Scrcpy is a desktop application that mirrors Android devices to a computer and enables full control via keyboard and mouse input. Written in C and built on FFmpeg and SDL2, it supports both USB and TCP/IP wireless connections without requiring root access or any installation on the Android device. The application runs on Linux, Windows, and macOS, making it a cross-platform solution for Android device management and screen mirroring.
The core functionality centers on real-time video streaming from Android devices with performance targets of 30 to 120 frames per second depending on device capabilities. The application prioritizes low latency, achieving 35 to 70 milliseconds of latency, and rapid startup time of approximately one second to display the first image. Quality support extends to 1920 by 1080 resolution and above, with configurable bitrate and codec options including H.265 for improved quality. Audio forwarding is supported on Android 11 and later, while the minimum Android requirement is API 21 (Android 5.0).
Beyond basic mirroring, scrcpy offers an extensive feature set including recording capabilities, virtual display creation, camera mirroring for Android 12 and later devices, and the ability to mirror the device screen while keeping it off. The application supports bidirectional copy-paste functionality, physical keyboard and mouse simulation through HID protocols, gamepad input, and OTG mode for control without mirroring. On Linux systems, the application can expose the device camera as a V4L2 webcam. Users can adjust resolution and frame rate to optimize performance on their specific devices.
The application emphasizes user privacy and accessibility by requiring no account creation, displaying no advertisements, and functioning without internet connectivity. As free and open source software licensed under Apache License 2.0, scrcpy provides comprehensive documentation across multiple pages covering connection methods, video and audio configuration, control mechanisms, keyboard and mouse input, gamepad support, device management, window controls, recording options, virtual displays, tunnels, OTG functionality, camera features, and keyboard shortcuts. The project maintains active communication channels through GitHub issues, Reddit at r/scrcpy, BlueSky, and Twitter at scrcpy_app.
