Recommended Free Tools
KDE Connect does not have one universal remote mode: pair your phone with the computer, then enable the plugin for the task—such as Virtual Input for mouse and keyboard control, Presentation Remote for slides, or Run Commands for configured scripts. Android Accessibility access is specifically relevant to mouse input, not a blanket requirement for every feature.
Pair the phone and computer first
-
Install KDE Connect on both devices. The desktop app is commonly available through your Linux distribution’s repositories; KDE’s download page lists current options for other platforms.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
-
Connect both devices to the same local network, open KDE Connect on each, and pair them. Accept the pairing request on the other device.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy. -
On the computer, open KDE Connect’s settings and select the paired phone. Enable the plugin for the feature you want. Settings names and placement can vary between KDE Connect versions and desktop environments, so use the labels in your installed release rather than assuming a universal menu path.
#1 Best Overall
Sale
TP-Link USB Bluetooth Adapter for PC - Bluetooth 5.4 USB Dongle Receiver- Bluetooth 5.4 + Broad Compatibility - Provides Bluetooth 5.4 plus EDR technology and is backward compatible with Bluetooth V5.3/5.0/4.2/4.0/3.0/2.1/2.0/1.1.
- Faster Speed, Extended Range - Get up to 2x faster data transfer and 4x broader coverage compared to Bluetooth 4.0 — perfect for smooth audio streaming and stable connections.
- EDR and BLE Technology - This Bluetooth dongle is quipped with enhanced data rate and Bluetooth low energy, UB500 has greatly improved data transfer speed and operates at the optimal rate of power consumption
- Nano-Sized - A sleek, ultra-small design means you can insert the Nano Bluetooth receiver into any USB port and simply keep it there regardless of whether you are traveling or at home
- Plug & Play with Free Driver Support - Plug and play for Windows 8.1/10/11 (internet required). Supports Win7 (driver required and can be downloaded from website for free). Download the latest driver from TP-Link website to utilize Bluetooth 5.4
KDE Connect’s official guide explains the available features and setup. Enable only the features you intend to use, and consider each permission prompt in the context of that feature.
Choose the remote feature that matches the task
| Feature | What it does | Where to configure or use it |
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Input | Turns the phone into a touchpad and keyboard interface for the computer. | Enable Virtual Input for the paired phone in desktop KDE Connect settings; on the phone, open the computer and choose Remote input. |
| Presentation Remote | Controls slideshow actions and can highlight a pointer; it is separate from general mouse and keyboard input. | Enable the presentation feature on the computer, then open Presentation Remote on the phone. |
| Run Commands | Runs a shell script configured for the paired computer. | Configure commands for the selected device in KDE Connect settings, then invoke them from the phone. |
| Media controls | Controls supported playback, track navigation, seeking, player selection, and volume through the multimedia receiver plugin. | Enable the multimedia receiver feature for the paired device. |
Use your phone as a touchpad and keyboard
Enable Virtual Input
-
In the computer’s KDE Connect settings, select the paired phone and enable Virtual Input.
-
On the phone, open KDE Connect, select the computer, and tap Remote input. Use the touchpad-like surface to move the pointer; KDE documents keyboard input and right- and middle-click options as well.
DriversOutdated Drivers Are Slowing You DownPerformancePC Slower Than It Used to Be?DriversCrashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.Rank #2
Amazon Basics Bluetooth 5.4 USB Adapter Dongle for PC, USB Receiver for Bluetooth Mouse, Keyboard, Laptop, Works with Windows 11/10/8.1- INSTANT BLUETOOTH ACCESS: Bluetooth dongle adapter receiver for PCs converts non-Bluetooth devices into Bluetooth-capable with simple USB connection
- WIDE COMPATIBILITY: Supports Bluetooth 5.4 and is backwards compatible with Bluetooth 5.3/5.2/5.1/5.0/V4.2/4.0/3.0/2.1/2.0/1.1; ONLY works with Windows 8.1, 10, and 11
- MULTI-DEVICE CONNECTION: Connect up to 6 devices simultaneously; Not compatible with all other operation systems e.g. Mac, Linux, Chrome, Unix, Playstation(PS), Windows 7 and below; Nano bluetooth receiver can be plugged in via any standard USB port
- ENHANCED PERFORMANCE: EDR and BLE technology offers enhanced data rate/transfer speed and low energy consumption
- SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS: Not compatible with all other operation systems e.g. Mac, Linux, Chrome, Unix, Playstation(PS), Windows 7 and below; Disable any built-in Bluetooth of the device before use this product, refer to the user manual for detail
Allow the Android permission when prompted
KDE Connect’s official UserBase documentation says: “In order to be a fake input device, Android requires that we take the Accessibility permission.” This explanation concerns Android’s mouse receiver behavior; it does not mean every KDE Connect plugin needs Accessibility access. Follow the in-app prompt and the current Android settings screens, which can differ by Android version and device manufacturer. If you do not intend to use remote input, do not grant a permission solely on the assumption that all KDE Connect features require it.
Control a presentation
Enable the presentation feature for the paired phone, then open Presentation Remote in KDE Connect on the phone. Start the slideshow on the computer before using the remote. KDE documents previous and next controls, a laser pointer, fullscreen toggle (F5), and exit (Esc); volume buttons can also work while the phone is locked. These are slideshow controls, not a substitute for Virtual Input when you need ordinary pointer or keyboard interaction.
Configure Run Commands carefully
The official Run Commands tutorial describes each configured command as a name and shell script. Examples include shutdown, reboot, suspend, hibernate, and locking the screen.
Rank #3
- Upgraded Bluetooth 5.3 Adapter: This bluetooth adapter for pc uses the latest upgraded Bluetooth 5.3 BR+EDR technology, greatly improves the stability of the connection data transfer speed, reduces the possibility of signal interruption and power consumption.
- Up to 5 Devices Sync Connected: UGREEN Bluetooth dongle for PC supports up to 5 different types of Bluetooth devices to be connected at the same time without interfering with each other, such as Bluetooth mouse/keyboard/mobile phone/headphones, etc. If Bluetooth audio devices of the same type (such as speakers/headphones) are connected, only one device can play music.
- Plug and Play: The Bluetooth adapter is developed for Windows systems only and does not support other systems. No driver installation is required under Windows 11/10/8.1. NOTE: Win 7, Linux and MacOS System are NOT supported.
- Mini Size: An extremely compact Bluetooth stick that you can leave on your laptop or PC without removing it.The compact size does not interfere with other USB ports. Convenient to carry, no space occupation.
- What Can I do if the Bluetooth adapter can not work?: Ensure there are no other Bluetooth devices installed on the computer. If there are, disable all existing Bluetooth devices in "Device Manager", then insert the adapter and try again. (For detailed information please read the user manual)
-
Open KDE Connect settings on the computer and select the paired phone.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy. -
Open the Run Commands configuration and add a command name and its shell script.
-
Review the script’s effects before saving or running it. A command launched from the phone can do whatever its script specifies on the computer, including interrupting work or ending the session.
Rank #4
UGREEN USB Bluetooth Adapter for PC Bluetooth 6.0 Dongle Receiver | EDR & BLE, Plug & Play for Windows 11/10/8.1, for Headphone/Keyboard/Mouse/Speakers/Printer- This Bluetooth adapter for PC utilizes the latest Bluetooth 6.0 EDR technology, delivering faster data transfer speeds, seamless high-quality audio/video streaming, and efficient large-file transfers.
- Up to 5 Devices Sync Connected: This Bluetooth dongle for PC supports up to 5 different types of Bluetooth devices to be connected at the same time without interfering with each other, such as Bluetooth mouse/keyboard/mobile phone/headphones, etc. Note: If Bluetooth audio devices of the same type (such as speakers/headphones) are connected, only one device can play music.
- Ultra-High Data Transfer Speeds: With Bluetooth 6.0 technology, this bluetooth dongle will bring us a faster speed experience. And Bluetooth 6.0 is backward compatible with Bluetooth5.4/5.3.
- EDR and BLE Technology - This Bluetooth dongle is equipped with enhanced data rate and Bluetooth low energy, it wil optimize energy.
- Plug and Play: The Bluetooth receiver is developed for Windows systems only and does not support other systems. No driver installation is required under Windows 11/10/8.1. NOTE: Linux and MacOS , Win 7 System are NOT supported.
Check platform and desktop compatibility
KDE says KDE Connect can be used outside the Plasma desktop, but warns that a feature may be broken or inaccessible in another environment. Its feature guide also notes differences between Android and iOS. In particular, the documented Remote Input and Slideshow Remote directions are one-way from iOS to desktop; do not assume those features behave identically on both phone platforms. Consult KDE’s current feature guide for the platform details that apply to your devices, since availability can change.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Troubleshoot pairing and discovery
Devices on the same local network cannot see each other
-
Confirm KDE Connect is running on both devices and that they are on the same network. Some guest Wi-Fi networks or access-point settings prevent devices from communicating with one another.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsSpecial offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy. -
Check the computer’s firewall. KDE documents dynamic TCP and UDP ports 1714–1764 for KDE Connect and says the firewall must allow that range. UDP broadcast restrictions can also stop automatic discovery.
Best Value
Sale
Long Range USB Bluetooth 5.4 Adapter for Desktop PC Plug&Play Mini Dongle | Class 1 Wireless EDR Transfer Transmitter Receiver 500FT for BT Mouse/Keyboard/Headphones/Print Severs Support Win11/10- Bluetooth 5.4 dongle: Applies the latest Bluetooth 5.4+EDR technology, compatible with Bluetooth 5.3/5.2/4.2/4.2 LE/4.0/2.1+EDR, and supports Dual mode (BR/EDR+ Bluetooth Low Energy) to achieve low energy consumption and high speed. Quick response and better anti-interference.
- Plug & Play: USB wireless Bluetooth is not limited by network and location, no need to install drivers, just plug the USB wireless adapter into your computer, you can use it directly. You can use the Bluetooth function at any time. Greatly improve your work efficiency and save your time.
- Long Range Bluetooth Adapter: The USB Bluetooth 5.4 dongle uses Class 1 radio technology, equipped with extra long antenna, and the transmission range in the open area can reach 500ft/150m, Bluetooth connections are no longer affected by distance. Note: The actual transmission range will be affected by physical obstructions and wireless interference.
- Fast Transmission Rate: This upgraded Bluetooth 5.4 adapter features EDR technology and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) configuration up to 3Mbps, which greatly improves transmission rates and reduces the loss of transmission efficiency due to interference in the 2.4GHz band. Enables fast, no delay wireless data connections between your computer and Bluetooth devices.
- System Support: The upgraded Bluetooth 5.4 dongle has a wide range of applications. You can connect up to 5 devices at the same time using Bluetooth wireless. Such as Bluetooth speakers,keyboards,headsets,mice, and Bluetooth printers,etc. Only supports Windows 11/10/8.1, Not compatible with Mac OS, Linux,car stereo systems,XBOX,ps4 or TVs.
-
Use the KDE troubleshooting guide for additional discovery checks. Do not expose these ports to the public internet as a generic fix.
Devices are on different networks
Cross-network use is an advanced setup, not a requirement for ordinary same-network pairing. KDE documents an OpenVPN route: automatic discovery through UDP broadcast requires bridging (TAP); with a tun device, the guide says a manual connection by IP can still be used. See KDE’s VPN pairing guidance before attempting it.
If a feature is enabled but still does not work
-
Verify that you enabled the matching plugin for the correct paired device; Virtual Input, Presentation Remote, media controls, and Run Commands serve different purposes.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy. -
For Android mouse control, check whether the in-app Accessibility permission prompt was completed. Do not treat that permission as a general fix for unrelated plugins.
-
Check the installed platform and desktop environment against KDE’s feature guide. A setting can be enabled while the feature remains unavailable or limited on that platform.
-
For Run Commands, confirm that the command is configured for the selected device and inspect the script for its intended behavior.
Quick Recap
Bestseller No. 2Bestseller No. 3
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →
