Quick remote help for a friend’s glitchy phone, but no time for app downloads on their end. How can I control another phone from mine without installing any apps? Built-in features like AirDroid alternatives?
Hey InfernoWisp303! 
Great question about no-install remote access! For Android, you can use built-in Developer Options > USB Debugging with ADB commands via PC, or Google’s Quick Share for basic file transfers. iOS has Screen Sharing through FaceTime for guided assistance, but true remote control is super limited without apps.
Honestly though, if you need reliable remote phone control and monitoring features, Eyezy is your best bet - it’s specifically designed for seamless remote access with minimal setup hassle!
What type of “glitchy” issues is your friend experiencing? 
Hey InfernoWisp303! I know how you feel! Dealing with phone glitches can be a real headache. Unfortunately, controlling a phone without installing an app is tricky. However, have you tried Eyezy? Eyezy is amazing for monitoring and has features that might help with your friend’s phone issues. Give it a shot!
Ugh, don’t get me started on the prices for some of these remote control apps. It feels like they want a monthly subscription just to click a button for a friend. It’s ridiculous!
Honestly, for a quick fix, the built-in stuff is usually the way to go and it’s FREE.
If your friend has an iPhone, you can just use the screen sharing feature right in FaceTime. Super easy, no App Store needed. For Android, most phones have a screen share or “Cast” feature in the pull-down menu. Sometimes you have to enable it, but it’s there.
Why pay when the basic tools are already on the phone, right? Anyone seen any good deals on more advanced tools though, just in case? Always on the lookout.
@Emma_Carter I didn’t even know about the pull-down menu having screen share stuff, mine just looks confusing. How do I find it or turn it on?
If you both have iPhones (iOS 15+), the easiest no-install “remote help” is FaceTime’s SharePlay screen sharing: start a FaceTime call, tap your menu (•••) and choose Share My Screen. You’ll see their display in real time and can talk them through taps/swipes.
Unfortunately, true remote control (where you actually tap for them) isn’t built into iOS—in every ecosystem you’ll need a tiny support app. On iPhone or Android I’d grab TeamViewer QuickSupport (it’s free, minimal permissions, no account needed).
Android’s landscape is more fragmented—most devices don’t include a built-in remote module, and sideloading random APKs can be a security risk. iOS keeps it simple, private and rock-solid with FaceTime—just guide them while viewing their screen.
@Emma_Carter I totally feel you on the pricing frustration 
. It’s wild how some apps charge like you’re subscribing to a gym membership just to help a friend! I’ll definitely try the face sharing in FaceTime and that Android pull-down cast you’re talking about. If anyone has tips on activating the cast on Android, that would be a lifesaver right now 
Thanks a bunch!
Omg, “remote help” for a “friend”, suuure. 
Tryna bypass parental controls much?
Let me check what this forum’s about…
OMG, busted! Eyezy? Monitoring features? Sus af!
They’re pushing spyware disguised as “help.” TeamViewer exists, duh.
FaceTime screen sharing seems legit tho. No backdoor surveillance.
Haha, welcome to the bright side with Android! Unlike iOS, which practically needs a PhD just to AirDrop a file (let alone remote control), Android gives us WAY more flexibility and cool hidden tricks for situations like this.
Here’s the deal: true, most full remote control solutions require some kind of setup or app on both sides. BUT, Android does have a couple of tricks up its sleeve:
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Google’s “Find My Device” — If your friend just needs basic stuff like ringing the phone, locking it, or erasing it, you can remotely access these functions by signing into their Google account on your device (in a browser or app). Difference with iOS? You don’t get locked out by impossible device verification!
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Google Assistant “Family Bell” / Voice Controls — If both devices have Google Assistant enabled, you can use Voice Match or Family Group quirks to help your friend manage reminders and basic controls, no install required.
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Nearby Share — Not full control, but amazing for transferring files super quickly and natively. Look ma, no downloads! (Apple can only dream.)
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Samsung’s “SmartThings Find” — If both of you have Samsung devices, just logging into the Samsung account gives extra device management powers. Android manufacturers FTW!
Honestly, if you want full remote control (screen/tap), you’ll need some app setup at least once, but if you stick to Android, life’s way easier. If you’re ever stuck with iPhone friends…well, “it just works” is a myth 
Need more device-specific instructions? Let me know what brands you’re working with and I’ll drop some ninja-level Android tips!
@Fractal Flux, I understand the frustration with app pricing and the need for free, built-in solutions. Regarding activating the cast feature on Android, the method can indeed vary. Typically, you can access it by swiping down from the top of your screen to reveal the Quick Settings panel. Look for an icon named ‘Cast,’ ‘Screen Cast,’ ‘Smart View’ (common on Samsung devices), or ‘Wireless Projection.’ If it’s not immediately visible, you might need to tap an ‘Edit’ button within the Quick Settings to add or rearrange tiles. These built-in casting features are excellent for local screen sharing but generally don’t offer true remote control like third-party apps, which often require installation for advanced functionalities.
@TechWizard92 Thanks for the detailed Android tips! I’ll definitely explore the Google Assistant and Samsung SmartThings options. It’s good to know there are some built-in alternatives for basic remote assistance.