scrcpy is a program that allows you to control any Android smartphone or tablet from your computer. Its name is the unvoweled abbreviation of "screen copy". It is a very light program and does not require additional apps to be installed on your smartphone.
To get started, you only need to enable USB Debugging on your Android device. After that, you go to the file explorer and open Command Prompt (CMD.exe) in the folder where you have unzipped the ZIP file. There, type "scrcpy" and the program will open. If you have successfully granted permission on your device, you will already see the screen in a window on the PC.
The image quality is adjustable. You can modify the resolution —1080p or more—, the FPS —between 30 or 120 FPS— or the bit rate. By default, your device's screen resolution is applied, as well as a fairly good bitrate that allows you to see the content of the smartphone or tablet with total clarity.
With scrcpy, you can also control the smartphone with the mouse. On some devices, additional permission may need to be granted to simulate mouse input. For example, on Xiaomi devices, you need to be logged in with your Mi account.
The image latency varies between 35 and 70 ms. It may be a bit high for playing games, but it is more than enough to control the device. In addition to using the USB connection, it is also possible to control the device wirelessly via TCP/IP.
Beyond controlling the device, you can record the screen, make mirroring, copy and paste content in both directions, use the smartphone as a webcam —Linux only—, in OTG mode, with keyboard and mouse simulation, etc.
Therefore, if you are looking for an app that allows you to control your smartphone from your computer without installing additional apps or having root, do not hesitate to download scrcpy.
