kde/kdeconnect-kde

Analysis updated 2026-07-03

★ 3,688C++Audience · developerComplexity · 3/5LicenseSetup · moderate

Mindmap

mindmap
  root((kdeconnect))
    What it does
      Clipboard sync
      File sharing
      Remote control
      Notification sync
    Platforms
      Linux
      Windows
      Android
      iOS
    Tech stack
      C++
      Qt 6
      Plugin system
    Use cases
      Phone as touchpad
      Desktop SMS replies
      Slide control

mindmap root((kdeconnect)) What it does Clipboard sync File sharing Remote control Notification sync Platforms Linux Windows Android iOS Tech stack C++ Qt 6 Plugin system Use cases Phone as touchpad Desktop SMS replies Slide control

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What do people build with it?

USE CASE 1

Copy text on your phone and paste it instantly on your Linux desktop without any cable.

USE CASE 2

Use your phone as a wireless touchpad or keyboard to control your computer.

USE CASE 3

Read and reply to Android SMS messages directly from your desktop.

USE CASE 4

Write a new KDE Connect plugin to add a custom feature using the published packet protocol.

What is it built with?

C++Qt 6CMake

How does it compare?

	kde/kdeconnect-kde	cycfi/elements	novatic14/manpads-system-launcher-and-rocket
Stars	3,688	3,687	3,689
Language	C++	C++	C++
Setup difficulty	moderate	moderate	hard
Complexity	3/5	4/5	4/5
Audience	developer	developer	developer

Figures from each repo's GitHub metadata at analysis time.

How do you get it running?

Difficulty · moderate Time to first run · 30min

Requires Qt 6 and KDE development libraries, building from source on Linux is documented but needs several system packages.

GNU GPL v2/v3, free to use, modify, and share, but any modifications you distribute must also be open-source under the same license.

In plain English

KDE Connect is a free app that links your phone and your computer so they can share things over your local Wi-Fi network, with no cables or accounts required. Once paired, the two devices can exchange clipboard contents (copy on one, paste on the other), send files and links instantly, and keep notifications in sync so you can read and reply to your Android messages straight from your desktop. Beyond file sharing, the app turns your phone into a remote control for your computer. You can use it as a touchpad and keyboard, control media playback on your Linux desktop, advance presentation slides, or trigger shell commands on the computer from your phone. SMS and MMS messages can be read and replied to from the desktop as well. All communication between devices is encrypted. KDE Connect runs on Linux desktops (any distribution with Qt 6 support, including GNOME and elementary OS), Windows, Android, and iOS. The desktop component for Linux is in this repository. Companion apps for Android are available on Google Play and F-Droid. iOS and Windows versions are available through the App Store and Microsoft Store. Mac support exists but is not officially maintained. The software is built around a plugin architecture. Each feature (clipboard, file sharing, remote control, and so on) is a separate plugin that sends small packets of data between devices. New features can be added as plugins without changing the underlying communication layer, and third-party developers can write their own plugins using the published protocol. This GitHub repository is a read-only mirror. The primary development home is on KDE's own GitLab at invent.kde.org. Bug reports go to KDE's Bugzilla, and translations are handled by KDE's localization teams. The project is licensed under the GNU GPL v2 and v3.

Copy-paste prompts

Prompt 1

I want to build a custom KDE Connect plugin in C++ that sends battery percentage updates from my phone to my desktop. Walk me through the plugin architecture and the minimum files I need.

Prompt 2

Using the KDE Connect codebase, show me how the clipboard sync plugin works and how I can extend it to support rich-text formatting.

Prompt 3

Help me compile KDE Connect from this GitHub repo on Ubuntu 24.04 with Qt 6 and pair it with the Android app.

Prompt 4

Explain the encrypted packet protocol that KDE Connect uses between devices so I can implement a compatible client in Python.

Frequently asked questions

What is kdeconnect-kde?

KDE Connect wirelessly links your phone and Linux/Windows computer so you can share files, sync clipboard, control media, and reply to messages from your desktop.

What language is kdeconnect-kde written in?

Mainly C++. The stack also includes C++, Qt 6, CMake.

What license does kdeconnect-kde use?

GNU GPL v2/v3, free to use, modify, and share, but any modifications you distribute must also be open-source under the same license.

How hard is kdeconnect-kde to set up?

Setup difficulty is rated moderate, with roughly 30min to a first successful run.

Who is kdeconnect-kde for?

Mainly developer.

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