Operate PC via Android (Spacedesk + Tailscale)

This project provides a simple and effective way to turn your Android device into a second monitor or a touch-screen controller for your Windows PC, accessible from anywhere in the world.

🚀 How It Works

We use two powerful tools to achieve this:

1. Spacedesk:

   • Role: Turns your Android device into a secondary display for your Windows PC.
   • Features: Drag windows to your phone, use touch to click/scroll (KVM), and mirror your screen.
   • Requirement: Both devices usually need to be on the same network.

2. Tailscale:

   • Role: Creates a secure "virtual" network (VPN) between your devices.
   • Benefit: This tricks Spacedesk into thinking your devices are on the same local network, even if you are miles away (using mobile data or different Wi-Fi).

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📋 Prerequisites

• Primary Device: Windows 10/11 PC.
• Secondary Device: Android Phone or Tablet.
• Internet Connection: Both devices must be online.

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🛠️ Installation Guide

Step 1: Install on Windows PC

You can use our automated script or install manually.

Option A: Automated Script (Recommended)

1. Open PowerShell as Administrator.
2. Navigate to the scripts folder in this project:

   cd scripts
   .\install_tools.ps1

3. Follow the prompts to install Spacedesk Driver and Tailscale.
4. Reboot your PC after installation is complete.

Option B: Manual Installation

1. Spacedesk Driver: Download from the official website and install.
2. Tailscale: Download from the official website and install. Log in with your account.

Step 2: Install on Android

1. Go to the Google Play Store.
2. Install Spacedesk (remote display).
3. Install Tailscale.
4. Open Tailscale on Android and log in with the same account you used on your PC.
5. activate the connection by toggle the "Active" switch in the top left corner.

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🔗 Connection Guide

Scenario A: Home Network (Local Wi-Fi)

here no need of tailscale in android or pc

Used when both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi router.

1. Open the Spacedesk App on your Android.
2. It should automatically detect your PC. Tap Connect.
3. If not discovered:
   • Run .\scripts\connection_info.ps1 on your PC to see your Local IP.
   • In the Android app, tap (+) and enter that IP.

Scenario B: Remote Connection (Anywhere in the World)

here comes the role of tailscale in android and pc to connect them virtually ( just think it like port forwarding but it is not )

Used when your PC is at home and you are away (on 4G/5G or different Wi-Fi).

1. On PC: Ensure Tailscale is running and connected.
2. On Android: Open Tailscale app and ensure "Active" is toggled ON.
3. Get Tailscale IP:
   • Run .\scripts\connection_info.ps1 on your PC.
   • Look for the Tailscale IP (starts with 100.x.x.x).
4. Connect:
   • Open Spacedesk App on Android.
   • Tap the (+) button (Manual Connect).
   • Enter the Tailscale IP of your PC.
   • Tap Connect.

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❓ Troubleshooting

• "Server not found":
  • Check if the Spacedesk Driver connects are "ON" in the Spacedesk Driver Console on your PC.
  • Ensure Windows Firewall is strictly allowing "spacedeskService" and "Tailscale".
• Laggy Connection:
  • Lower the resolution/quality in the Spacedesk Viewer settings on your Android device.
  • Remote connections depend heavily on upload speed at home and download speed on mobile.
• Touch not working:
  • Ensure "Touchscreen (absolute)" is enabled in Spacedesk Viewer settings.
• Keyboard/Mouse not working:
  • CRITICAL: You MUST enable "Password Protection & Encryption" in the Spacedesk Driver Console on your PC.
  • Open Spacedesk Driver Console -> Control -> Check "Password Protection" -> There are pre setted password (we cannot manually set it, just can shuffle it )
  • Use this password when connecting from your phone.

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📂 Project Structure

• README.md: This guide.
• scripts/install_tools.ps1: Script to install required software.
• scripts/connection_info.ps1: Helper script to find your connection IP.

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👨‍💻 Developers Note

• we can use rustdesk instead of spacedesk but it requires otp everytime you connect