PCDeck icon PCDeck
Download

How to Control a Linux PC or Steam Deck From Your Phone

Whether you're running Ubuntu on a desktop, managing a headless Raspberry Pi home server, or using a Valve Steam Deck in desktop mode, PCDeck turns your phone into an offline wireless trackpad, keyboard, and screen viewer.

Updated 1 September 2026 · Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, Arch Linux, SteamOS & Raspberry Pi · X11 & Wayland

Direct Answer

Yes. You can control any Linux PC or Valve Steam Deck from an Android phone or mobile web browser over local Wi-Fi. PCDeck runs on Linux via a single terminal install command, binding an input and streaming server on port 8000. It translates mobile touch gestures into native Linux pointer and keyboard events (via X11 / Wayland input subsystems) and streams audio and screen frames with zero cloud configuration.

Universal 1-Line Linux Install

Run this command in any Linux terminal to install and start PCDeck:

curl -sSL https://pcdeck.vercel.app/install.sh | bash

Inspect the script or read full technical documentation: Linux Installation & Security Docs →

Supported Linux distributions and platforms

PCDeck is engineered to run seamlessly across major Linux distributions:

Step-by-step setup on Linux

  1. Run the installer command in terminal

    Open your Linux terminal (or switch to Desktop Mode on Steam Deck and open Konsole) and run:

    curl -sSL https://pcdeck.vercel.app/install.sh | bash

    The installer verifies Python 3, sets up the local user environment, and starts the PCDeck server.

  2. Pair your phone via QR code or local IP

    The terminal displays a clean ASCII QR code and your Linux machine's local IP address (e.g. 192.168.1.100:8000). Scan the QR code with your phone camera or enter the URL into your browser.

  3. Navigate and control Linux

    Your phone screen becomes an active multi-touch trackpad and keyboard. Move your finger to steer the mouse pointer in GNOME, KDE Plasma, XFCE, or i3.

Steam Deck in Desktop Mode: The ultimate couch companion

When you switch your Valve Steam Deck to Desktop Mode to install emulators, configure ModOrganizer, or browse files, navigating with the built-in trackpads can feel cramped. Running PCDeck on your Steam Deck gives you a spacious multi-touch trackpad and smartphone keyboard right from your couch—no Bluetooth pairing glitches or bulky USB hubs needed.

Firewall Note for Linux Users

If you have ufw or firewalld enabled, ensure port 8000 is permitted for incoming local network connections: sudo ufw allow 8000/tcp.

Get PCDeck for Linux — Free Local Remote Control

Control Linux and Windows PCs from your smartphone or browser over local Wi-Fi with zero telemetry.

View Linux Install Docs Download Windows / Android

Ubuntu · Debian · Fedora · Arch · SteamOS · Raspberry Pi · 100% Offline LAN