How to Monitor and Manage Your PC from Phone

Why need to monitor and manage your PC from phone?

Your desktop PC or favorite laptop can remain accessible even when you're away from home. Outside of tossing your PC in a sleeve or backpack, there's an easier way to monitor and manage these web-connected computers when you're on the move, and all you need is a smartphone!

What we're discussing is known as remote desktop access. This technology, which allows you to interact with a virtualized version of your PC, has been around for a while and keeps evolving and improving year after year. That being said, there are specific tools and steps you'll need to follow to ensure this PC-to-mobile mirroring works correctly.

How to monitor and manage your PC from phone [5 ways]

You can connect to your PC from your phone in various ways, but the guide below highlights the most popular methods.

Way 1. AnyViewer [high-recommended]

For those looking to control their PC using an Android or iPhone, AnyViewer stands out as the top remote desktop software choice. This app not only offers remote access to your computer but also lets you tweak various settings for an optimized experience. When you connect, you can choose between using a pointer or activating touch mode for enhanced control.

AnyViewer helps monitor connectivity speed by displaying the ping value, allowing you to manage your tasks more efficiently. It includes a built-in keyboard for typing, making your Android phone a keyboard for PC.

It lets you adjust the quality to Ultra-HD, HD, or smooth settings, along with customizable bandwidth. Additionally, you can set the frame rate to a maximum of 60 FPS for smoother performance.

To get started with AnyViewer, simply click the download button below. For more details on downloading AnyViewer products, visit the download page on their website. You can trust that all products downloaded from the official AnyViewer website or app store are safe and free from viruses.

Step 1. Download, install, and open AnyViewer on your PC. Click on "Log in" and then select "Sign up" to create an account. Ensure you remain logged in.

Step 2. Install AnyViewer for Android on your phone. Sign in using the account you created on your PC.

Step 3. Access the "My devices" list, select your PC, and tap "One-click control" for an immediate connection.

Step 4. You can now monitor and manage your PC from your Android device and even run Windows applications directly on your phone.

Way 2. Chrome Remote Desktop

The Chrome Remote Desktop app offers a straightforward way to monitor and manage your PC or Mac from your phone. It provides secure connections with encryption to protect your data during remote sessions. Additionally, for added security, you can set a PIN for access and use secure authentication methods to confirm your identity.

To remotely monitor and manage your PC from your phone using Chrome Remote Desktop, follow these steps:

Step 1. Begin by downloading the Chrome Remote Desktop extension for your web browser. Visit the Chrome Remote Desktop main page, select "Remote Access" on the left, then click the "Download" icon and choose "Add to Chrome" to install the extension.

Step 2. After installation, click "Accept & Install" and follow the setup instructions. Assign a name to your PC, then click "Next." Enter and confirm your PIN before pressing "Start."

Step 3. Open the Chrome Remote Desktop app on your phone, sign in with your credentials, and select your PC under "Remote Devices." Enter your PIN to establish a connection and access your PC remotely.

Way 3. Microsoft Remote Desktop

Microsoft Remote Desktop for Android and iOS allows you to control your PC or remote servers from anywhere using your mobile phone. It's an ideal choice for users needing a secure and reliable method to manage Windows-based systems remotely. The app ensures a protected connection to keep your data safe and allows you to access resources configured by your administrator for a more efficient workflow.

With its Connection Center, Microsoft Remote Desktop offers a user-friendly interface for managing your connections and user accounts, ensuring your sensitive information remains secure.

Part 1: Set up Windows Remote Desktop on your PC

Step 1. Enable Windows Remote Desktop by pressing Win + R, typing "sysdm.cpl," and pressing Enter.

Step 2. In the System Properties window, go to the Remote tab and check "Allow remote connections to this computer." Click OK to save the changes.

Step 3. Press Win + R again, type "cmd," and press Enter to open Command Prompt. Enter "ipconfig" to display a list of IP addresses and note the IPv4 address.

Step 4. Type "query user" to find your PC's name.

Part 2: Access your PC from an Android device

Step 1. Install the Microsoft Remote Desktop app from the Android app store. Open the app, tap the "+" icon to add a new desktop, and wait for the app to scan your local network for available PCs. If your PC doesn't appear, you'll need to add it manually.

Step 2. When connecting for the first time, a security dialog will pop up. Check "Never ask for connections to this PC" before tapping "Connect." Enter your Windows login credentials to access the remote PC.

Step 3. You are now connected to your Windows laptop and can manage it remotely.

Way 4. TeamViewer

TeamViewer is a renowned and reliable app for monitoring and managing PCs from a phone, allowing you to access and manage computers and servers globally. It's especially effective at connecting through firewalls and proxy servers. TeamViewer prioritizes security with robust encryption methods, including 256-bit AES for session encoding and 2048-bit RSA for key exchange, ensuring your data remains secure and private.

The app's versatility extends to two-way file transfers, multi-monitor support, and real-time sound and video transmission, providing a comprehensive remote desktop experience.

Step 1. Download and launch the full version of TeamViewer on your computer.

Step 2. Note the unique nine-digit ID and the four-digit password displayed.

Step 3. Install and open the TeamViewer app on your mobile device.

Step 4. Enter the ID and password into the app's fields.

Step 5. You can now remotely navigate your computer's desktop using your smartphone or tablet's touchscreen.

Way 5. Splashtop

Splashtop is more than just a remote control app for PCs; it's a robust and intuitive tool designed to make remote access and management of computers and servers effortless. With features that set it apart, Splashtop delivers exceptional visual quality, supporting 4K resolution at a smooth 60 frames per second while minimizing lag.

What truly distinguishes Splashtop is its speed and reliability, paired with top-notch security. It provides bank-grade encryption to safeguard your data and privacy, ensuring that your remote sessions are both efficient and secure.

Step 1. Download, install, and launch Splashtop on your PC.

Step 2. Sign up for a free trial of Splashtop Business Access—no credit card required.

Step 3. Follow the instructions to install the Splashtop Business app on your mobile phone.

Step 4. Install the Splashtop Streamer on all Windows PCs and Macs you wish to access.

Step 5. Open the Splashtop Business app on your phone, select the remote computer you want to connect to and enjoy seamless remote access!

The bottom line

This post introduces how to monitor and manage your PC from phone using remote desktop apps, no matter where you are. Tools like AnyViewer, Chrome Remote Desktop, Microsoft Remote Desktop, TeamViewer, and Splashtop each offer unique features for secure and efficient access. This flexibility ensures you can manage your computer easily, boosting productivity and convenience.