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You’ve probably heard of apps like Team Viewer and Google Chrome Remote Desktop. These applications are generally used for remote access from one device to anotherand are useful for controlling the computer from the mobile. There are several, but one of the most popular is AnyDesk, not only because it works well, but because it is completely free for personal use.
AnyDesk doesn’t require advanced computer skills or anything like that, you just need to have a stable WiFi connection and smartphone, Android or iPhone. It’s a really comprehensive app, so let’s see how it’s used and how to get all the juice out.
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How to download and configure AnyDesk
The basis for the operation of AnyDesk is the DeskRT codec. This one, which was developed by the company itself, is able to compress and transfer the image of a device « without any problem, even with a bandwidth of only 100 kb per second ». It doesn’t require any kind of weird configuration by the user, to the point that no program should be installed on the computer. It is an executable that you will launch only and exclusively when you want to use it.
For those who are concerned with security. AnyDesk uses TLS 1.2 and RSA 2048 encryption to verify user identity
How it works? Very simple. The first thing you need to do is go to AnyDesk website and download the client for your desktop operating system. It’s available for Windows, macOS, Linux, FreeBSD, and Raspberry Pi. Once you have it, go to Google Play and download the Android app. You must have installed the app on both devicesYes, because you will need to complete the following steps:
- Run the downloaded file on your PC or Mac.
- A window with a nine-digit code appears.
- Open the app on your mobile.
- In the « Other Tasks » section, enter the nine-digit code displayed on the computer.
- On the computer, a window will appear in which you will have to accept the incoming connection. Do it.
This code is that you need to enter on your mobile to connect to the computer.
When you accept the connection, your computer screen immediately appears on the mobile and you can control it as usual. It is important to note that you do not need to be connected to the same WiFi network as the computer, so you can use AnyDesk to, for example, control the home office PC, and vice versa.
Understanding the controls
By default, the activated controls are tactile, so to manipulate yourself through the interface, you will need to know what each gesture does:
- Swipe with one finger: move the cursor.
- Press: left click.
- Long press: right click.
- Long press twice (hold the second press): select.
- Swipe with three fingers: scroll the screen.
These are the basics, but let’s go deeper. During the remote session, you will see that a black button appears with the logo of the app. If you hold it down, a cake drop-down menu will appear with different access. The first concerns the parameters from which we can modify the data entry, the quality of the streaming and the sound. Do not touch anything, because it is configured, it works perfectly.
The button below (marked in yellow) is the options d’introduction, which is divided into five sections. From top to bottom:
- Special buttons like F1, system key, command, etc.
- Keyboard: open the default keyboard that you have configured on your mobile (although when you click on a text box, it does so automatically).
- Mouse emulation: this is the default mode, you control the computer screen with basic mouse gestures.
- Touchpad emulation: AnyDesk will make the mobile screen behave like a “touchpad” on the computer.
- Transmit gestures: the app transfers gestures from the phone to the computer, provided they are compatible.
The next button is used to change monitor, something not too useful if you only have one. However, if you had two screens connected in turn, you can switch between them. In general, you will use it rather little.
All actions available on AnyDesk
The third button is the ActionsIt is interesting to know what this is for. From top to bottom, the functions are:
- Take a screenshot.
Move the AnyDesk button to another location. - Download files to the remote computer: when you touch them, your mobile’s file manager opens. Select the desired file and, on your computer, press Ctrl + V to paste it.
- Download the file from the computer: you just have to copy any file from your computer (right click> copy) and click this button to download the file to your mobile.
- Request Elevation: This function requests administrator access to the remote device.
- Send the command Ctrl + Alt + Del to the remote device.
- VPN activation: if supported by the computer, a « tunneled » connection will be applied to the session.
- Confidentiality mode: the session will become private.
The last button, which appears as an X below, is used to disconnect instantly. This is quick access to avoid having to tap and close it from the main app window.
And can the mobile be controlled from the computer?
Remotely controlling a Xiaomi with Android 10 using AnyDesk
Yes, but not all devices (It will depend on the manufacturer and the Android version). To access the mobile control from the computer, it is necessary to allow AnyDesk to appear above other applications. Once the authorization has been granted and as long as the mobile is compatible, the mouse can transfer the keys to the mobile remotely.
To control the phone remotely, you need to allow AnyDesk to overlap other apps
In addition to controlling the mobile from the computer, which is not possible on all models, AnyDesk allows you to see the phone screen remotely. This can be useful, for example, when a family member calls you because something is wrong with your mobile. If you install the app, you can give you directions and mark where you need to press.
In case you have a Samsung mobile or tablet, you will need to perform a few more steps to view (and control) the mobile screen on the computer:
- Open the app on your Samsung and give it all the necessary permissions.
- On your computer, enter the nine-digit code that appears on the mobile.
- Accept the Knox terms and conditions which will appear on your mobile.
- When finished, the mobile screen will be played on the computer and you can control it with the mouse as if it was your finger.
If you are using a mobile with physical buttons (for example, we tested it on a Galaxy S7 edge), to go back, you will have to press the « Esc » key. If you have a Samsung Galaxy S9 or Galaxy S8, which has the navigation bar integrated into the screen, you shouldn’t have a bigger problem. By the way, you can control the mobile from another mobile, you don’t need to use the computer.
AnyDesk, advantages and disadvantages
What is certain is that AnyDesk works really well. When you control the computer from the mobile, the response is instantaneous, although sometimes you have to be very precise with the keys. For example, I am using an ultra wide monitor so the screen looks a bit small and you have to make it bigger if you want to play well and not accidentally close a window.
Sending files is magicIt works great, great even with relatively large files, and the fact that you don’t have to configure anything makes the experience pretty good.
Saving the little fluidity when controlling the mobile from the PC, AnyDesk works perfectly and fulfills its mission
It is also possible For writing. In fact, I am writing this paragraph controlling the computer from the mobile and, although it is true that I do it more slowly than if I were using the PC keyboard (because we cannot activate the automatic corrector, mainly ), we cannot order more.
It’s hard to put a single take, to the point that the only negative point is that it does not control all Android phones or iPhones. For the rest, it is a highly recommended application and, for more information, completely free for private use. If you want to use it at the corporate level, prices start from five euros.
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