If you use Bazzite on a handheld device, a TV setup, or a desktop without a convenient keyboard and mouse, controlling isn't the most userfriendly task. Plus the on screen keyboard options in Linux are typically slow and awkward to use, especially when you you only need to do something quickly. Which is where KDE Connect is extremely useful. It allows you to control your Bazzite system directly from your phone, turning your mobile device into a touchpad, keyboard, and remote control. I use my bazzite installation as a media center connected to my TV and KDE Connect is super handy.
Takeaways:
- What's the best way to control Bazzite from your Phone?
- Best way to turn your phone into a remote control for Bazzite.
- Learn how to use your phone a remote control for Bazzite.
Table of Contents
What You Can Do with KDE Connect?
The most useful feature is Remote Input which lets your phone work as:
- A touchpad for moving the cursor
- A keyboard for typing
- A quick navigation tool for desktop interaction
This is super handy when your device is connected to a TV or when you are away from your usual peripherals.
KDE Connect Also has a few other useful tools for media center use.
- Multimedia control for play, pause, volume, and skipping media
- Clipboard sharing between phone and desktop
- File transfer between devices
- Remote command execution
For most people though, Remote Input is probably going to be the thing you use 90% of the time since this setup is ideal for handheld devices connected to a TV, and gaming setups in desktop mode. Instead of switching input methods or struggling with a controller based keyboard, you can simply use your phone for quick accurate control.
Requirements of KDE Connect with Bazzite and Android
Both your phone and your Bazzite device must be connected to the same WiFi network. Otherwise, they will not detect each other. Thankfully, pairing only needs to be done once. After that, your devices will automatically reconnect whenever both are available on the same network. It works very much like pairing bluetooth devices.
How to Use KDE Connect to Control Your Bazzite Device from an Android Phone
- Open your phone’s app store and search for KDE Connect. Install it like any other application.
- Once installed, open KDE Connect on your phone. The app will automatically search for devices on your network.
- In the KDE Connect app, find your Bazzite device in the list.
- Tap it to begin the pairing process.
- Send a pairing request from your phone.
- On your Bazzite system, confirm the pairing request. Once accepted, the two devices are linked.
- In the KDE Connect app, select the Remote Input feature.
- The first time you use it, Bazzite may ask you to allow remote control permissions. Approve this request.
You can now:
- Move the mouse cursor with your finger
- Tap to click
- Use your phone keyboard to type
For example, you can launch applications, search for software, and install programs entirely from your phone without touching a physical keyboard.
