How to Use Your Android Phone as a PC Remote With KDE Connect

Going back and forth from your workstation might be inconvenient if your computer also serves as your multimedia centre. It’s difficult to switch back and forth between your phone and your computer when you’re working. Fortunately, there is a strong piece of free and open-source software that can help: KDE Connect.

You can utilize your phone as a touchpad and keyboard, a multimedia controller, a presentation remote, and a file-sharing device with this software. It also delivers alerts to both your phone and desktop, allowing you to stay on top of your communications regardless of which device you’re using.

What Can You Do With KDE Connect?

Once you’ve installed KDE Connect on your PC, you’ll be able to: Check the signal strength and battery life of your phone.

Receive text messages and other types of messaging from your PC.

Use your phone’s clipboard (sending information, such as contact info or a login).

Pinging your phone will help you find it.

Transfer files to your PC.

Look through your phone’s files, such as images or audio recordings.

Another important feature is the ability to control your media playback from your phone. It might be inconvenient to use a mouse and keyboard from your bed or sofa when viewing a movie from a media-center PC linked to a large screen. Instead, you might use your phone to manage your movie and volume.

If the movie or music is playing while your phone is calling, you may configure KDE Connect to halt all media until you end the conversation. This can help you avoid rushing to your stereo before picking up your phone.

You may also customize which devices inform you about which applications to prevent receiving numerous notifications for the same application on both devices. You may deselect notifications from your email client or browser from the app if you want to receive all of your email alerts from a single device.

If you use your work PC to modify slideshows and multimedia, you can do it all from your phone. No more juggling remotes, mice, or volume controls!

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Step 1: Install KDE Connect on Your Phone and PC

First, you’ll need to install the app on each device you’re using. You’ll be able to interact between devices if you have both applications installed.

Download and run the Windows installer from the KDE Connect website. The application is also available for Linux and Mac OS X. While the KDE Connect installer on your PC is running, go to the Google Play Store and install the KDE Connect Android app.

Because it is free and open-source software, it may also be downloaded through the F-Droid alternative app store.

Step 2: Make Your PC Discoverable to Your Phone

KDE Connect allows you to automatically couple your devices.

First, ensure that both devices are connected to the same wireless network. Then, on your PC, turn on KDE Connect. You should see a device menu, ready to link with any KDE Connect-enabled mobile device.

Then, on your Android smartphone, activate KDE Connect. Under the option Available devices, you should see the name of your PC appear.

If the devices can see each other, go to step 3. If they can’t, and you’re unable to pair them, you’ll need to determine your PC’s IP address and pair them that way.

Step 3: Pair Your Devices

To pair, open the KDE Connect app on your phone and touch on your device. A notice will appear indicating that the device is not linked. Select Request Pairing.

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Then return to your computer. A menu will have shown, displaying the pairing request along with the name of your phone. Accept the offer.

Your PC should now appear under Connected devices on your phone.

Step 4: Grant Privileges to Your PC

Now you only need to ensure that the app has the necessary permissions. Fortunately, full access may be granted via the Android app from the preferences menu of your linked device.

To have your PC media halt when you receive a call, for example, you must allow rights to your phone calls. Furthermore, in order to sync text messages between your phone and PC, you must provide access to your texts.

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You must grant phone notification rights if you want to manage phone and computer notifications. Notifications from your phone will appear on your PC notifications in this manner.

If you want to use your phone as a touchpad and keyboard, a multimedia controller, or a slideshow remote, you’ll need to allow additional setup rights. This implies you’ll need to provide KDE Connect access as another keyboard as well as accessibility credentials.

How to Start Using KDE Connect

Now that your devices are linked, you must ensure that they can interact with one another. Pinging your computer is an easy technique to accomplish this. Press the kebab menu (the three dots on the right) in your Android device’s KDE Connect menu and pick Ping. This should send a “Ping” signal to your PC.

Again, you can try the Remote input capability from the main menu by selecting it and then moving your fingertips around the screen. If the mouse cursor on your PC moves, it’s functioning. To scroll down web pages, use a two-fingered scrolling gesture. This will eventually allow you to use your phone as a trackpad on desktop computers.

Choose your favorite website or app from which to play media on your PC to test the multimedia controls. A notice should appear at the top of your device, similar to how you access your phone’s media controls when playing music or video. To ensure that it functions properly, hit the pause and play buttons.

A Multimedia Solution for Your PC

With this app combo, you’ll be able to operate your phone from your computer and vice versa. You may put your phone somewhere else while you manage your messages and notifications on your computer.

With KDE Connect, you can maintain control in your pocket while making a speech, conducting a lesson, or streaming media from your computer.

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