How to Access a Laptop From an Android Phone

VNC Viewer

1. Launch a Web browser on your laptop and navigate to the RealVNC website. Download and install the personal version of RealVNC on your computer as this software is needed to access your laptop from an Android phone.

2. Hover your mouse over the RealVNC icon in the Windows notification area and note the 'VNC Server' address. If you want to connect to your laptop from a location outside of your wireless network, launch a Web browser and navigate to the 'What Is My IP?' website. Note that server address instead.

3. Tap the 'Market' icon on your Android home screen and enter 'VNC Viewer' as your search query. Select 'VNC Viewer' from the search results and tap 'Buy,' then 'Accept & Download.' The app costs $9.99 as of the date of publication.

4. Tap the 'VNC Viewer' icon located in the Android app drawer.

5. Press the 'Menu' button and then tap 'New.'

6. Enter the server address you previously noted along with the last two digits of the port number that RealVNC is using on your computer in the 'Address' field. By default, RealVNC uses port 5900. As an example, if your server address is '192.168.1.1,' you would enter '192.168.1.1:00' as the address.

7. Enter a name for the remote connection in the 'Name' field and tap 'Done,' then 'Connect.' You can now access your laptop files and operate your computer directly from your Android.

LogMeIn

8. Launch a Web browser on your laptop and navigate to the LogMeIn website. Click 'Create an account' and register your free LogMeIn account.

9. Download and install the personal version of the LogMeIn host software to your laptop computer.

10. Launch the application and sign in using your LogMeIn credentials to enable access to your laptop from remote devices, including your Android.

11. Click 'Add Computer' and enter a name for your laptop.

12. Tap the 'Market' icon on your Android home screen and enter 'LogMeIn' as your search query. Select 'LogMeIn Ignition' from the search results and tap 'Buy,' then 'Accept & Download.' The app costs $29.99 as of the date of publication.

13. Tap the 'LogMeIn Ignition' icon located in the Android app drawer.

14. Enter your LogMeIn account credentials and then tap 'Log Me In'

15. Tap the name of your laptop to initiate a connection with that computer.

16. Enter your computer username and password, and then tap 'Log In' to access your laptop. Once authorized, you will be able to browse your computer directory, launch programs and access files on your laptop directly from your Android.

TeamViewer

17. Launch a Web browser on your laptop and navigate to the TeamViewer website.

18. Download and install the TeamViewer client.

19. Launch the TeamViewer client on your laptop, and note the user ID and password.

20. Tap the 'Market' icon on your Android home screen and enter 'TeamViewer' as your search query. Select 'TeamViewer Free' from the search results and tap 'Install,' then 'Accept & Download.' The app is free for personal use as of the date of publication.

21. Tap the 'TeamViewer' icon located in the Android app drawer.

22. Enter your TeamViewer user ID and password and then tap 'Connect to Partner.' This will connect your Android to your laptop, enabling you to control your laptop and browse your files.