Mirror and Control Your Android Device on Linux using Scrcpy

Key Notes

• Scrcpy allows easy control of Android devices without requiring installation on the phone.
• Supports high-quality mirroring and recording features.
• Available for various connection methods: USB and Wi-Fi.

Unlock the Power of Your Android Device with Scrcpy on Linux

Scrcpy is an innovative open-source solution designed for Linux users wanting to control and mirror their Android devices. This guide will walk you through the essentials of installation and usage of Scrcpy, empowering you to maximize the potential of your Android device seamlessly.

The Advantages of Using Scrcpy for Android Control

Scrcpy stands out from other screen-sharing applications for a multitude of reasons:

• No app installation is required on your Android device, eliminating the hassle of permissions and root access.
• Being a lightweight, open-source tool, Scrcpy provides exceptional performance while allowing scripting and customization.
• In addition to screen mirroring, it offers the capability to record video and audio from your Android device, ideal for tutorial creation or gameplay captures.

Key Features of Scrcpy

Here are some remarkable features of Scrcpy:

• Works without requiring internet access or registration accounts.
• High-quality mirroring capabilities (1920×1080 or higher) with minimal latency (35-70ms).
• Supports audio streaming for Android 11 or higher.
• Enables bi-directional clipboard access.
• Can function as a webcam, and offers camera mirroring for Android 12 and above.
• Comprehensively supports multi-device mirroring and operations.

Getting Started: Installing Scrcpy on Linux

Prior to installing Scrcpy, you first need to have adb (Android Debug Bridge) set up on your Linux system. You can install it using the respective command for your Linux distribution:

Ensure You Install the Latest Version of Scrcpy for More Features

For advanced functionalities like audio forwarding, you need to install the latest version of Scrcpy (currently version 2.4).

Start by verifying your dependencies:

Clone the Scrcpy repository using git clone, then navigate into the directory and execute the installation script:

Now, you are ready to connect to your Android device through USB or wirelessly.

Connecting Your Android Device via USB

Follow these steps to connect your Android phone:

1. Enable Developer Options by navigating to Settings -> System -> About phone and tap on Build number seven times.
2. Return to System and enable USB Debugging.
3. Use a USB cable to connect your phone to your Linux system.
4. Execute scrcpy in the terminal to initiate mirroring.

Disconnect by pressing Ctrl + C.

Connecting Your Android Device Wirelessly

For a wireless connection, follow these steps:

1. Connect your Android device to Linux via USB and check its IP address using the adb command.
2. Configure TCP/IP connection and disconnect the USB cable.
3. Connect to your Android device wirelessly using the command with the specified port and IP address.
4. Run scrcpy for the wireless setup.

Disconnect using Ctrl + C.

Practical Usage Examples of Scrcpy

Step 1: Change Window Title

Modify the displayed title of the Scrcpy window with the --window-title flag.

Step 2: Record Your Android Screen

Use -r or --record to capture your Android screen:

Step 3: Customize Your Window Size

Set a maximum width and height with -m or --max-size.

Uninstalling Scrcpy from Linux

If you decide to remove Scrcpy, execute the command corresponding to your installation method:

Summary

Scrcpy provides a versatile and efficient method to control and mirror your Android device on Linux without the need for application installations on the device itself. It offers robust features such as screen recording and audio streaming, making it an essential tool for Android users seeking full control from their Linux systems.

Conclusion

With Scrcpy, you have a powerful, open-source solution for managing your Android device directly from your Linux system. Whether for personal use or development purposes, mastering Scrcpy will facilitate seamless control and enhanced productivity.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)