KDE Connect integrates your mobile devices (Android and iOS) and desktop/laptop computers (Windows, MacOS, and Linux). All devices must be on the same network. This includes being connected with Wi-Fi hotspot tethering or Bluetooth tethering.
This will allow you to connect your mobile with your desktop, and connect mobile with your laptop. I have multiple devices connected: Linux Mint computer, Windows 11 computer, Android phone, Android tablet. I can share URLs for web pages between them, and share files, including photos.
I use this to send URLs and links from my phone to my Linux and Windows computers, without touching either computer. It shows up as a new browser tab. Any text or image copied on one Clipboard, shows up on the other Clipboard, wirelessly and automatically.
KDE Connect provides a set of features to integrate your workflow across devices:
- Shared clipboard: copy and paste between your devices.
- Share files and URLs to your computer from any app.
- Get notifications for incoming calls and SMS messages on your computer.
- Virtual touchpad: Use your phone screen as your computer’s touchpad.
- Notifications sync: Read your mobile notifications from the desktop.
- Multimedia remote control: Use your phone as a remote for desktop/laptop media players.
- WiFi connection: no USB wire or bluetooth needed.
- End-to-end TLS encryption: your information is safe.
Download & Install
Open this webpage on a device separate from the device you will install this on. For instance, have this page also open on your phone if you are installing KDE Connect on your desktop. You can follow the instructions on your phone.
Linux Mint
Easy download & install for Linux Mint:
- Click https://community.linuxmint.com/software/view/kdeconnect/.
- Click Install.
- Click Choose Application.
- Click AptURL, then Open Link.
- Click Install.
- Type in your Linux Mint user password, and continue to install.
Windows 11
Go to the Taskbar Searchbar. Type In KDE Connect. > Apps > KDE Connect – Search for apps in the Microsoft Store > Install.
All other devices
Download for all devices, including Android, MacOS, and others. If you’re using Linux Mint, see the special easy instructions under this.
- Click https://kdeconnect.kde.org/.
- Click the Download button.
- Choose the download for your operating system. If you don’t know your operating system, check it with the instruction here.
Pairing Two Devices Together
Now you will need to pair your devices together. To do that, click the link below, and follow the instructions.
https://userbase.kde.org/KDEConnect#Pairing_two_devices_together
Sending From All Devices
Text, Including Website URLs
Just highlight and copy the text into the clipboard. It’s already on the other device’s clipboard.
On the other device, just paste. If it’s a website URL, then paste into the Firefox address bar.
Sending From Linux Mint
Files (like documents, photos, and videos)
In Nemo, the file explorer, on the name of the file, right-click –> Open With –> Other Application… –> scroll down –> KDE Connect Phone URL Handler –> OK –> choose your device from the scroll-down menu if you have more than one to choose, then click OK.
Sending From Windows 11
Files (like documents, photos, and videos)
The first time, you need to find the app. Then, subsequent times, the process will be quicker.
The first time, in File Explorer, on the name of the file, right-click –> Show more options –> Open with –> Choose another app –> scroll down –> More apps –> KDE Connect –> OK, choose your device and send.
By default, the file will be in the Download/Downloads directory/folder.
Sending From Android
Android has more options to send.
Files (like documents, photos, and videos)
Using Ghost Commander, long-press on the filename, and choose Send to…, then KDE Connect – Send to Device. The file has been sent, it doesn’t need to be received by the other device.
On all devices, the file is now in the Download/Downloads directory/folder.
Pictures, optional method
First, open the picture and view it. Tap the Share icon with three connected circles (–> More) –> choose KDE Connect Send to Device –> choose your device from the list.
By default, the file will be in the Download/Downloads directory/folder. You should also be able to find it in your Android Photos app. Check there under Library > Download.
Websites, preferred method
Using Firefox for Android, in the lower right, click the kebob menu (it looks like this: ⋮). Then hit the share icon (three connected circles). Choose Send to Device, with the KDE Connect icon. Choose the device to send to. The Website will appear in your device browser (hopefully Firefox).
Text
Highlight and copy the text. Hit the three circle share icon that appears. Choose KDE Connect – Send to Device. Then choose the device.
On the other device, just paste. If it’s a website URL, then paste into the Firefox address bar. If sending to Linux Mint using this method, the text will instead appear in the text editor. By default, that text editor is xed.
Troubleshooting
When attempting to send, if you can’t find the device in the list, make sure that KDE Connect is running on the other device. Also make sure that the two devices are paired.
