Help · CTRL

Why does Android ask for Accessibility?

Android only lets an app tap, swipe and type on the screen for you through its Accessibility service. CTRL uses it for one thing: carrying out the taps and keys of a device you approved while it controls this phone. It does not read what is on your screen, collect what you type, or run when nobody is connected. You can turn it off in Android Settings → Accessibility at any time; the phone then still shows its screen to a controller, but can no longer be tapped remotely.

Windows says “Windows protected your PC”

That screen appears for any program that is new or not yet signed with a paid publisher certificate. CTRL’s installer isn’t signed yet. Compare the SHA-256 shown on the download page with the file you got, then choose More info → Run anyway.

How do I wake a sleeping PC?

Open the web app or CTRL on another device and press Wake on the PC’s card. It asks another awake Windows PC on the same network to send the wake-up signal, so one Windows PC needs to stay on at that location. The sleeping PC must allow it: turn on “Wake on Magic Packet” in the network card’s properties in Windows Device Manager, and in the PC’s BIOS or UEFI settings if it has the option. Wi-Fi rarely wakes a PC; a network cable works best. The Wake button appears once the PC has run a recent version of CTRL while on.

Can I look through the other PC’s files?

Yes. While controlling a Windows PC, open Files in the viewer to browse its folders and drives and pull files over to you. It is read only: nothing can be changed or deleted from there. You can turn it off on that PC in Settings → This PC → “Let my devices browse this PC”.

What works on iPhone, iPad and Mac?

Open the web app in the browser to control your other devices. There is no CTRL app for Apple devices yet, so they can control but cannot be controlled.

Still stuck?