How to use an Android smartphone as a PC wireless keyboard and mouse

Earlier this year, we introduced you to TeamViewer – an awesome app used for controlling a computer remotely, even over the internet. In a nutshell, this handy tool displays the PC or Mac's desktop right on your smartphone's screen. However, that kind of setup is a bit of an overkill in some instances. For example, let's say that you've connected your laptop to an HDTV, enjoying some YouTube videos on the big screen. But at the same time, you don't happen to own a wireless keyboard or mouse, and getting off the couch in order to change what's playing is anything but convenient.

That's just a single example of a situation, in which a very useful app called RemoteDroid could be extremely useful. Basically, it turns your Android smartphone into a wireless touchpad and keyboard that connects to a computer over Wi-Fi. In this step-by-step how-to guide, we'll show you how it works.

How to use an Android smartphone as a computer mouse

1. Download the Server App

The first step is to open the RemoteDroid home page and download the server application onto your computer. Extract the .ZIP archive to a desired location. No complex installation procedure is required at this time.

2. Get Java, if needed

If you have Java installed on your computer, you can skip over to the next step. In case you don't, download Java and install it. It is free and takes about a minute or so to install. In case you aren't sure whether you have the software installed or not, visit this web page and double check.

3. Start the RemoteDroid server

Now run the file named "RemoteDroidServer.JAR" by double-clicking on it. If it doesn't work, try running the "RemoteDroidServer.BAT" file instead. If that fails too, right-click on the ".JAR" file and from the "Open With" option select Java Platform SE Binary. The window you see in the picture should be now open. At this time, your firewall might pop-up, asking you to allow the server to connect to the network. Click Allow, confirm, or whatever, and don't close the server app.

4. Install RemoteDroid on your device

Now it is time to install RemoteDroid on your Android smartphone. The free app is all you currently need, so get it from the Play Store and open it. It will ask you to enter your computer's IP address.

5. Input your computer's IP address

The RemoteDroid Server app running on the computer will display your computer's IP address. Enter it as shown and tap "Connect". Note: the Android device and the computer you're trying to connect to MUST be on the same network. Otherwise, RemoteDroid will not work.

6. Enjoy using RemoteDroid!

It should all be working now. Use the black area on your Android smartphone's touchscreen to control the mouse cursor and the virtual keyboard to type.

Buy the paid version of RemoteDroid if you would like to support its developer. RemoteDroid Pro costs $1.99 and will automatically connect to a running server, meaning you won't have to enter its IP address manually.