Android and iOS with KDE Connect

Smartphone Connect

Integrate your Focus with an Android smartphone or iPhone using KDE Connect. Transfer files, send commands, remotely control media playback, and more. In many cases this can replace iOS AirDrop, Android Quick Share, and USB transfer.

• Setting up KDE Connect
• Using KDE Connect
• Revisions
• Disclaimer

Connect your phone and computer with KDE Connect.

Please read the disclaimer before proceeding. We review and update guided solutions regularly. If you have suggestions or requests, please write support@kfocus.org.

Setting up KDE Connect

KDE Connect uses your existing WiFi connection to connect your computer and mobile device together. Once paired, the devices can transfer files, links, contacts, and other data between each other. KDE Connect comes preinstalled on Kubuntu Focus machines, and is easy to install on your phone or tablet.

To pair your devices together:

1. Install KDE Connect on your mobile device. On Android devices, you can install it from the Google Play Store or from F-Droid. On iOS and iPadOS, it is available on the Apple App Store.

2. Ensure your computer and mobile device are on the same network. In most cases you can simply connect your mobile device to your home or work WiFi to achieve this. If this fails, you may be able to use USB tethering if your phone or tablet supports it.

3. Open the KDE Connect app on both your computer and mobile device. The screen name of your computer should be visible on your phone or tablet, and vice versa. If your devices cannot see each other, double-check that they are on the same network and that any firewalls on your network are not blocking KDE Connect's traffic.

4. On the computer, select the device you wish to pair with. Accept the pair request on the selected device.

Using KDE Connect

KDE Connect provides a rich set of integration features, including:

• Transfer files between your computer and mobile device
• Send SMS messages from your computer (requires an Android device)
• Get notified on your computer when your phone receives a call
• Use your phone as a keyboard and touchpad for your computer
• Start and stop media playback on your computer from your mobile device
• Find your phone by ringing it from your computer
• Send shell commands to your computer from your mobile device
• Share clipboard contents back and forth between devices
• And more!

For a full list of features, how to use them, and what platforms they work with, please see the official KDE Connect documentation. If you are having issues pairing your devices or using KDE Connect's features, see the KDE Connect Troubleshooting documentation.

Disclaimer

We try hard to provide a useful solution validated by professionals. However, we cannot anticipate every situation, and therefore cannot guarantee this procedure will work for your needs. Always backup your data and test the solution to determine the correct procedure for you.

THIS SOLUTION IS PROVIDED BY THE COPYRIGHT HOLDERS AND CONTRIBUTORS “AS IS” AND ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE DISCLAIMED. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE COPYRIGHT OWNER OR CONTRIBUTORS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL EXEMPLARY, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, PROCUREMENT OF SUBSTITUTE GOODS OR SERVICES; LOSS OF USE, DATA, OR PROFITS; OR BUSINESS INTERRUPTION) HOWEVER CAUSED AND ON ANY THEORY OF LIABILITY, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, STRICT LIABILITY, OR TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE OR OTHERWISE) ARISING IN ANY WAY OUT OF THE USE OF THIS SOLUTION, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGE.