So, you want to run android apps and play android games on PC? Thinking of Clash of Clans? And you are worried about malware and viruses when you try installing some android emulator. Or worse, getting banned from game altogether if the app detects you are using a desktop device to play an android game? Don’t worry, there might be a way out. I say ‘might’ because this doesn’t work for all. So how does it work? Let me show you.
You will need: –
An android phone, first of all. Sorry iPhone users, Apple’s bosses have perpetually decided to not allow cool features developed by anyone other than Apple. But even on Android’s side, the grass isn’t that greener. Only select android phones, such as those below, have this functionality.
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3
- Samsung Galaxy Quantum 2
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3
- Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G
- Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G
- Samsung Galaxy S22
- Samsung Galaxy S22+
- Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
- Samsung Galaxy XCover Pro
- Surface Duo 2
- HONOR Magic4 Pro
- Samsung Galaxy A8s
- Samsung Galaxy A30s
- Samsung Galaxy A31
- Samsung Galaxy A33 5G
- Samsung Galaxy A40
- Samsung Galaxy A41
- Samsung Galaxy A42 5G
- Samsung Galaxy A50
- Samsung Galaxy A50s
- Samsung Galaxy A51
- Samsung Galaxy A51 5G
- Samsung Galaxy A52
- Samsung Galaxy A52 5G
- Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G
- Samsung Galaxy A60
- Samsung Galaxy A70
- Samsung Galaxy A70s
- Samsung Galaxy A71
- Samsung Galaxy A71 5G
- Samsung Galaxy A80
- Samsung Galaxy A90s
- Samsung Galaxy A90 5G
- Samsung Galaxy F62
- Samsung Galaxy Note9
- Samsung Galaxy Note10
- Samsung Galaxy Note10+
- Samsung Galaxy Note10 Lite
- Samsung Galaxy S9
- Samsung Galaxy S9+
- Samsung Galaxy S10
- Samsung Galaxy S10+
- Samsung Galaxy S10e
- Samsung Galaxy S10 Lite
- Samsung Galaxy S20
- Samsung Galaxy S20+
- Samsung Galaxy S20 FE
- Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra
- Samsung Galaxy S21 5G
- Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G
- Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G
- Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip
- Samsung Galaxy Fold
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5G
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G
Regardless of the names mentioned above, make sure to go through the list here on Microsoft’s documentation page.
However, if you have a mid-range Samsung phone from M series or A series, you may still have this feature even though it’s not on the above list. I was pleasantly surprised to find my M33 has this functionality but the top end Pixel phones, including the latest 7 Pro, doesn’t. Anyways, moving on.
Next, your computer. More specifically, ‘Windows’ computer. Again, sorry Mac people! Your Windows machine should be running Windows 10 or higher. And you should be signed in with your personal Microsoft email account, not the one your school or college gave you.
On you PC, make sure the Phone Link app is installed and has the latest updates. It should be preinstalled but in case it’s not, you can get it from here. Similarly, on your phone it could either be a built-in functionality accessible from the notification drawer, or you may have to download it from the play store. Here’s the link for the play store. Make sure on your phone you are signed in with the same Microsoft account you use on your PC.
Lastly, make sure both your phone and your PC are connected to the same wifi network.
Those are all the ingredients you need. Now to setting it up.
Linking Phone and PC
Microsoft has detailed instructions on the first set up of Phone Link you can find here. Here’s a summary of what you need to do: –
- On your PC, open Phone Link, sign in with the same Microsoft account, and follow-on screen instructions.
- You will be shown a QR code which you must now scan from your phone using the Phone Link app on your phone. For this, again make sure you are signed in with the sanme Microsoft account.
- Once you are done scanning, your devices will be paired. And if you are on one of the supported devices, you will also have the “Apps” feature.
It’s Play Time!
Once set up, your Phone Link app on PC should look something like this: –
Here you can see all the apps installed on my phone appearing on the screen. Now its as simple as selecting your favorite app, and using it as you would any desktop application. Although its important to remember apps always maintaint heir aspect ratio when resizing the video. So Class of Clans never truly became full screen, but it was still much larger than most android tablets. Here is how it looked like at first:-
Clicking Maximize on the CoC’s window will give you this:-
Conclusions
If mine were a touch screen device like the latest Surface Pro, i could even use touch to play it like a normal android tab. But personally, the main advantage was the laptop’s keyboard. I have become so used to working on my laptop now, typing on a phone seems a PITA. Thanks to Phone Link, i never have to touch, my phone for anything while I am at home. And now i can run apps too!
And i forgot to mention, the phone screen remains off while you access the apps on your laptop. It’s still unlocked, so keep that in mind. But the display is off to save battery.
So, try it and let me know what you think of this. Also, why would you want to run CoC, or for that matter any apps, on your PC instead of your phone? For me, the biggest reason is to maintain my flow. While I am working on my PC, occasionally when I must leave it and reach out to phone for call or an OTP SMS or something else which is also important, it just breaks my entire thought train whatever was running through at that time. With Phone, Link, i have never had to leave my laptop in between work, and it has been an incredible productivity booster for me. And with my brand new M33, i can even play CoC 😜
Until then, see ya!
Bye Bye!
Peace!
✌🏻