If you run Linux on a desktop or server and need to check on it while you’re out, RealVNC Connect lets you view and control it from an Android phone or tablet, wherever you are.
Why access a Linux computer from Android
This is useful for keeping an eye on a Linux workstation or home server, picking up a file while you’re away from your desk, or troubleshooting something without walking back to the machine. RealVNC Connect gives you the full graphical desktop, not just a terminal.
What you’ll need
- A Linux computer with RealVNC Server installed and running
- An Android phone or tablet
- A RealVNC Connect account – a free trial is available
- An internet connection on both devices
Step 1: Set up RealVNC Server on your Linux computer
On the Linux computer you want to control:
- Download the RealVNC Connect setup app from the RealVNC website.
- Click Download for Linux.
- Extract the installer in your Downloads folder using your file manager, then run it by double-clicking the RealVNC Connect installer icon.
- Click Accept and Install, and follow the on-screen instructions. If prompted to disable Wayland, accept – this is needed for RealVNC Connect to function correctly.
- Once installation completes, choose Start my free trial if you’re new to RealVNC Connect, or Sign in to continue if you already have an account.
- Your browser will open automatically. Follow the on-screen prompts, then click Open to return to the RealVNC Connect Setup app.
- Review the settings shown, then click Launch. If you keep the default VNC Password, make a note of it – you’ll need it when you connect from another device.
Step 2: Install RealVNC Viewer on your Android device
- On your device, open the Play Store and download the RealVNC Viewer: Remote Desktop app.
- Open the app and sign in using your RealVNC account credentials.
Your Linux computer will appear automatically in your list of remote computers.
Step 3: Connect to your Linux computer from Android
Tap your Linux computer in the list to connect.
Verifying the connection with Identity Check
The first time you connect, RealVNC Viewer shows an Identity Check screen with a Catchphrase and Signature. Compare these against the values shown in RealVNC Server on the remote computer to confirm you’re connecting to the right machine.
Authenticating
You’ll be asked to authenticate. Enter the VNC Password you noted during setup, or the username and password of an account on the Linux computer if you selected Unix Password authentication instead.
A note on cloud vs. local connections from Android
Direct (local network) connections aren’t supported when connecting from mobile devices, so a connection from Android always goes through RealVNC’s encrypted cloud connection. Sign in with the same RealVNC account on the Linux computer and the Android device and there’s nothing else to configure – it works over Wi-Fi or mobile data.
Troubleshooting common issues
- Linux computer not listed in RealVNC Viewer: confirm both devices are signed in to the same RealVNC account, and that RealVNC Server is running.
- Can’t authenticate: double-check you’re using the VNC Password noted at setup, or valid Unix account credentials.
- RealVNC Connect won’t install: make sure Wayland is disabled when prompted during installation – RealVNC Connect currently requires an X11 session.
Start controlling your Linux computer from Android with RealVNC Connect
RealVNC Connect offers a free trial with no credit card required, so you can try controlling your Linux computer from Android before subscribing.
FAQs
Can I control a Linux computer from an Android phone?
Yes. Install RealVNC Server on the Linux computer and the RealVNC Viewer app on your Android device, then sign in with the same RealVNC account on both.
Does my Linux computer need to be switched on?
Yes – it needs to be powered on and logged in to a graphical desktop session, with RealVNC Server running.
Is the RealVNC Viewer app for Android free?
Downloading and installing RealVNC Viewer is free. You need an active RealVNC Connect subscription or free trial to connect to a computer.
Do I need to know my Linux computer’s IP address?
No. Once you’re signed in with the same RealVNC account on both devices, your Linux computer appears automatically in RealVNC Viewer over the cloud connection.
