Today's realities are such that smartphones are no longer just a means of communication. Now these devices often store important data, such as credit card numbers, documents, personal photos and much more. For this reason, the loss of a smartphone can be a real disaster and, unfortunately, no one is safe from it.
But then, if the trouble nevertheless happened, you can quickly resolve it using Android remote control. In addition, this feature allows you to access important information, even if your smartphone is not at hand. How to do it? You will find the answer in this article.
What is the point?
To begin with, it is worth considering what the essence of remote control of an Android device consists in. Indeed, despite the fact that such a function appeared a long time ago, not all smartphone owners know about it. But in vain! This is not only very convenient, but also allows you to get out of some unpleasant situations.
So, now in order to connect the phone to the computer, wires are no longer required. It is enough to install a special application on both devices, and then configure the connection via the Internet. By doing this, you can control your smartphone at an unlimited distance.
True, the set of available features depends on the program that you use to provide remote control of Android from a computer. Some applications allow you to completely take control of the smartphone’s file system, others serve to view multimedia, and others serve to determine the location and, if necessary, lock. In general, here it is necessary to take into account the needs of each specific user.
What situations may be needed?
As you probably already understood, remote control of an Android phone is not just another fashionable “trick”. This function will help you out in such situations:
- You have lost your phone, or it has been stolen from you. Remote control of the Android smartphone allows you to determine its location, lock the device, make an emergency call, and even take a thief with a front camera.
- You forgot your phone at home, and it contains important information. This is not a problem at all! Simply log into the device remotely, and then copy all the necessary documents to the computer.
- Your friend asked me to configure something on his smartphone, and you are too lazy to go to visit him. Go to his device and do everything without leaving your apartment.
- You do not know where your child is. If he has a telephone with him, then you can easily determine the place where he is.
In addition, you can drop off information on a smartphone without connecting it to a computer via USB, take photos and shoot videos from a distance, send SMS using the PC interface, and much more.
When doesn’t it help?
Despite all the advantages of remote control of Android from a computer, it has one significant minus. The fact is that you can not use this function if you do not have internet. Sad but true. In this case, both the smartphone itself and the computer from which you want to access it must be connected to the Internet.
Due to such a serious limitation, it is recommended not to turn off Wi-Fi or the network access provided by your mobile operator on your phone. Of course, this will seriously affect the operating time of the smartphone without recharging, but it will at least somehow protect itself from possible unforeseen situations. Whether it's worth it is up to you.
Google app
And now that the theory is over, it's time to move on to applications that allow you to remotely control Android. To begin with, those programs that are aimed at ensuring security will be considered.
The first of these utilities is Google’s Android Remote Control. Most often, this application is already installed on all smartphones out of the box, but if necessary, you can manually download it from the Play Market.
The program allows you to set up remote control of Android through a Google account, and then track the location of the smartphone, turn on the siren on it, delete data, or completely block it. At the same time, you can control your phone both through a computer and from another mobile device.
Please note that this utility is not intended for full access to all functions of the smartphone, but is a kind of “anti-theft”. Also, if you wish, you can remove the program from your device using the "Applications" section in the settings. True, doing this is highly discouraged. Or, before uninstalling Android Remote Control, you can install another program with the same features.
Reptilicus
And here is an alternative to the application from Google. The Reptilicus utility is also designed to ensure safety in the event of a smartphone loss. It has a huge set of useful features:
- Tracks calls and activity on social networks. Simply put, you can find out who the person who has found (or stolen) your phone is calling.
- Locates the device.
- It can block important information stored on the smartphone, or completely block access to it.
- He will inform you of the new number if the attacker decides to change the SIM card.
Along with all these features, the program has a very simple interface. Even an unprepared user will be able to understand it in just a couple of hours. And finally, the utility is distributed free of charge, which is also its huge advantage.
Differences of third-party applications
In addition to programs that provide security using Android remote control, there are those designed for other purposes. Here are their main differences:
- You will not be able to block the phone or determine its location.
- You do not need a Google account to access the device.
- Usually work even on the oldest devices, regardless of the version of the Android OS.
- Allow you to access the file system, as well as view photos, listen to music and play videos remotely.
As you can see, the main feature of such programs is the ability to perform entertainment or office functions. With their help, you can either copy the file you need to the computer without connecting a smartphone, or simply stream photos or videos directly to the monitor.
Teamviewer
One of the best programs for remote control of Android. To set up a connection, just install the application on your smartphone and computer, and then get a special PIN-code. Next, enter this code in the PC version of the program, and you will immediately get access to your mobile device.
The utility allows you to copy, delete and move files stored on your smartphone, launch certain applications, and also view images, videos and text documents. Moreover, you can even install new programs on your device.
Please note that there are several editions of TeamViewer that differ in the set of available functions. However, for most users, the version of QuickSupport is quite suitable.
Airdroid
Another popular program for managing mobile devices based on Android. In addition to basic functions, such as access to the file system or viewing multimedia files, AirDroid also allows you to project all calls and messages from the phone to the computer display.
Another nice bonus is that you don’t have to install a separate application on your PC, and all control is done through a browser. However, those who wish can supply a separate desktop client.
By downloading AirDroid to your phone, you will find that you have not one, but two new applications at once: AirME and AirMirror. The first allows you to precisely control the device from a computer, and the second - just transmits the image from the smartphone screen to the PC.
Airmore
A very useful program for remote access to the phone. To make it work, just install the utility for the computer, start it, and then scan the QR code that appears on the screen with the smartphone. Everything else will be done automatically.
The main functions of the program are access to the file system, contacts and messages. In addition, with it you can configure simultaneous alerts on your phone and PC, as well as make a backup copy of the information stored on your smartphone. Everything else Airmore is free.
Mobilego
A very functional application for synchronizing your computer and phone. Able to work with the file system, as well as programs and contacts installed on the smartphone. Plus, you can make calls and send messages through MobileGo. True, the sound will still be broadcast to the phone’s speaker, but this can be fixed if you have a wireless headset.
To configure remote control, you need to install the application on both a mobile device and a PC. Also, to access some functions, Root rights may be required.
And if vice versa?
Nobody bothers you to use the remote control function in the reverse order. In other words, by installing the appropriate software, you can safely go from your smartphone to the computer and work with its file system, launch applications, open media files and so on. For example, such a function is available in TeamViewer and some other utilities discussed in this article.