How to connect to another phone via Wi-Fi: all methods with instructions

Remotely controlling someone else's smartphone via Wi-Fi is a task that arises in a variety of situations, from helping relatives with settings to diagnosing a device without physical access. Unlike USB connections, wireless methods require minimal manipulation but have their own nuances, from manufacturer restrictions to the specifics of data transfer protocols.

In this article we will look at all current connection methods to Android and iPhone via Wi-Fi - from standard tools like Google Remote Desktop to professional solutions like ADB over Wi-FiWe will pay special attention to securityHow to prevent unauthorized access to your device and why some methods only work on a local network. If you urgently need to access another phone's files, screen, or settings, you'll find working instructions here, taking into account the latest OS updates.

Spoiler: On a non-jailbroken iPhone, remote control via Wi-Fi is only possible with third-party apps (TeamViewer, AnyDesk), while on Android, built-in tools like Chrome Remote Desktop and ADB are available.But first things first.

1. Connect via ADB over Wi-Fi (Android only)

Android Debug Bridge (ADB) — is a universal debugging tool that allows you to control your device via the command line. Connecting via Wi-Fi requires some setup, but gives you full control over the system (within the permissions). This method works on all Android versions, starting from Android 11, but on older devices it may be necessary root.

To enable ADB over Wi-Fi, first turn on developer mode on the target phone:

  1. Go to Settings → About phone → Build number and tap on it 7 times.
  2. Return to Settings → System → Developer Options.
  3. Activate options USB debugging And Debugging over Wi-Fi.

Next, connect both phones to the same Wi-Fi network and execute the following commands on your PC (or a second phone with a terminal):

adb tcpip 5555

adb connect [target_phone_IP_address]:5555

Developer options enabled|USB and Wi-Fi debugging enabled|Both devices on the same network|ADB drivers installed on the PC-->

⚠️ Attention: After connecting via ADB any application on the target phone can access system commands if it has the appropriate permissions. Always disable ADB after using the command adb disconnect.

If your phone's IP address is dynamic (changes when you reconnect to Wi-Fi), use a static IP in your router settings or an app like Fing for network monitoring. On Android 13+ ADB over Wi-Fi requires password confirmation upon first connection—this can be found in Developer Options.

2. Chrome Remote Desktop (Android/iOS → Android)

Google's official solution allows you to control your Android device from another phone or PC via a browser. The main advantage is does not require root and works on most devices with Android 8.0+For iPhones, this method is only suitable as a "client" (controlling another device from an iPhone).

Setup instructions:

  1. Install Chrome Remote Desktop from Google Play to both phones.
  2. On the target device, select Remote Support → Generate Code.
  3. On the control phone, enter this code in the field Connect to another device.
ParameterChrome Remote DesktopTeamViewer
Root required❌ No❌ No
Works on iOS✅ Yes (only as a client)✅ Yes (full)
File transfer❌ No✅ Yes
Screen lag~300 ms~150 ms

Limitations of the method:

  • 🔄 The session is interrupted when the target phone's screen is locked.
  • 📶 Requires a stable Wi-Fi connection (does not work via mobile internet).
  • 🔒 No access to system settings (only to the screen).

3. TeamViewer QuickSupport (Android/iOS → Android/iOS)

TeamViewer — the most universal remote control solution, supporting cross-platform connections (Android ↔ iOS, Android ↔ PC, etc.). The application does not require root, but for full control over the Android device, you need to grant permissions to Accessibility features.

How to connect:

  1. Download TeamViewer QuickSupport to the target phone.
  2. Run the app and record Device ID.
  3. On the control phone, open TeamViewer, enter your ID and request access.

TeamViewer Features:

  • 🔑 Supports file transfer between devices.
  • 🌍 Works via the Internet (you don’t have to be on the same network).
  • 📱 On iOS, requires installation of a management profile (for screen access).
  • 💰 Free for personal use (commercial use is paid).
⚠️ Please note: TeamViewer on Android may conflict with some banking apps (due to screen recording permissions). Close apps with sensitive data before connecting.

Android smartphone|iPhone|Tablet|Computer|Other-->

4. Vysor (Android → Android/PC)

Vysor — specialized software for managing Android devices from a PC or another phone. Supports both wired (USB) and wireless (Wi-Fi) connections. Requires an enabled device for operation. USB debugging (even for Wi-Fi mode!).

Step-by-step instructions:

  1. Install Vysor on both devices.
  2. Connect phones to the same Wi-Fi network.
  3. Activate on the target phone Debugging over Wi-Fi (as in the ADB method).
  4. IN Vysor on the control device, select Wireless and enter the IP address.

Advantages of Vysor:

  • 🎮 Supports game controllers for management.
  • 🖥️ You can display your phone's screen on a PC monitor in high resolution.
  • 🔧 There is a plugin for Android Studio (convenient for developers).

Flaws:

  • 💸 The free version limits image quality.
  • 🔌 Requires prior USB connection for authorization.
How to speed up Vysor?

1. In the Vysor settings, select the "Low Quality" mode to reduce lag.

2. Disable animations in Android settings (Settings → System → Developer options → Animation = Off).

3. Use a router with 5 GHz support - this reduces latency by 30-40%.

5. Remote control via Samsung Dex (Samsung only)

Smartphone owners Samsung (starting from Galaxy S8) can use proprietary technology DeX for remote control. This method works over Wi-Fi and allows not only viewing the screen but also running applications in desktop mode.

How to set up:

  1. Activate Samsung DeX in the quick settings panel.
  2. Install the application on the second device Samsung DeX (available for Android and Windows).
  3. Connect to the same Wi-Fi and select the target phone from the list of devices.

DeX features:

  • 🖱️ Full mouse and keyboard control.
  • 📁 Access to the file system (with restrictions).
  • 🔄 Multitasking (simultaneous work with multiple windows).
⚠️ Note: On some Samsung models (e.g. Galaxy A-series) DeX functionality over Wi-Fi may be limited - check support on official Samsung website.

6. Alternative methods: AirDroid, AnyDesk, and others

If standard methods are not suitable, consider specialized applications:

  • 📲 AirDroid — file transfer + remote access (requires registration).
  • 🖥️ AnyDesk — an analogue of TeamViewer with lower delays.
  • 🔗 ApowerMirror — screen streaming without root (but with a delay of ~500 ms).
  • 📡 Scrcpy — open source software for controlling Android from a PC via Wi-Fi (requires ADB).

There are almost no alternatives for the iPhone—Apple severely limits remote control options. The only viable options are:

  • 🍎 TeamViewer QuickSupport (with profile installation).
  • 🔍 AnyDesk (screen viewing only, no control).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about connecting via Wi-Fi

Is it possible to connect to another phone via Wi-Fi without their consent?

No. All legal methods (ADB, TeamViewer, Chrome Remote Desktop) require clear confirmation on the target device. The exception is firmware vulnerabilities (exploited only by attackers).

If you need to access someone else's phone without the owner's knowledge, this is violation of the law (Article 272 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation "Unauthorized access to computer information").

Why does it say "device unauthorized" when connecting via ADB?

This means the target phone doesn't trust your computer (or the second phone). Solution:

  1. The target phone will prompt you to confirm the RSA key - click Allow.
  2. If the prompt does not appear, restart the ADB service: adb kill-server && adb start-server.
  3. Make sure Wi-Fi debugging is enabled on your phone (Settings → For developers).
How to reduce lag when using remote control?

The delay depends on:

  • 📶 Wi-Fi quality: Use the 5 GHz band or connect via an Ethernet adapter.
  • 📱 Device performance: on weak phones (for example, Redmi 4A) lag is inevitable.
  • 🌐 Connection method: ADB gives the minimum latency (~100 ms), and Chrome Remote Desktop gives the maximum (~500 ms).

For games or precision activities (like drawing) use Vysor in "High Performance" mode or Scrcpy with settings:

scrcpy --bit-rate 2M --max-fps 30
Is it possible to connect to the phone via mobile Internet (4G/5G)?

Yes, but with some reservations:

  • 🔄 TeamViewer/AnyDesk work via the Internet, but require a stable connection (ping < 100 ms).
  • 🚫 ADB/Chrome Remote Desktop work only in a local network.
  • ⚠️ When connecting via mobile Internet traffic is charged — 500–1500 MB can be used per hour of session.

For stable operation, please configure port forwarding on the router or use a VPN (for example, ZeroTier to create a virtual local area network).

How do I disable remote access after use?

Always end sessions and disable unnecessary services:

  • 🔌 ADB: do it adb disconnect and disable Wi-Fi debugging.
  • 🚪 TeamViewer: Close the application on the target device.
  • 🔒 Chrome Remote Desktop: Remove the device from the list in your Google account.

On Android it is also recommended:

  1. Revoke permissions on Accessibility features for remote access applications.
  2. Remove installed certificates (if VPN or corporate profiles were used).

📖 Read also

How to set up Wi-Fi calling on a Samsung phone: a complete guide A detailed guide to activating VoWiFi on Samsung Galaxy smartphones. Troubleshooting connection issues How to find the name of a Wi-Fi network on an Android or iOS phone Step-by-step instructions on how to view the SSID of a connected or saved Wi-Fi network on Samsung smartphones. How to update Android without WiFi: detailed instructions Learn how to update Android without WiFi. Proven methods using a PC, USB modem, and mobile data. Why does my phone's Wi-Fi turn off by itself? Causes and solutions Wi-Fi on your phone turns on and then immediately turns off? We'll look into software glitches, driver issues, and other issues. How much does Wi-Fi consume on a smartphone: an analysis of traffic and energy consumption Find out how much data and energy your smartphone's Wi-Fi module uses. Background process analysis, mode How to connect to Wi-Fi without a password on iPhone: methods Learn how to connect to Wi-Fi without entering a password on iPhone. QR codes, WPS, iCloud keys, and secure