AirDroid: File & Remote Access

What AirDroid does and who it suits

AirDroid runs on an Android phone and is operated from a desktop client or the web client at web.airdroid.com. It covers file transfer, file management, screen mirroring, remote control, remote camera use, and SMS and notification handling. Most of these are aimed at people who spend long periods at a computer and want their phone's contents and messages in the same place.

Full use of the local and remote features needs an AirDroid account. Without one, the app can still be used on the same Wi-Fi network, but with fewer features.

Moving files between a phone and a computer

The listing advertises transfer speeds of 20MB/s on both local and remote connections, and says the speed holds when the phone switches between Wi-Fi, 4G and 5G. The Nearby feature sends photos and videos directly to people close by, and the listing says it works without an account or an internet connection.

Outside the local network, the free account has a 200MB monthly data limit. Premium removes that limit.

Managing phone files and backing up photos to a PC

From the desktop client or the browser client, you can view and manage photos, videos, music, installed apps and storage on the phone. Files can be moved in both directions from the computer.

Photos and videos can be synced and uploaded to the PC automatically. The listing presents this as a way to free up space on the phone while keeping copies off the device.

Screen mirroring, remote control and remote camera

Screen mirroring shows the phone's display on a computer, which the listing suggests for sharing a screen with students, partners or a live audience. Mirroring does not require the phone and computer to be on the same network.

Remote control lets you operate the phone from the PC without rooting it, for example to open apps, play games or check the phone's status. Controlling one Android phone from another needs the separate AirMirror app on the controlling device.

A spare phone can be used as a remote camera, with One-Way Audio for listening to the room. The listing mentions checking on babies and pets and watching a home. On a non-local network, the free account cannot use the remote camera.

Texts, calls and notifications on the desktop

You can send and receive SMS from the computer, and enter or copy phone numbers there. Calls can be placed by clicking a number, and spoken through the phone's handset or a connected Bluetooth headset.

Notifications from messaging apps such as WhatsApp, Line and Facebook Messenger are synced to the desktop, where you can reply to them directly. Phone numbers can also be imported in bulk on the desktop client for calling.