Remote access to a phone is one of the most popular features among Android users. With the use of third-party tools, for example - USB over network software, you can easily remotely access an Android device over LAN or Internet. In this article you can find the best solutions on how to provide remote access to Android from PC or another phone, taking into consideration not just features, pros and cons, but also price and flexibility - allowing you to make an informed choice on what’s best for you.
USB Network Gate is a utility that allows you to share USB over Ethernet. It's a secure solution to access Android phone remotely. Available for Mac, Windows, Linux and Android, the connected devices behave as if they are directly connected to the accessing PC or device. Using a standard network configuration with a secure encrypted connection, any device can be forwarded to any other device.
Top choice for: Professionals and entrepreneurs who need to remotely access USB peripherals such as printers or scanners connected to Android devices.
OS: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android
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Single Licence: USB Network Gate is available as a single licence starting from $159.95. For personal and non-commercial use, you can purchase a licence according to the number of devices you want to share, from 1, 2, 10 or unlimited.
Corporate Licence: There are a number of custom pricing options for your organization’s specific needs.
FlexiHub lets you share devices, or invite people outside of your corporation to access your Android devices remotely. Connections can be easily managed with a dedicated team account. You can provide remote diagnostics and maintenance by remotely accessing the client's USB devices.
Recommended for: Tech firms and IT professionals that utilize remote-based platforms to access USB devices for diagnostics, support, and management.
OS: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android
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Here is a short video that demonstrates using FlexiHub for Android:
TeamViewer is a popular remote tool that allows you access your Android or transfer files between your computer and any Android device. You can also manage your computer remotely with your Android phone. With 256-bit AES security and 1024-bit RSA key exchange, you can rest assured that your transfers are safe. You can use TeamViewer to access computers behind a firewall as well, especially useful for remote work.
Who is it suitable for: Ideal for businesses, IT teams, and tech support professionals who need secure and reliable remote access to Android devices.
OS: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux
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Free for personal use.
Single User business licence
1 remote session with one licensed user and only one session at a time, billed annually €20.90/month.
Multi User premium licence
1 remote session with 15 licensed users, 1 user per session at a time. €41.90/month billed annually.
Teams Corporate licence
30 licensed users, 3 users can open 1 session each at the same time. €82.90/month billed annually.
More details on how to remote access your Android device with TeamViewer.
AnyDesk allows you to connect to any device from anywhere. Anydesk is definitely one of the best Android remote access software. It is free for personal use, so you can use functional remote access software for mobile phones with no hassle.
Best choice for: Personal and commercial use, especially for users who require fast and secure remote access and device control.
OS: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux
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Splashtop offers a number of software solutions for remote access, remote support and all your collaboration requirements. Trusted by more than 30 million customers worldwide, Splashtop’s product suite includes a wide array of solutions. For devices running Android 5.0 upwards, you can use the Splashtop streamer or Splashtop SOS apps for remote connection to Android phone. You can view the device’s screen, but in order to control the device you have two options:
Who is it suitable for: Perfect for remote workers, IT support teams, and business users who require high-quality and reliable remote access to Android devices.
OS: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS
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Splashtop offers a range of price plans depending on your requirements.
Easy step-by-step guide on how to remote access your Android with Splashtop.
Airdroid is an application that allows you to control your Android device from your computer. With multi-platform support, Airdroid has been around for over 10 years. It’s available on Google Play or as a web version.
Recommended to: Small firms and individuals who need a simple, versatile solution for remote management of Android phones.
OS: Android, Windows, macOS
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Control your Android devices with Airdroid just in a few clicks.
Access phones or tablets remotely from your computer using ISL Light. This platform is best for remote support sessions. Once you have the app installed on your mobile device, you can then join an open session using a unique session code.
Works best for: Tech support teams that need secure remote access and troubleshooting for Android devices.
OS: Android, Windows, macOS, Linux
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ISLOnline offers 4 different price plans:
Pay Per User - costs $145 per 500min/year.
Professional - $469 per licence / year.
Server - $990 per licence /lifetime.
Enterprise - starts at $23,976 / year.
Scrcpy is a mirroring tool that allows you to connect to, and operate your Android smartphone from your Windows computer. You can open media, run tasks and even download files to your mobile device while connected with Scrcpy. You can view your Android mobile device in a standalone window on your PC, which can be minimized when not in use.
Suitable for: Tech enthusiasts and developers looking for a user-friendly tool with intuitive command-line functionality. Also a top choice for those seeking free, open-source software for Android control and screen mirroring.
OS: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android
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Vysor lets you take your Android or iOS device and emulate it on your desktop, with access to all the apps and files. You can simply share a link to share your device anywhere.
Best use for: Users seeking a straightforward Android screen mirroring solution that requires minimal configuration.
OS: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android
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Costs from $2.50/month, $10/year or $40 for a lifetime licence. Enterprise licences are also available costing $2/per user, per month - with a minimum of 5 users.
ApowerMirror is a Android/iPhone screen mirroring software solution that allows you to control your Android mobile device from your computer. You can record the phone screen, take screenshots and even make real time annotations.
Ideal for: Users looking for one of the best all-in-one Android phone management apps for mirroring, recording, and managing Android devices.
OS: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS
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Starting price is $29.95/month. A business licence starts at $79.95 and is billed annually.
Free trials are available for Mac and Windows.
More information about ApowerMirror Android application.
Control or access an Android phone from another device through remote connectivity with WebKey. This browser-based remote access Android phone application is made for easy remote access to device files, apps, and the camera.
Advisable for: Users seeking a lightweight, browser-based remote access tool with zero complex setup.
OS: Android, Web
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Free for basic use. The premium features start at $6.99 per month.
Samsung Flow is an app designed for easy content sharing between Samsung phones, tablets, and PCs. While it provides convenience, it occasionally faces connectivity issues and lacks advanced cross-platform functionality.
Top choice for
Designed for Samsung users, Samsung Flow helps sync content and notifications between a Samsung smartphone, PC, or tablet, enhancing productivity.
OS: Android, Windows
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Absolutely free on any Samsung-supported device.
DeskDock is a high-performing application that allows you to share your PC’s keyboard and mouse with your Android device via USB. It’s useful for basic control but limited when it comes to wireless support and advanced features like screen sharing or file transfers.
Highly recommended for: Users who need to control their Android device via their PC’s mouse and keyboard. Ideal for boosting productivity and multitasking.
OS: Android, Windows, macOS, Linux
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You have many options when you need remote access to an Android phone from a computer. Selecting the right tool should consider factors such as the simplicity and ease-of-use of the app as well as its ability to establish connections reliably. One of the applications mentioned above may serve your needs, but the most secure and reliable solution to managing a smartphone over a network is USB Network Gate.