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TheCodian's avatar
TheCodian
Iron Contributor
Aug 04, 2025

Does anyone know how to control android from mac?

What's the easiest method for screen mirroring & control? I urgently need to control my Android phone from my Mac. But don't know how to do this. I want to:

  • Mirror my Android screen on my Mac.
  • Control the phone remotely (touch, typing, etc.).
  • Transfer files between devices if possible.

What is the best way to control android from mac now? I tested two android screen mirroring tool, but they don't work very well. 

6 Replies

  • Massum's avatar
    Massum
    Iron Contributor

    AnyDroidCast, one of the best app for screen mirroring and remote controlling Android phone from PC or Mac.

  • Alyvie89's avatar
    Alyvie89
    Iron Contributor

    When controlling Android from Mac, there are several common errors and pitfalls to watch out for to ensure a smooth experience. Here are the key errors to avoid:

    1. Incorrect or Missing USB Debugging Setup
    Error: Not enabling USB Debugging on the Android device.
    Avoidance: Go to Settings > Developer options > USB debugging and enable it before connecting.

    2. Using Incompatible or Outdated Drivers/Tools
    Error: Using incompatible versions of tools like Android Debug Bridge (ADB) or outdated software.
    Avoidance: Ensure you have the latest ADB installed via Android SDK Platform Tools and that your Mac recognizes the device.

    3. Not Authorizing the Mac on the Android Device
    Error: When connecting via USB, the device doesn't prompt for authorization, or you deny it.
    Avoidance: When prompted, always accept the authorization dialog on your Android device.

    4. Connecting via the Wrong Method
    Error: Relying solely on USB without considering wireless options, or vice versa.
    Avoidance: Decide whether to connect via USB or Wi-Fi. For wireless control Android from Mac, set up ADB over Wi-Fi properly.

    5. Ignoring Security Settings
    Error: Using untrusted or insecure networks for wireless ADB, risking security breaches.
    Avoidance: Use secure networks and disable wireless debugging when not in use.

    6. Firewall and Security Software Blocking Connections
    Error: Firewall or security software on Mac blocking ADB or related ports.
    Avoidance: Allow ADB and related processes through your firewall.

  • Daliníinop's avatar
    Daliníinop
    Iron Contributor

    Controlling Android phone from Mac using tools like AirDroid, Vysor, or similar apps can be very convenient, but it's important to be aware of potential security and privacy risks involved. Here are some dangers and precautions:

    Potential Risks

    1. Unauthorized Access
    If your account credentials or connection are compromised, malicious actors could access and control Android phone from Mac.
    Using weak passwords or reusing passwords from other sites increases this risk.

    2. Data Interception
    If the connection is not secure (e.g., using unsecured Wi-Fi), data transmitted between your Mac and Android device could be intercepted by attackers.

    3. Malware and Phishing
    Downloading and installing third-party apps or software from untrusted sources can introduce malware or spyware onto your devices.
    Fake or malicious versions of apps may ask for excessive permissions or steal data.

    4. Device Vulnerabilities
    If your Android device has outdated software or vulnerabilities, remote control tools could be exploited to access sensitive information or install malicious software.
    Screen sharing and remote control may expose sensitive notifications, messages, or personal data to anyone watching or monitoring the session.

  • For ​​Samsung Android phone​​, ​​Smart Switch for Mac​​ allows limited interaction, like file transfers and backups. However, it does ​​not allow full control​​, but it's useful for syncing.

    ✅ ​​What Samsung Smart Switch for Mac Can Do (with Samsung Android Phones):​​

    1. If you own a ​​Samsung-branded Android phone​​, the ​​Smart Switch for Mac​​ app is primarily designed for:
    2. ​​Transferring data​​ from an old phone (Android, iPhone, etc.) to your new Samsung phone.
    3. Backing up​​ your Samsung phone’s data (contacts, photos, messages, apps, etc.) to your Mac.
    4. Restoring data​​ from a backup to your Samsung device.
    5. Syncing​​ certain types of content between devices during setup or backup/restore.

     

    ❌ ​​What It Cannot Do:​​

    1. Control Samsung Android phone from Mac​​ (you can't see the screen or interact with apps).
    2. Mirror your phone’s screen​​ on your Mac.
    3. Remotely access or operate​​ your phone like a computer.

     

    If You want to remote control Android Phone from Mac, You still need a third-party tool like:

    • ​​Scrcpy​​ (best for screen mirroring + full control via USB/Wi-Fi, free & powerful)
    • AirDroid​​ (good for wireless file access and limited control)
    • Vysor​​ (simple screen mirroring via USB, free with ads)
  • AirDroid​​ is a popular app that allows you to ​​access and control your Android phone from a web browser or desktop app on your Mac​​.

    How to control Android phone from Mac free

    ​​1. Install AirDroid on Your Android Device​​ (from Google Play).

    ​​2. Download and Install AirDroid Desktop App or Use Web Version on Mac:.

    3. Sign in with the Same Account​​ on both devices.

    4. ​​You need to enable "Remote Control" in settings and verify via SMS or QR code.

    5. Now, you can view notifications, transfer files, send SMS, and even ​​control the device remotely​​ (with some limitations for free users).

    🔥 Pros: No USB needed, good for file management & notifications.

    ⚠️ Note: Full control features may require a premium account.

  • Wyndham's avatar
    Wyndham
    Iron Contributor

    Scrcpy is actually an excellent choice if you're looking for a free, high-performance, and reliable way to control Android from Mac. Here's what you need to know:

    How Scrcpy Works for Free Control from Mac:

    • Mirroring & Control: Scrcpy not only mirrors your Android screen to your Mac but also allows you to control your Android device using your Mac's keyboard and mouse.
    • Performance: It offers very low latency, so you can interact almost in real-time.
    • Cost: Completely free and open-source.
    • Setup: Requires some initial setup but is straightforward.

     

    How to control Android from Mac:

    1. Install Homebrew (if not already installed):
    Open Terminal and run:


    /bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)"

    2. Install scrcpy:
    In Terminal, run: 

    brew install scrcpy

    3. Prepare your Android device:
    Enable Developer Options (go to Settings > About phone > tap Build number 7 times).
    Enable USB debugging (Settings > Developer options > USB 

    4. Connect your Android device:
    Use a USB cable or set up wireless debugging (more complex).
    For USB, just plug in your device.

    5. Run scrcpy:
    Open Terminal.
    Type:


    scrcpy


    It will launch a window displaying your Android screen, and you'll be able to control it with your Mac's mouse and keyboard.

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