Controlling your Android device from the Linux desktop

Mind Meld

Article from Issue 292/2025
Author(s):

You don't have to be an expert to imagine situations where it would be useful to control an Android phone or tablet from the Linux desktop. Whether you are syncing notifications, sharing files, or even mirroring the screen, Linux has the tools for the task.

Controlling your Android from Linux opens up exciting possibilities. Perhaps you want to browse the Android directories for a file? Maybe you wish to view a video captured on the Android? Linux provides several useful tools for connecting Linux with an Android device. This article rounds up some of the favorites.

In order to undertake these exercises, you'll need:

  • a Linux box (I'm using Ubuntu 24.04, but any modern distro will do)
  • an Android device (I'm using my phone)
  • a USB cable
  • a fair Internet connection

[...]

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