How to Connect Android Phone to PC: Easy Ways and Troubleshooting
Connecting Android to PC goes beyond just photo transfers — it's a smart way to boost productivity, streamline file access, and even control your devices remotely. Whether you're working from home, studying, or gaming, a solid Android-to-PC connection can make everyday tasks faster and easier.
In this guide, we'll show you the easiest ways to connect your phone to a PC, using USB, Microsoft Phone Link, or using DeskIn, a powerful tool to help you achieve Android connected to PC wirelessly. Let's get started!
👀 Related Reading:
Traditional Ways to Connect Android Devices to PCs
The most common ways to connect Android devices to a PC are still the traditional ones — using a USB cable or Microsoft's built-in Phone Link app. These methods are easy to set up and are ideal for transferring files, viewing notifications, or syncing basic data between devices.
Using a USB Cable
Connecting your Android phone to a PC using a USB cable is one of the simplest and most reliable methods. It allows high-speed data transfer without needing an internet connection, and it works on virtually all Android and Windows devices. Here's how you can do it:
Step 1. Use a compatible USB cable (preferably the original one) to connect your Android phone to your PC.
Step 2. On your phone, a prompt will appear. Tap "Charging this device via USB", then choose "File Transfer" (MTP) from the list of USB options.
Step 3. On your PC, open "File Explorer". Your Android device will appear under "Devices and Drives."
Step 4. Click on the device to browse internal storage or SD card, then drag and drop files between devices.
📌 Tips & Common Issues:
Connection not showing? Swipe down your notification panel and manually select the USB mode.
Can't connect to pc? Try a different USB port or cable, especially if using a third-party charger.
Drivers not installed? Windows may need to install Android USB drivers automatically. If not, check the manufacturer's website.
Using the Microsoft Phone Link App
If you want to connect your Android phone to a PC wirelessly, the Microsoft Phone Link app provides a native solution that's great for syncing messages, calls, and media, especially useful for people who frequently switch between devices.
Before you start, make sure your PC is updated to Windows 10 (October 2018 update or later) or Windows 11, your Android device is running Android 7.0 or newer, and both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
Step 1. On your Windows 10 or 11 PC, open or install the Phone Link app (preinstalled on most devices).
Step 2. On your Android phone, download the Link to Windows app from Google Play. Some phones (like Samsung Galaxy) may already have it built-in.
Step 3. Open both apps, then sign in with your Microsoft account or scan the QR code shown on your PC to pair the devices.
Step 4. Once paired, you can view and respond to texts, check notifications, view recent photos, and even make phone calls directly from your PC.
📌 Limits or Shortcomings:
It does not support full file explorer access (you can view recent photos, but not browse entire folders).
No support for remote control or screen mirroring, unless you're using select Samsung or Surface Duo devices with additional integration features.
Can't be used for large file transfers — for that, a great third-party app offers more flexibility. Please read on to explore.
Best Option: Use DeskIn for Seamless Android-PC Connection
While using a USB cable or Microsoft Phone Link can help you connect your Android to PC, both have their drawbacks. USB transfers require physical access and cables, while Phone Link has limited features and only works reliably on select devices.
If you're looking for more flexibility, speed, and functionality, a third-party solution like DeskIn is a much better choice. It is a powerful, cross-platform app that enables wireless remote control, file transfer, and screen sharing between Android phones and PCs. Whether you're working remotely, gaming, or simply trying to move files without limits, DeskIn provides a smooth and secure connection, even on weak networks like hotspots or public Wi-Fi.
📌 Explore More at DeskIn
Remote Control: Fully control your Android device or PC from another device, with support for touch gestures, keyboard input, and game controllers.
File Transfer: Transfer large files at speeds up to 12MB/s, with no restrictions on file type or size.
Privacy Protection: Includes privacy screen mode, device access management (blacklist/whitelist), and email verification for added security.
Cross-Platform Access: Connect across all major systems — Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS — and even use your tablet or phone as a second screen.
Extra Tools: Features like virtual screens, remote camera access, multi-screen expansion, and real-time screen mirroring make it ideal for power users, creators, and travelers.
All these sparkling features have made DeskIn the best remote software for Windows PC and mobile phones. Now, let's see how to connect Android to PC using DeskIn within easy-handling steps.
Step 1. Download and Install DeskIn
Go to the official DeskIn website on both your Android phone and your PC. Download the appropriate version for each device and complete the installation process. click here to download
Step 2. Create and Sign In to Your DeskIn Account
Open the DeskIn app on both devices and sign in using the same account. If you're new, register using your email address — you'll need to verify it for security.
Step 3. Link Devices and Choose Connection Mode
Once signed in, you'll see the device ID and the password of your Android device. Insert them on your PC, and once they are successfully connected, you can then explore the features under Connection:
Remote Control – Fully control your PC or Android remotely.
File Transfer – Send files quickly between devices.
Screen Sharing – Mirror your screen in real-time.
Step 4. Start the Connection
Click on the function you want to use, and follow the prompts to initiate the session. DeskIn will automatically establish a secure connection. Depending on your needs, you can enable extra features like virtual screen, privacy mode, or remote camera within the app settings.
Brief Comparison of Android to PC Connection Ways
Now that you've learned about DeskIn and its powerful features, let's take a moment to compare it with other traditional methods of connecting Android to PC. Below is a detailed table that outlines the pros and cons of each connection method, helping you make an informed choice based on your needs and preferences.
Method | Speed | Ease of Use | Security | File Limits | Extra Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
USB Cable | High (up to 5 Gbps) | Moderate (requires cable) | High (no internet required) | None (direct access) | Direct file access, reliable for large transfers |
Microsoft Phone Link | Medium (dependent on Wi-Fi) | High (easy setup with Microsoft account) | High (Microsoft account security) | Yes (limited file types) | Call, SMS, media sync, notifications on PC |
DeskIn | High (up to 12MB/s) | Very High (easy setup, no cables) | High (email verification, privacy mode) | None (unlimited size) | Remote control, 2nd screen, virtual screen, remote camera, cross-platform support, etc. |
FAQs About Connecting Android Phone to PC/Computer
How do I fix an Android phone not connecting to a PC?
If your Android phone isn't connecting to your PC, ensure that your USB cable is working and that you have the correct drivers installed. Check if the USB mode on your phone is set to "File Transfer" (MTP), and try restarting both devices. If you're using a wireless connection, ensure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network.
Can I use my Android phone as a second screen for my PC?
Yes, with DeskIn, you can easily use your Android phone as a second screen for your PC. This can help boost productivity by providing extra screen space for multitasking.
How can I transfer large files from Android to PC?
If you're transferring large files, DeskIn offers a fast and secure way to move files at speeds up to 12MB/s without file size restrictions. Alternatively, using a USB cable or Microsoft Phone Link may be slower and have file size limits.
Conclusion
There are several methods available to connect your Android phone to your PC, each catering to different needs. While USB cables and Microsoft Phone Link are great for basic tasks like file transfers and syncing messages, they have their limitations in terms of flexibility and advanced functionality.
For a seamless, all-in-one solution that offers full control, fast transfers, and cross-device productivity, DeskIn stands out as the best option. Whether you're working remotely, gaming, or managing files, DeskIn provides a smooth and powerful experience across all devices. Give it a try, unlock its range of features, and connect Android to PC to boost your work and play right away!
