How To Cast Your Android Screen Onto Your Linux Desktop

Casting your Android screen onto your Linux desktop can be incredibly useful for various tasks, such as presentations, app development, and media viewing. Here are the most effective methods to achieve this, ensuring you have the latest and most efficient tools at your disposal.

Wireless Casting Using AirDroid

AirDroid is a versatile tool that allows you to operate your Android device from your Linux desktop, including screen casting. Here’s how to set it up:

• Download and Install AirDroid Cast: Get the AirDroid Cast app from the Google Play Store or the official AirDroid website.
• Launch the App: Open the AirDroid Cast app on your Android device.
• Connect via Web: On your Linux desktop, open a web browser and navigate to webcast.airdroid.com. You will see a QR code and a cast code. Scan the QR code using the AirDroid Cast app or enter the cast code manually.
• Accept the Request: Once connected, accept the casting request on your Linux desktop. Your Android screen will now be mirrored to your Linux system.
• Additional Features: AirDroid Cast allows you to rotate the screen, enter full-screen mode, and even turn on the microphone for better communication, making it ideal for meetings and presentations.

Wireless Casting Using Screen Cast

For a more minimalistic approach with lower latency, you can use the Screen Cast app:

• Download and Install Screen Cast: Get the Screen Cast app from the Google Play Store.
• Launch the App: Open the Screen Cast app on your Android device and tap the “Start” button.
• Enter the URL: In the confirmation window, tap “Start Now” and enter the displayed URL in your Linux desktop’s web browser.
• Password Protection: To add an extra layer of security, you can enable password protection by going to the app’s settings and selecting the “Required password for viewing screen cast” option.

USB Casting Using Scrcpy

If you prefer a wired connection or need more control over your Android device, Scrcpy is an excellent option:

• Enable USB Debugging: On your Android device, go to Settings > System > About Phone and tap the build number several times to enable Developer Options. Then, enable USB debugging.
• Install Scrcpy: On your Linux desktop, install the scrcpy package. For Ubuntu-based systems, you can use the following commands:

  sudo apt-get update
  sudo apt-get install adb
  sudo apt-get install snapd
  sudo snap install scrcpy
  

  For other distributions, refer to the Scrcpy documentation.

• Connect Your Device: Connect your Android device to your Linux desktop using a USB cable.
• Run Scrcpy: Open a terminal window and type scrcpy to start the screen mirroring. Your Android screen will be displayed on your Linux desktop, and you can interact with it in real-time.

Benefits of Scrcpy

• High Resolution Mirror: Scrcpy provides a high-resolution mirror of your Android screen.
• Real-Time Interaction: You can interact with your Android device using your computer keyboard and mouse.
• No Root Required: Scrcpy does not require root access on your Android device.
• Clipboard Sync: It supports clipboard synchronization between your Android device and Linux desktop.

Additional Tips

• Network Requirements: For wireless casting, ensure both your Android device and Linux desktop are connected to the same network.
• Performance Optimization: If you encounter any lag while using Scrcpy, you can adjust various configuration settings to improve performance.
• Security: Always ensure that you are using the latest versions of the software to avoid any security vulnerabilities.

By following these steps, you can seamlessly cast your Android screen onto your Linux desktop, enhancing your productivity and flexibility.