Scrcpy (short for "screen copy") is a free and open-source application that allows you to mirror and control your Android devices directly from a computer. It works by connecting your device via a USB cable or over a TCP/IP network connection (like Wi-Fi) and does not require root access or any application to be installed on the Android device itself.
The software is built with a focus on performance and being non-intrusive. It aims for high frame rates (30-120fps), high resolution (1920×1080 or above), and low latency (35-70ms), providing a responsive experience. When you disconnect, nothing is left installed on your Android device. It is completely free, contains no ads, and does not require an account or an internet connection to function over USB.
Scrcpy offers a rich set of features for interacting with your device:
- Mirroring and Control: Display your Android device's screen on your computer and control it in real-time using your computer's keyboard and mouse (simulating a physical keyboard and mouse).
- Audio Forwarding: Stream your device's audio to your computer (requires Android 11 or newer).
- Recording: Natively record the mirrored screen session as a video file.
- Screen Off Mirroring: Use your device from your computer even while the device's physical screen is turned off to save battery.
- Bidirectional Copy-Paste: Seamlessly copy and paste text between your computer and the Android device in both directions.
- Gamepad Support: Forward gamepad inputs from your computer to the Android device, allowing you to play games with a physical controller.
- Camera Mirroring: Turn your Android device into a high-quality webcam by mirroring its camera feed directly (requires Android 12 or newer).
- Configurable Quality: Adjust the mirroring resolution and bit rate to prioritize quality or performance.
To use Scrcpy, your Android device must have at least API 21 (Android 5.0) and you must enable USB debugging in the developer options. It is a powerful tool for developers, testers, or anyone who wants a convenient way to interact with their Android device on a larger screen.