Control your Android from your PC It's much simpler than it seems if you know the right tools. With AirDroid Personal and AirMirror you can connect, manage, mirror your screen, and even control your phone remotely without root, from either a computer or another Android phone, or use alternatives like scrcpy to control the device from the PC.
In this guide you will find a complete step-by-step tutorial to set up AirDroid and AirMirror, transfer files back and forth, enable remote control, use your phone's camera from your computer, type with your PC keyboard, create backups, mirror your screen, and more. You'll also see how to do this from another Android phone, how to send files offline, and what alternatives exist, such as Phone Link, as well as when to use AirDroid Web or the desktop client.
What is AirDroid and what is it used for?
AirDroid is an app that works as bridge between your computer (Windows or Mac) and your Android phone. It allows you to share files, manage content, and control your phone remotely over your local network or the Internet if you enable remote functions.
Its interface is very intuitive and reminds of a desktop with icons, and you can use it in two ways: with the desktop app or from the web version. There's a free plan and a paid plan with advanced options, such as more stable remote access outside of the same Wi-Fi.
Among its most valued utilities are: transfer files wirelessly, remotely mirror and control your phone, receive phone notifications on your PC, respond to messages and calls from your computer, install and uninstall apps and APKs, locate a lost Android, make backups, and access apps and content on your phone on a larger screen.
Quick installation and synchronization
To get started, download AirDroid on the devices you plan to use. You can install it on Android, Windows, Mac or use AirDroid Web from your browser. Sign in with the same account on all your devices, either with email or your social media credentials.
When you complete the installation on your mobile and computer, sync both devices: Open AirDroid on your phone and log in. Accept any requested permissions, then open the desktop app or web version and log in with the same account. In a few seconds, you should see the phone available to get started.
Part 1: Connect the device to the computer
local connection
If your PC and your mobile are in the same Wi‑Fi network, just log in with the same AirDroid account on both. This is the most direct and stable way for transfers and management within the local network.
Remote connection
If you do not share Wi-Fi, you must enable remote functions On Android, open AirDroid on your phone and go to Me > Security & Remote Features, where you can activate the features you need (remote control, remote camera, notifications, backup, etc.).
With this, your phone will be ready for connect from any networkIf you plan to control the screen without root later, you'll see the specific process below.
Control an Android from another Android with AirMirror
Previous step: install AirDroid on the phone you want to control
The device to be controlled needs AirDroid installed and logged in. The account must be the same one you will use on the mobile phone you will remotely control, since AirMirror works on your AirDroid account, as we explained in our guide for control Android from another Android.
If you don't have root: preparation with Windows or Mac
For remote control without root, a setup step with the desktop app. Install AirDroid for Windows or Mac, enable USB debugging on the target phone (first enable developer options, then enable debugging), connect the phone via USB, and wait for the system to recognize it.
On the desktop client, tap the AirMirror icon (the binoculars) and enter Non-Root mode. Select the connected device and press Connect. In seconds, remote control without root will be enabled. You will need to repeat this process after each phone reboot.
Install AirMirror on the mobile that will control
On the second Android, install AirMirror from Google Play and log in with the same AirDroid accountTap the device you want to connect to, and if everything is OK, you'll see the remote screen and be able to operate it normally.
Fluency depends on the quality of your connection and power of the devices. In the remote session options, you can adjust the image quality; LD mode reduces quality to prioritize smoothness.
Part 2: File transfer in all directions
From PC to mobile
In the desktop app, go to the Devices section, select your phone and drag and drop files to the chat or transfer panel. They'll be instantly sent to your Android.
From mobile to PC
On your phone, open the Transfer tab and select your computer from the list of devices. Tap the attach icon to transfer the data. choose the location and files (photos, videos, documents). You can select several at once and send everything in one go.
Proximity shipping with device detection
AirDroid allows you to discover nearby devices to share files instantlyOn your mobile device, go to the Nearby tab and tap Tap to Search. Grant location permission if requested and select the device when it appears to begin the transfer.
On your PC, go to the Near tab of the desktop client and tap Search. You will see nearby teams in a matter of seconds; select and share them like a conversation.
Part 3: Managing and Backing Up Files
Managing Android files from your PC
In the desktop client, go to File to view the phone's contents. From there you can upload, download, delete, rename and search, as well as checking the progress of transfers. Right-click on the item to see the options. If you want to compare tools, check out our best Android remote control apps to see alternatives and similar features.
Local backups
From mobile: On the Tools tab, tap Backup, choose the destination PC, and confirm. Both computers must be on the same network. for the backup to be performed correctly.
From your PC: Go to the Device Backup section and follow the instructions to configure automatic backup from your phone. You can open the destination folder to check the copied files.
Part 4: Complete remote control of the mobile
Enable remote control
On Android, go to Me > Security & Remote Features and turn on Remote Control. The app will prompt you to install the AirDroid Control Plugin To ensure compatibility without root, grant accessibility permission when prompted.
On your PC, open the Remote Control feature (telescope icon), select the device, and tap Remote Control to connect. You will see the mobile screen on the computer and you can interact with mouse and keyboard.
Remote camera with one-way audio
Activate the Camera feature within Security and Remote Features on your phone and grant permissions. If you wish, enable the one-way audio to listen to ambient sound. On your PC, under Remote Control, tap Remote Camera and choose the device.
AirIME Remote Keyboard
During a control session, press AirIME to write on the mobile with the physical computer keyboardYou'll see a message indicating that the AirDroid keyboard is ready; please note that in some cases, what you typed won't appear until you send it.
Remote access from another phone
If you are going to access from another Android with AirMirror, make sure that the AirDroid app stays in the background on the target device to avoid disconnections. Sign in with the same account and connect instantly.
Part 5: Mirroring your screen on your computer
To project your screen, grant display permissions on your Android from the Security & Remote features. Then, on the PC client, go to Remote Control and press Screen Mirroring to start streaming.
Part 6: Other useful functions
Screen recording
On your phone, go to Tools and tap Record Screen. A pop-up will appear. small floating panel with a camera icon to start or stop. During remote control from your PC, you can also press the record icon to capture what you see.
SMS and desktop notifications
Turn on desktop notifications from Me > Security & Remote Features > Desktop Notifications on your phone. This will open the Android notifications shortcut: authorize AirDroid, confirm notifications, and adjust the options to your liking. Make sure you have notifications enabled in the PC client.
Numeric keypad and calls from PC
On your phone, under Security & Remote Features > Contacts, grant permissions for contacts, history, and call management. On your PC, under Transfer, select the device and go to Numeric keyboard to dial and call from the computer.
If you use the Queue Dial feature, you can import multiple numbers and the system will dial them in sequence. This option is available for premium accounts and displays the numbers listed on the right side of the dialer.
Manage your phone from your PC: modes and web version
If your phone is not rooted, you can control the screen from the desktop client with the Non-Root mode via USB and debugging enabledIf your Android is rooted, simply tap AirMirror on Windows to bring up your phone's screen.
In the web version, locate the AirMirror icon and install the plugin If requested, you can then operate the device with a keyboard and mouse without installing anything on your computer other than the browser plug-in.
Send files without Internet or Bluetooth
AirDroid allows you to transfer files between mobile phones without using data or Bluetooth. Both must have the app installed; the app itself create a temporary local server to which the other device connects to download the files.
On both phones, go to Handoff and tap Search. If they're on the same Wi-Fi network, they'll automatically detect each other; if not, one can initiate the connection and the other can join. A chat window will open. where you can send high-quality photos, APKs, documents, or whatever you need without limits.
Alternatives and comparison: Phone Link and AirDroid Web
Control with Phone Link on Windows
Phone Link, built into Windows 10 and 11, lets you view recent photos, send SMS, manage calls and, on some models, screen mirroring with limited support. Update the app on your PC, install Link to Windows on your phone, sign in with the same Microsoft account, and choose to pair with a QR code.
The QR code will be displayed on your PC; on your mobile, select Link phone to PC, grant camera permissions to scan the code, and accepts additional permissions that are requested. After completing the on-screen steps, you'll be able to access your phone's content from Windows. If you're looking for other options, check out our .
AirDroid Web: Manage without installing anything on your PC
AirDroid Web is ideal when you want a quick and universal solution. You just need to have AirDroid Personal installed on your Android and log in. In your browser, log in to AirDroid Web with the same account and scan the QR code to connect.
Once linked, you will be able to transfer and manage files, activate remote camera and screen mirroring, manage notifications, and more. It's free and works on Windows, Mac, Linux, and even other mobile devices.
Web or desktop?
The desktop client usually offers better performance and more features (especially for stable and continuous remote control). AirDroid Web is perfect for casual use, without installing anything on your PC and with immediate access from your browser.
Additional productivity features
Receive notifications on your computer with interaction
From the desktop app, go to Tools and enable the desktop notifications feature. Grant permission On Android, as explained, and depending on the app, you can interact with notifications to reply to messages or manage calls.
Send content from your PC to your mobile with a gesture
To send files, links or texts, use the Desktop Client Toolbox or the transfer window and drag what you want to send. It's faster than sending emails with attachments to yourself.
Sending from mobile to PC with the Transfer tab
Select your computer from the list of devices and attach whatever you need. Works with all types of formats (photos, videos, music, documents and APKs).
Note on other people's announcements
You may find promotions for training or courses that promise to attract clients effortlessly. These contents are not related with AirDroid or AirMirror setup, so please focus on the technical instructions to achieve the best control and management experience.
With all of the above, you now have the full spectrum covered: Local and remote connection, control from PC and another mobile, transfers, backups, duplication, remote camera, notifications, calls and tricks for improved fluidity and compatibility. Choose AirDroid Web when you want instant access from your browser, and upgrade to the desktop client if you need more stable remote sessions and advanced features. If you prefer to do so from another Android, AirMirror gives you full control without the need for root, except for a brief Non-Root setup after each reboot when necessary. Share this tutorial so other users can learn about AirDroid and AirMirror to remotely control devices..
