I have an iMac. It is not a laptop. And that makes it impossible to take it from here to there. Sometimes I would love to be able to control my computer from my smartphone. And that is why I have cared to seek the 4 best services available for Android to control a Windows PC from an Android. If you have a Mac, we will talk about the applications that allow us to control it from an Android.
1.- Unified Remote
It doesn't allow us to control our PC remotely from our Android, but it can be a really useful application for controlling some computer programs. To start, we can use your mobile phone as a mouseThanks to the touchscreen, it's like a trackpad, and we have two buttons that act as left and right buttons. However, the app is compatible with certain apps, such as Spotify or VLC, for much more precise control.
3,49 Euros This is the price of the paid version; Unified Remote has a free version, and also a paid version that costs 3,49 euros.
Google Play - Unified Remote
In addition, Unified Remote works by WiFi or Bluetooth, making it a perfect solution when you just want to use your phone as a media remote, keyboard or pointer without exposing your PC to the Internet. It's ideal for presentations, raising or lowering the volume, fast-forwarding songs or control the player from your couch, with predefined profiles and quick controls.
2.- Microsoft Remote Desktop
However, now we are going to talk about applications that allow us to view and control the computer, just as if the screen of our smartphone were the touch screen of the computer. The application we are going to focus on now is Microsoft Remote Desktop. This is the application created by the Redmond company, so it is most likely one of the best available for Android, as long as we have a computer with Windows as the operating system. In fact, that is precisely one of the most notable features, and that is that it is a service optimized for Windows, and not a system that runs on multiple operating systems, so we'd expect the service to work better. The service sends high-quality images and audio from the computer to our smartphone.
Microsoft Remote Desktop It is a free application and is available on Google Play.
Google Play - Microsoft Remote Desktop
Remember that RDP works best in editions Windows Pro and above and, if you are going to connect from outside the home, it is advisable to avoid opening ports and using VPN for an encrypted tunnel. With RDP you can access full desktops, virtual apps, and even environments like Azure Virtual Desktop, with low latency if your connection is good.
3.- Chrome Remote Desktop
Chrome Remote Desktop is an application very similar to Microsoft Remote Desktop. It was launched a few weeks ago on Google Play, after a few months as a Beta. It has been downloaded by fewer users than the Microsoft app, but the truth is that it also ensures good performance, given that it is a Google app. However, this app is compatible with both Windows and Mac, so it's a good option if we have computers with different operating systems, but we might expect it to be a bit worse than Microsoft's app, which is exclusive to the Redmond company's operating system. The app is free and available on Google Play.
Google Play - Chrome Remote Desktop
With Chrome Remote Desktop you can set up a Persistent PIN for unattended access to your equipment and generate single-use codes for remote assistance. All sessions are encrypted, and in some cases the system will ask you to confirm continuity from time to time to strengthen security of shared access.
4.- Parallels Access
And today they have launched an application that works for the same thing, Parallels Access. This application has been developed by one of the most specialized teams in operating systems virtualization. In fact, as we explained to you this afternoon, Parallels Desktop is the most widely used software for virtualizing operating systemsIn fact, Apple recommends it for installing Windows on Mac. Now, they have released the application Parallels Access for AndroidIt was previously available for iPad, and was one of the best apps. Now, both Android and iPhone users can install the app.
20 dollars per year The cost of the service: Parallels Access is a free app found on Google Play. However, using the service isn't free. The price of Parallels Access is $20 per year. It's not free, but it's certainly not too expensive if you're going to use it for work and want quality software.
Google Play - Parallels Access
Advantages and risks of mobile remote access
Controlling your PC from Android allows you to consult documents, recover files, check tasks or turn off the computer remotely. But there are drawbacks to consider: with mobile connections there may be latency, limited interfaces on small screens, and if insecure methods are used, data exposure. Choose apps with strong encryption, 2FA and clear permission policies.
- Connection and slowness: If your PC and mobile don't share a network, you'll be dependent on two connections, and the experience may not be real-time.
- Security risks: Avoid opening services to the Internet without protection; opt for VPN or by apps with encrypted tunnels and 2FA.
- Compatibility: Check that your edition of Windows and your Android are compatible with the chosen method.
5G and Remote Desktop: Real Impact
5G brings more bandwidth, reduced latency and more stable connections, which improves the fluidity of the pointer and keyboard, and the picture quality even with large monitors. It also expands coverage, making it possible to run sessions from almost anywhere without relying on Wi-Fi. If you run demanding apps (design, editing), 5G helps minimize artifacts and stuttering.
Windows RDP with VPN: The Most Secure Way
If you use the Windows remote desktop Locally, just enable it and connect to the private IP. From the Internet, avoid exposing the RDP port: first configure a Home VPN (OpenVPN, WireGuard, or IPsec) on your router or NAS, and after connecting to the VPN, open the RDP app on Android to log in using the internal IP. This way, all traffic goes encrypted and authenticated; you will reduce the risk of attacks on the RDP service.
- Do not open the RDP port to the Internet even if you change it; it is a bad practice recurrent.
- Activate passwords robust and, if the application allows it, two step authentication.
Consolidated alternatives that also work
In addition to our four proposals, there are veteran options with very good quality. TeamViewer y AnyDesk They offer reverse connections, device book, file transfer, remote printing and unattended accessThey can detect intensive commercial use on free plans and request a subscription. Supreme Control It stands out for its simplicity and management of Allowed IDs. Iperius Remote provides end-to-end encryption with TLS 1.3 and DTLS-SRTP, 2FA, zoom and quick shortcuts in your mobile apps, valid for Android ↔ Windows/Mac.
If you prefer VNC, solutions like TightVNC o UltraVNC They work well on LAN, but to go out to the Internet it is convenient to encapsulate them in VPN and not open management ports. And if you're looking for cross-platform simplicity, Chrome Remote Desktop It allows for one-time code support and persistent PIN control, with encrypted sessions and periodic confirmation of sharing.
Accessing files without remote desktop
If you only need your documents, consider direct sync or cloud sync. With storage services like Google Drive, OneDrive or Dropbox you will have immediate access from your mobile. Alternatively, P2P tools like Resilio Sync Sync folders between devices without going through third parties and with encryption, useful for sharing in mode read only and without size limits.
Before choosing, consider whether your priority is full desktop control (RDP, Chrome RD, Parallels) or file mobility (cloud/P2P). For frequent professional use, prioritize solutions with 2FA, end-to-end encryption, and active support; for casual use, Chrome Remote Desktop and Microsoft RDP (with VPN) are simple and reliable options.
With a stable connection, secure apps and, preferably, support from VPNControlling a Windows PC from Android is agile, convenient, and secure: choose the tool based on your scenario, protect access with best practices, and take advantage of 5G when available to minimize latency and maximize image quality.
