case: Business users who want flexibility in how they initiate remote sessions.

ISL Light is a secure remote access solution for controlling an Android device from a PC. The tool’s impressive list of features includes the ability to establish unattended access to Android phones and tablets. This remote control app lets you connect to mobile devices anywhere in the world that have a network connection.

Top Features:
  • AES 256-bit end-to-end encryption.
  • Supports two-factor authentication.
  • Automatic session recording.
  • Central management of users in an ISL account.
  • Secure file transfer.
  • Manage multiple monitors.
access Android easily with ISL Light

icon pros Pros:

  • A 15-day free trial is available.
  • Supports the Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Linux operating systems.
  • Manage an unlimited number of unattended remote computers.
  • Offers cloud-based and self-hosted solutions.

icon cons Cons:

  • More expensive than some alternate solutions.
Price: Multiple pricing plans are available starting at $145 per year.

How to access a remote Android from a PC with ISL Light

  • 1.
    Create an ISL account using an email address and password.
  • 2.
    Download and install ISL Light on your computer.
  • 3.
    Launch the app and provide your ISL account credentials.
  • 4.
    Click the + sign at the top left to Start New Session.
  • 5.
    Click Invite to send an invitation to a remote user with an Android device.
  • 6.
    Provide the remote user with the session code so they can join.
  • 7.
    After connecting, you can control the remote device from your desktop.

7. Vysor

Best use case: The emulation features make this a great tool for Android developers.

Vysor is a connectivity tool that allows users to control an Android device from their Windows PC. The tool works as an Android app and an extension for the Chrome web browser. Vysor has free and paid versions available, with many more features available for paying customers.

With Vysor, you can use your computer’s keyboard to type on your Android. Point and click with mouse emulation and share your device with network-connected users anywhere on the planet.

Top Features:
  • Mirror and control Android devices.
  • Take screenshots.
  • Fullscreen mode in Vysor Pro.
  • Wireless capabilities in Vysor Pro.
  • Drag and drop files.
  • High-quality mirroring is available.
Vysor remote Android control app

icon pros Pros:

  • Easy to use.
  • Android emulator to assist in app development.

icon cons Cons:

  • Most features are not available in the free version.
Price: Free version with limited features. Vysor Pro costs $2.50 per month, $10 per year, or $40 for a lifetime license.

How to control an Android device with Vysor

  • 1.
    Install the Vysor app from the Google Play Store on your Android device.
  • 2.
    Add the Vysor extension to Google Chrome.
  • 3.
    Enable USB debugging on the Android device.
  • 4.
    Connect the Android device to your computer.
  • 5.
    Launch the Vysor app from the Chrome Apps button.
  • 6.
    Click Find Devices.
  • 7.
    Choose the device you want to display.
  • 8.
    You can now interact with your Android device from your computer.

8. Chrome Remote Desktop

Best use case: Individuals and small businesses that do not need extensive features.

Chrome Remote Desktop is an app that runs inside Google’s Chrome web browser and enables users to access Windows machines from mobile devices. You can use Chrome Remote Desktop running on an Android device to control a Windows computer. The tool does not support remotely controlling an Android device.

If all you need is to access a Windows machine remotely, Chrome Remote Desktop offers a simple solution. It does not have the same features set as paid connectivity tools.

Top Features:
  • Easily connect to Windows machines from any device running Google Chrome.
  • Create secure connections with generated PINs.
Chrome remote desktop for Android

icon pros Pros:

  • Familiar interface to anyone who uses Google Chrome.
  • Easy to use.
  • Good audio and video streaming.

icon cons Cons:

  • Only supports connections to Windows machines.
  • Cannot be used to control Android devices.
Price: Free from the Google Play Store.

How to connect to a Windows machine from an Android device

  • 1.
    Open the Chrome Remote Desktop app on the Android.
  • 2.
    Tap the computer you want to access from the available machines.
  • 3.
    You can control the remote computer in Trackpad or Touch mode depending on your preference.

9. Scrcpy

Best use case: Users looking for a free connectivity tool who have the technical skills to use the product.

Scrcpy is a free, open source solution that enables control of an Android device from a PC. The tool lets users mirror and control an Android phone connected via USB or WiFi. This Android remote control app is fast and exhibits low latency.

Scrcpy works with Android devices running at least API21 (Android 5.0). You must have adb bugging enabled on the device.

Top Features:
  • Screen capture configuration options.
  • Screen recording.
  • Wireless, multi-device, or SSH tunneling connectivity options.
  • Input control options.
  • File drop capability.
Access Android with Scrcpy for free

icon pros Pros:

  • Free and open source.
  • Fast connectivity with low latency.

icon cons Cons:

  • Not as user-friendly as other options.
  • Requires users to build to tool from Github.
Price: Free open source software.

How to remotely access an Android phone from a PC with Scrcpy

  • 1.
    Download the latest Scrcpy release from Github.
  • 2.
    Extract the zip folder in the same Platform tools folder you extracted for adb.
  • 3.
    Choose to replace files in the Platform tools folder when prompted.
  • 4.
    Open Scrcpy and the mirrored phone will appear on your PC.

How to choose an Android remote control solution

We have shown you a variety of software solutions that allow you to remotely access Android devices. Following are some suggestions on the criteria to consider when selecting a product for your personal or business use. You need to compare the tool’s features and rating to find the one that will work best for you.

  • Operating system compatibility - The remote access Android tool you choose needs to support the OS you will use to connect to the device. Make sure the software you buy runs on your computer.
  • Features - All of these remote access apps have the basic functionality that lets you connect to Android devices. The additional features they offer differentiate them, and you should see what they offer and how you can use the extra capabilities.
  • Usability - Look for an Android control app that is user-friendly and easy to use. Keep in mind that not everyone who uses the tool to connect to remote devices will be an expert computer user.
  • Price - Price shouldn’t be the main factor in your decision since a more expensive option may have the features you need. Cost may come into play if more than one tool fits your needs. If the software is licensed on a subscription basis, you should see if there are discounts available for a long-term commitment.
  • User rating - It can be instructive to see how other users view a remote access app for Android. Don’t put too much weight on one positive or negative review. Look for products that have a good reputation in the user community. Try to find feedback that talks about the specific aspects of the software that interest you.

FAQ

Yes, with TeamViewer you can use an Android phone to control another Android phone.
Yes, you can remotely control someone’s phone with some of the remote access tools described above. In most cases, you will need to get permission from the user to access their mobile device.
Yes, you can if you have the necessary privilege level. With Android phone remote access, a malicious actor can install software including spyware of other types or malware on the device.
Unattended remote access allows a device to be remotely controlled when there is no user working physically present at the device. Unattended access enhances the functionality of remote access tools by enabling access to devices at any time, not only when a user grants permission.
Get remote access with USB devices connected to Android smartphones
  • 4.8 overall rank based on 386+ Reviews
  • Get remote access with USB devices connected to Android smartphones
  • 10.76MB Size.
  • Version 7.0.15125. (3 Jun, 2024).
  • Pricing starts from $14/month