How to Show Any Phone Screen on a Windows Computer

This article explains how to use free apps to mirror or control your Android from your Windows PC. It works in most versions of Windows, including Windows 11 and Windows 10.

How to Mirror Your Android Screen on Windows

AirDroid is an amazing free app that lets you easily access your phone's files, music, call logs, contacts, and more from any computer's web browser. Here's how to use AirDroid to mirror your Android screen on your PC:

1. Download AirDroid on your phone, and then open the app.

2. From the Transfer tab, select Android Web, and take note of the IP address (yours will likely be different than mine).

3. Enter that URL into a web browser on your computer.

4. Select Accept on your phone to allow the connection.

5. Select Mirroring from the newly opened AirDroid page on your computer.

6. Confirm the request on your phone by selecting Start now. You can now see your Android screen on your computer!

How to Control Android Remotely From Windows

Some apps let you take control of your Android phone from a computer. AnyDesk is one example of a remote access tool with that capability. It's completely free and works in both directions (i.e., you can also use your phone to control your computer). Here's how this works:

1. Download AnyDesk on your phone, and then open it.

2. Tap OK on the prompt to install a plugin, followed by Install in the Play Store and then Agree back in AnyDesk.

3. When the accessibility settings open, tap AnyDesk Control Service AD1, followed by the toggle next to the option of the same name.

4. Next, select Allow.

5. Now it's time to remote into your phone from your computer. Download AnyDesk for Windows and then open the app.

6. In the Enter Remote Address box at the top of the screen, type the 10-digit address displayed in the AnyDesk Android app and press Enter.

7. From your phone, press Accept, then Accept again, and finally Start now.

8. Your phone screen is now displayed on your computer. You can view the screen remotely and, if you select the proper permissions from the mobile app, control the screen using your PC's mouse.

Other Screen Sharing Options

The methods described above are the easiest ways to see your Android phone from a computer. Below are additional options for both Android and iOS.

Screen Casting

Apple does not prioritize interoperability between iOS and iPadOS with Windows. To cast an iPhone or iPad screen to a Windows display, you'll need special software that translates the AirPlay standard.

If your Android settings include a Cast or a Wireless Display feature, running the built-in Connect app on Windows will display the screen. If those Android options are absent, though, Windows cannot display the phone's screen.

Third-Party Apps

A broad ecosystem of apps bridges the gap between Android, iOS, iPadOS devices, and Windows 10 computers. These apps vary in capability and price points. Because these programs do the heavy lifting of serving as an intermediary, they tend to work regardless of which specific release of an operating system you have. Options include:

ApowerMirror: Supports AirPlay mirroring for iOS and iPadOS and mirroring plus a remote control for Android devices.

LetsView: A Windows app that mirrors Android, iOS, and iPadOS screens. It offers additional benefits, such as whiteboarding and remote PowerPoint control, to serve business and educational needs.

Scrcpy: A fully multi-platform, open-source solution, Scrcpy works as a shell utility. It mirrors an Android screen through a USB or wireless connection, no rooting required. This tool is ideal for people with some technical skill and no desire for the paid addons of commercial alternatives.

Vysor: Display and control an Android or iOS device. It comes in free and paid versions. The paid version offers significant additional features like full screen mode and wireless connectivity.