Installation

Download and install Scrcpy for Android on your device

Download the APK

Scrcpy for Android is distributed as an APK file through GitHub releases.

1. Navigate to releases

   Visit the GitHub releases page to find the latest version.

2. Download scrcpy-release.apk

   Download the scrcpy-release.apk file from the latest release.

   The APK file is typically 5-10 MB in size. Make sure you have a stable internet connection.

Install on your Android device

1. Enable installation from unknown sources

   Before installing, you need to allow installation from unknown sources:

   1. Open Settings on your Android device
   2. Navigate to Security or Privacy
   3. Enable Install unknown apps or Unknown sources
   4. Select your browser or file manager and allow installation

   On Android 8.0 and above, this permission is granted per-app rather than system-wide. You’ll need to allow installation for the app you’re using to open the APK (e.g., Chrome, Files).

2. Install the APK

   1. Tap on the downloaded scrcpy-release.apk file
   2. Review the permissions requested
   3. Tap Install
   4. Wait for the installation to complete
   5. Tap Open to launch the app, or find it in your app drawer

Permissions required

During installation, Scrcpy for Android will request the following permissions:

Internet

Required: Allows the app to establish network connections to remote Android devices via ADB.

This permission is essential for connecting to devices over your local network.

Access Wi-Fi State

Required: Allows the app to detect Wi-Fi connectivity and network information.

This helps the app determine if you’re connected to a local network.

These are the only permissions required. The app does not request access to your contacts, camera, storage, or other sensitive data.

Verify installation

After installation, verify that the app is working correctly:

1. Launch the app

   Open ScrcpyForAndroid from your app drawer.

2. Check the main screen

   You should see the main interface with:

   • Remote Device IP address field
   • Resolution dropdown (default options: 1920x1080, 1280x720, etc.)
   • Bitrate dropdown (default options: 6 Mbps, 4 Mbps, 2 Mbps, 1 Mbps)
   • Delay Control dropdown (High, Medium, Low)
   • Viewing mode switch
   • Bottom control button switch
   • Start button
3. Check app version

   The current version should be 1.1.0 (version code 9).

Initial setup

Before connecting to a remote device, configure your preferences:

Set default resolution

Select a resolution from the dropdown menu:

1920x1080 - Full HD (highest quality, more bandwidth)
1600x720  - Wide HD
1280x720  - HD (recommended for most networks)
1200x540  - qHD
960x720   - SD+
800x448   - Low bandwidth
640x360   - Minimal bandwidth

Start with 1280x720 at 2 Mbps for a good balance between quality and performance.

Set bitrate

Choose a bitrate based on your network speed:

• 6 Mbps: High-quality networks, minimal compression
• 4 Mbps: Good quality, most home networks
• 2 Mbps: Recommended for stable connections
• 1 Mbps: Low bandwidth or unstable networks

Configure delay control

Delay control affects latency compensation:

• High (100ms): Best for slower networks, more buffering
• Medium (60ms): Balanced latency and smoothness
• Low (30ms): Minimal latency, requires stable network

Optional settings

Viewing mode (no control)

Enable this switch to mirror the device without sending touch or keyboard events. Useful for:

• Monitoring only
• Presentations where you don’t need to interact
• Preventing accidental inputs

When enabled, the bottom control button option is disabled.

Bottom control button

Enable this if the target device has hardware navigation buttons instead of on-screen buttons.

This adds virtual navigation buttons (Back, Home, App Switcher) to your mirroring interface.

This option is only available when “Viewing mode” is disabled.

Troubleshooting installation

Installation blocked

If installation is blocked:

1. Make sure you’ve enabled installation from unknown sources
2. Check that the APK file downloaded completely (verify file size)
3. Try downloading the APK again
4. Clear your browser cache and retry

App not compatible

If you see a compatibility error:

• Minimum Android version: Android 5.0 (API 21)
• Target Android version: Android 12 (API 31)

Devices below Android 5.0 are not supported.

Installation failed

If installation fails:

1. Check available storage space (requires ~20 MB)
2. Uninstall any previous versions of the app
3. Restart your device and try again
4. Download the APK file again in case it was corrupted

Next steps

Now that Scrcpy for Android is installed, you’re ready to connect to a remote device.

Quick start guide

Learn how to enable ADB wireless debugging and connect to your first device