Best Apps to Control Your Computer from Your Phone

A few months ago I found myself in an awkward situation: I was on the couch with my phone when I needed to access a file on the PC in the other room. Instead of getting up, I opened an app and controlled the computer from the couch. The best apps to control your computer from your phone let you do exactly this: manage your PC or Mac as if you had the keyboard and mouse in your hands.

Table of contents

What controlling your PC from your phone is useful for

Before getting into the apps, it’s worth understanding the situations where controlling your computer from your phone is especially useful.

Presentations and meetings

If you do work presentations, controlling slides from your phone is much more comfortable than being glued to the keyboard. You can walk around the room while changing slides and the audience won’t even notice you’re using your phone as a remote.

Multimedia and entertainment

Controlling your video player, Spotify, or Plex from the couch without needing a physical remote. It’s like having a universal remote for your entertainment PC.

Real remote access

If you leave your computer on at home, you can access files, run programs, or even shut down the PC from anywhere. Very useful if you forgot an important document.

Multitasking productivity

Using your phone as an additional trackpad, as a numpad, or as a control panel for specific software (video editing, music, development).

Pro-tip: For remote access outside your home, make sure your PC has “Wake on LAN” enabled in BIOS. This lets you turn on the computer remotely if it was shut off.

TeamViewer: the classic remote control app

TeamViewer is probably the best-known app for controlling your computer from your phone. It’s been on the market for years and works on practically any platform.

How it works

You install TeamViewer on your PC and phone, create an account, and link both devices. From the phone app you can see the PC screen in real time, control the mouse and keyboard, transfer files, and even chat.

Advantages

• Works from anywhere (not just same network)
• Compatible with Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS
• Integrated file transfer
• End-to-end encrypted connection
• Free plan for personal use

Disadvantages

• Image quality depends on connection
• Can be slow on slow connections
• Free plan has limitations (shorter sessions)

AnyDesk: the faster alternative

AnyDesk competes directly with TeamViewer but stands out for its speed. Its proprietary DeskRT protocol is designed for the lowest latency possible, which is especially noticeable on slow connections.

Why choose AnyDesk

If the priority is remote control smoothness, AnyDesk is usually faster than TeamViewer. The image updates faster, the mouse cursor moves with less delay, and the overall experience feels more native.

Setup

The process is similar to TeamViewer: install on PC and mobile, connect with an ID and password. AnyDesk also allows direct IP connections on the same network, which are faster and don’t depend on external servers.

My experience

I’ve used AnyDesk to control my desktop PC from my phone when I’m in another room and the smoothness is noticeably better than other options. If you need speed, AnyDesk is my recommendation.

Microsoft Remote Desktop: native Windows integration

If your PC runs Windows Pro or Enterprise, Microsoft Remote Desktop is a free and very integrated option.

Advantages of native integration

Being an official Microsoft app, Remote Desktop takes advantage of Windows’ RDP protocol which is very efficient. Image quality is excellent, it supports multiple monitors, and lets you redirect folders, printers, and clipboard between devices.

Limitations

Only works with Windows Pro or Enterprise (not Home). Requires manual port configuration if you want to access from outside the local network. Not as simple as TeamViewer for non-technical users.

Basic setup

1. Go to Settings > System > Remote Desktop on your PC
2. Enable “Enable Remote Desktop”
3. Note your PC name or local IP
4. In the mobile app, add the connection with those details
5. Enter your Windows username and password

Pro-tip: Microsoft Remote Desktop is the best option if you only use Windows and stay on the same WiFi network. For external access, TeamViewer or AnyDesk are simpler.

Other standout remote control apps

There are more options in the market for apps to control your PC from your phone worth mentioning.

Chrome Remote Desktop

Free and very simple. You only need Chrome on your PC and the app on your phone. Installation is trivial and it works both on local network and from outside. The limitation is that you depend on Chrome and it doesn’t have as many features as TeamViewer.

Unified Remote

This app isn’t a full remote desktop but a specialized remote control. It includes specific controls for video players, Spotify, PowerPoint, Netflix, and dozens of apps. Ideal for entertainment and presentations.

KDE Connect (and GSConnect for GNOME)

If you use Linux, KDE Connect is essential. It lets you control the PC, transfer files, use your phone as a trackpad, receive PC notifications on your phone, and much more. GSConnect is the version for GNOME desktops.

Parsec

Designed mainly for remote gaming, Parsec offers very low latency that makes it perfect for playing from your phone to your PC. If your goal is gaming, Parsec is superior to general options.

How to choose the best app for you

With so many options, the best app to control your computer from your phone depends on your specific use case.

For full remote access

TeamViewer or AnyDesk. They’re the most complete and easiest to set up. TeamViewer if you value brand and stability. AnyDesk if you prioritize speed.

For home same-network use

Microsoft Remote Desktop (if you have Windows Pro), Chrome Remote Desktop, or KDE Connect (Linux). Less configuration and better performance on local network.

For presentations

Unified Remote or your software’s specific presentation app (PowerPoint has built-in remote control). Touch control from your phone as a presentation clicker is very comfortable.

For remote gaming

Parsec is the best option for its low latency. Steam Link also works well if you only use Steam.

For multimedia entertainment

Unified Remote. It has specific controls for each multimedia app that go far beyond a simple virtual keyboard and mouse.

Security tips for remote control

Controlling your PC from your phone involves some security risks you should keep in mind.

Use strong passwords

Never use simple passwords for your remote connections. If someone gets your TeamViewer ID and guesses your password, they have full access to your PC.

Enable two-factor authentication

Both TeamViewer and AnyDesk support two-factor authentication. Always enable it. It adds an extra layer that makes unauthorized access practically impossible.

Disconnect when not in use

Don’t leave remote control sessions open permanently. Connect when you need to and disconnect afterward.

Update regularly

Remote control apps are a popular attack vector. Always keep the most current version to have the latest security patches.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions

Does remote control work without internet?

On the same WiFi network yes, as long as the app supports it (AnyDesk and TeamViewer allow local connections via IP). For access from outside your home you need internet.

Can I control my PC if it’s shut off?

Not directly. You need to enable “Wake on LAN” in your PC’s BIOS and use an app that supports this function. Some apps like TeamViewer can wake the PC remotely if configured correctly.

How much internet speed do I need?

For basic remote control (desktop, files) 5 Mbps is sufficient. For video or remote gaming you need at least 15-20 Mbps with low latency.

Can I use my phone as keyboard and mouse without seeing the PC screen?

Yes, apps like Unified Remote and Remote Mouse work as virtual keyboard and mouse without needing to stream the PC screen. They’re lighter and faster.

Conclusion

The best apps to control your computer from your phone have reached a level of maturity where the experience is smooth and reliable. Whether TeamViewer for full access, AnyDesk for speed, Microsoft Remote Desktop for Windows integration, or Unified Remote for entertainment, there’s a perfect option for every need. Try it and you’ll discover your PC and phone work much better together.