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scrcpy is a free, open-source app that mirrors an Android phone on a Windows PC and lets you control it with the PC’s mouse and keyboard. It does not require root access or an app installed on the phone. You can connect over USB or TCP/IP; for the simplest first setup, use USB and enable USB debugging on the phone.
What scrcpy does
The official scrcpy project describes the utility as mirroring Android devices over USB or TCP/IP and allowing control with a computer’s keyboard and mouse. It runs on Windows, Linux, and macOS. In addition to screen mirroring and input, its documented features include bidirectional copy and paste, recording, configurable image quality, and the ability to mirror while the phone screen is off.
Feature availability depends on Android version and device support: the project lists audio forwarding for Android 11 and later, and camera mirroring for Android 12 and later. Do not assume every feature is available on every handset.
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- A Windows PC and an Android phone running Android 5.0 (API 21) or later.
- The Windows build downloaded from the official scrcpy Windows instructions, which point to the project’s official downloads.
- For a wired connection, a USB data cable compatible with your phone’s charging port. The connector varies by phone; the project does not prescribe a particular cable.
- USB debugging enabled on the phone for the normal USB setup.
The project identifies its Genymobile GitHub repository as the only official source for scrcpy and warns against unrelated websites distributing downloads under the scrcpy name. The repository currently labels the software v5.0, but releases can change; check the official project page for the current version and download links.
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Set up scrcpy over USB
- Download and extract the official Windows build. Follow the download link and instructions on the project’s Windows page. Avoid third-party download sites.
- Enable USB debugging on Android. Android’s menu names and locations can vary by manufacturer and version. Find Developer options in Settings and turn on USB debugging. If Developer options are not visible, consult the phone maker’s instructions for enabling them.
- Connect the phone to the PC with a data-capable USB cable. A cable that only charges the phone will not provide the data connection scrcpy needs.
- Authorize the computer on the phone. If Android displays a USB debugging authorization prompt, review it and allow the connection only if you trust the PC.
- Launch scrcpy from the extracted Windows build. The phone’s screen should appear in a desktop window. Use the mouse to tap and click and the PC keyboard to enter text.
Choose USB or TCP/IP
The project documents both USB and TCP/IP connections. USB is a direct wired option; TCP/IP enables a network connection. The project documentation establishes these connection choices but does not provide a universal speed or reliability comparison, so choose based on your setup and preference. Follow the current official connection instructions for the network procedure and any device-specific steps.
| Connection | What it needs | When it may suit you |
|---|---|---|
| USB | A compatible USB data cable and USB debugging for the normal setup. | You want a wired connection and have a data-capable cable available. |
| TCP/IP | A network connection and the setup described in the project’s connection instructions. | You prefer to connect over a network rather than keep the phone wired to the PC. |
Useful controls and file handling
Mouse and keyboard
Use the PC’s mouse to interact with the mirrored phone and the keyboard to type. The project’s documented shortcut examples include:
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- Right-click: Back.
- Middle-click: Home.
- Alt+F: Toggle fullscreen.
See the official shortcut list for additional controls.
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scrcpy supports copying and pasting in both directions. Be cautious when pasting from the computer: the text or other clipboard content is placed on the Android clipboard, where an Android app could read it. Avoid using this method for passwords, authentication codes, or other sensitive content.
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Drag-and-drop files
According to the project’s file-transfer documentation, dragging a non-APK file into the scrcpy window sends it to /sdcard/Download/ by default. Dropping an APK installs it. The project notes that the transfer or installation may have no visible confirmation beyond a message in the console log.
Fix common connection or performance problems
The phone does not appear
- Confirm that USB debugging is enabled and that you accepted any authorization prompt on the phone.
- Try a USB cable that supports data, not just charging, and reconnect the phone.
- For a network connection, check the steps and prerequisites in the official connection guide.
Mouse or keyboard input does not work on some Xiaomi devices
The project notes that some devices, especially Xiaomi models, may require a separate USB debugging (Security Settings) option to inject keyboard and mouse events. If this applies to your phone, enable that option and reboot. It is a conditional device-specific step, not a requirement for every Android phone.
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The mirrored image feels slow
The scrcpy project suggests lowering the mirrored resolution when performance is poor. Its example command is scrcpy -m1024. This reduces the maximum mirrored dimension and may make the stream easier for the PC or connection to handle.
What to expect from performance
The scrcpy project publishes specifications of 30–120 frames per second, depending on the device; 1920×1080 resolution or above; 35–70 ms latency; and about one second to display the first image. These are project-published specifications, not independent benchmark results or guarantees for every Windows PC, phone, or connection.
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