KDE Connect links a phone, computer, or other supported device to another device you own. After you install the app on both, pair them with an explicit approval, then use available features such as sharing files, syncing notifications, or controlling media. The exact features depend on the platforms, permissions, and plugins involved.
What does KDE Connect do?
KDE Connect is free, open-source software for connecting devices so they can exchange information and offer selected controls. It is software rather than a separate hardware accessory or a cloud service you need to buy. Its official feature page describes uses including:
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- Sending files and links between devices.
- Browsing files on a phone from a computer.
- Mirroring phone notifications to a desktop and replying to text messages.
- Controlling desktop media from a phone.
- Using a phone as a presentation remote or trackpad.
- Running commands configured by the user, ringing a phone, and viewing its battery level.
These capabilities are provided through integrations and plugins; they are not guaranteed to work identically in every device combination. Operating-system support, permissions, app state, and the features implemented on each side affect what is available.
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Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Which devices and platforms can use it?
KDE’s download page lists Linux desktop, Android, Windows, Plasma Mobile, SailfishOS, macOS, and iOS. Installation channels differ by platform, and availability on a platform does not mean every feature is supported there. KDE describes the macOS release as stable and marks nightly builds as untested. For iOS, the project links to information about known limitations and data disclosure.
#1 Best Overall
- 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
Check that KDE Connect is available for both devices before setting up a link. Then check the relevant platform documentation if a particular plugin or control matters to you.
How do I pair devices with KDE Connect?
Pairing is a request-and-approval process. KDE’s setup guidance says devices should ordinarily be on the same network so they can discover each other.
Rank #2
- 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
- Install KDE Connect on both devices. Use the download or package channel appropriate to each platform.
- Open KDE Connect on both. Keep both devices available while they search for one another.
- Make sure the network allows discovery. A shared local network is the usual starting point; firewalls or network settings that block communication can prevent the devices from appearing.
- Select the device you want to connect and request pairing. You can initiate the request from either side.
- Accept the request on the other device. Pairing is not complete until the receiving device approves it. Reject the prompt if you do not recognize the requesting device.
KDE’s protocol documentation describes pairing as a packet that starts or accepts pairing, or rejects or removes it. The protocol requires paired status before normal packets are exchanged and calls for rejecting packets from unpaired devices.
Do both devices need to be on the same Wi-Fi?
The documented ordinary setup expects the devices to be on the same network, but the important practical condition is that they can discover and communicate with each other. A firewall, guest-network isolation, or blocked discovery traffic can stop that even when both devices have internet access. Internet access alone does not establish that two devices can see one another locally.
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)
KDE UserBase documents adding a device by IP as an alternative discovery path. Its setup guidance identifies dynamic TCP and UDP ports 1714–1764 and UDP broadcast access as relevant to discovery and communication. If you adjust a firewall, allow only the communication needed for devices you trust, and follow the firewall guidance for your operating system or network.
What can go wrong, and what should I check?
- The devices do not appear: Confirm KDE Connect is open on both, check that they are on a network that permits device-to-device communication, and review firewall or broadcast restrictions. If discovery still fails, use KDE UserBase’s IP-based device-addition guidance.
- A pairing prompt never arrives: Make sure the request was sent to the intended device and that the receiving device is online and running KDE Connect. Discovery and pairing are separate: seeing a device does not itself mean it has been paired.
- A paired feature is missing or does not work: Confirm that the feature is supported by both platform implementations and that the required permission or plugin is enabled. KDE’s protocol documentation lists capabilities such as clipboard text, battery status, lock requests, remote pointer and keyboard input, presentation control, remote commands, and secure file sharing through SFTP; that protocol list is not a guarantee that every app build offers every capability.
Is KDE Connect safe to use?
KDE Connect uses explicit pairing approval, and its protocol specifies that devices should be paired before exchanging normal packets. That approval model is not a reason to ignore updates: KDE published a critical security advisory on November 28, 2025, for CVE-2025-66270. The advisory says inconsistent device IDs in discovery packets could let an attacker who knew the ID of a previously paired device impersonate it and bypass authentication.
Rank #4
- 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.
The advisory lists these affected KDE Connect versions:
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>=25.04 and <25.12. - Android: versions
>=1.33.0 and <1.34.4. - iOS: versions
>=0.5.2 and <0.5.4.
The advisory also identifies affected GSConnect and Valent ranges. See KDE’s security advisory for the full component list and mitigation details. Update each implementation using its normal package or app channel, and consult your distribution’s security guidance: package rollout and vendor backports can differ, so the installed version alone may not tell the whole story. KDE’s interim advice for affected installs is to stop KDE Connect on untrusted networks and/or unpair devices until updated.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 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.
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