PlainApp is an Android app that lets you securely manage your phone from a web browser on the same local network.
PlainApp solves the problem of remote phone management without sacrificing privacy or paying subscription fees. It runs a local server on your Android device that you access through any web browser on the same Wi-Fi network. All data stays on your network and never reaches external servers. Communication between phone and browser is encrypted using TLS and XChaCha20-Poly1305. The app provides a web-based dashboard for file browsing and management, media viewing, contact and SMS access, call log review, app listing, real-time notification mirroring, live screen mirroring with audio and remote control, and device information display. Beyond remote management, PlainApp also functions as a standalone Android application with built-in tools including a markdown note editor, RSS reader, video and audio player with playlist support, DLNA and Chromecast casting, peer-to-peer chat and file sharing between devices, a Pomodoro timer, and a sound meter.
You should choose PlainApp if you want full control over phone management without cloud dependencies, accounts, or subscriptions. It suits anyone concerned about data privacy who needs to transfer files, access messages, or mirror their screen to a desktop computer. The project explicitly positions itself against tools that route data through external servers, require paid features, or display advertisements. It is available through Google Play, F-Droid, and GitHub releases, giving you multiple installation paths including open-source builds.
The project maintains active community engagement through Discord and Reddit channels. Development includes regular updates across multiple functional areas, from core remote management features to the standalone Android tools. The codebase is written in Kotlin using Jetpack Compose for the UI, Ktor for the server framework, and GraphQL for data queries, indicating a modern technology stack. The project accepts contributions and encourages code auditing through its open-source model.
