How to Use Your Phone as a PC Keyboard for Free (No Cables!)

Have you ever found yourself working with a dual-computer setup, only to realize that managing your desk space is a complete headache?

That is exactly the situation I found myself in recently. I have a giant primary desktop PC and a new mini PC that I bought a few weeks ago. I use two monitors—one for each machine—and I have two mice.

But there was one major bottleneck: I only had one keyboard, and it was plugged into my main desktop.

Every time I needed to type something on my mini PC, I had to physically reach behind my main computer, unplug the keyboard, and plug it into the mini PC. Needless to say, it was incredibly annoying.

If you are dealing with a similar peripheral nightmare, here is how I solved it completely for free—and how you can too!

The Search for a Solution: Why "Mouse Without Borders" Fell Short

My first instinct was to look for a software solution to share my keyboard across my network. I quickly came across a well-known tool called Mouse without Borders, which is built directly into Microsoft PowerToys.

At first glance, it seemed perfect. It lets you share a single mouse and keyboard between multiple devices connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

However, I quickly ran into a few annoying roadblocks:

1. The Host Dependency: If the main PC (where the keyboard is physically plugged in) is turned off, the connection breaks. You cannot use the keyboard on the second PC.

2. Operating System Limits: I love testing different operating systems, like Linux and Chrome OS. Because Mouse without Borders is a Windows-centric feature, I would completely lose my connection the second I booted out of Windows.

Since I already had two mice, I didn't actually need to share my cursor. I just needed a quick, reliable way to type on my mini PC without fighting cables.

That's when I had an epiphany: Why not just use my phone as a keyboard?

Enter KDE Connect: The Flawless Free Solution

After doing some research, I found the ultimate tool for the job: KDE Connect.

KDE Connect is a completely free, open-source program that links your phone and your computer together over your local network. It is incredibly lightweight, safe, and works across almost every platform you can think of (Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, and iOS).

1. Using Your Phone as a Remote Keyboard

Once I installed KDE Connect on my phone and my mini PC, they paired instantly. Now, when I need to type on my mini PC, I just pull up the app on my phone and start typing.

It is incredibly responsive. I type on my phone's screen, hit enter, and the text instantly appears on my mini PC monitor. I no longer have to unplug any cables, and it works flawlessly every single time.

2. Effortless, Instant File Sharing

Before finding KDE Connect, I was using a local file-sharing app called LocalSend to move videos and files between my phone and PC.

KDE Connect completely replaces that! Because the devices stay connected automatically as long as they are on the same Wi-Fi network, sending files takes even fewer steps:

• Open the app.

• Click Send Files.

• Tap the video or document you want to share.

• It sends immediately to your PC—no extra device selection required.

What Else Can KDE Connect Do?

While the remote keyboard and file-sharing features are my absolute favorites, KDE Connect is packed with other tools that make it a Swiss Army knife for your desk setup:

• Clipboard Sharing: Copy text on your phone and instantly paste it on your PC (or vice versa).

• Multimedia Control: Use your phone as a remote control to play, pause, or change the volume of media playing on your computer.

• Notification Sync: Get your phone's notifications—including incoming call alerts—displayed right on your PC screen.

• Presentation Mode: Control slideshow presentations directly from your phone.

• Mouse Receiver: If you ever need to, you can even use your PC's mouse to navigate your phone screen.

• Run Commands: Set up custom command shortcuts on your phone to trigger actions on your PC.

Conclusion: A Must-Have Tool

If you have a multi-device setup, a mini PC, or just want a seamless link between your mobile device and your desktop, you need to check out KDE Connect. It is entirely free, open-source, and has completely changed how I interact with my mini PC.

I’ve also made a video on this topic — you can watch it below.

https://youtu.be/cGPcru4iCpo

Check out my other posts, I post useful tutorials and tech tips, maybe you will find something useful 😉.