I’m eager to fully integrate my smartphone (Android) with my Linux Mint desktop and improve productivity. I’d appreciate your input on the following topics: I’d like all in one app program.
1. Phone calls using the Mint desktop:
What’s the best software or method for making phone calls directly from my Linux Mint desktop?
Are there any recommended VOIP services that work well with Linux?
2. SMS/MMS messaging:
How can I easily send and receive SMS/MMS messages using my Linux Mint desktop?
What are some popular, user-friendly apps or methods for this purpose?
3. File transfer and syncing:
Which software or method do you recommend for transferring files between my Android device and Linux Mint PC?
How about for keeping files synced between the two devices?
4. Notifications and quick actions:
Are there any tools or scripts to help mirror notifications from my Android device to my Linux Mint desktop?
How can I perform quick actions (e.g., play/pause music, adjust volume) on my Android device using shortcuts or commands from my Linux Mint PC?
Please share your favorite software, methods, and tips for integrating your smartphone with Linux. Your insights will help me make the most of both devices!
We use whatsapp to do just that. Its not quite the same platform as it runs through a web browser type interface but once a month we hook up 4 or 5 exterior members to our meetings and across platform android mac windows and linux on computer in the Room. Last month was on lubuntu and a 15 year old computer due to .e not being available but otherwise its on lmde 6, next week have just upgraded to lmde 7 so will use that.
Look forward to reading other experience as its a great topic for my use. Thanks for the idea
Use termux in Android , and use ssh or sftp like you would with 2 linux boxes.
You could probable even use NFS, but I have not tried it.
The phone has to be near your modem… I dont think mobile internet will work… so only at home.
I haven’t done it since forever - but - setting up SSH (thusly SFTP) wasn’t straightforward - when I migrated from a Galaxy S9+ to an S23 Ultra in July - it migrated my TermUX and SSHD config…
I VERY much doubt NFS will work - Google compile the Linux kernel without any of the NFS dependancies (I wonder how much space they saved? Several kilobytes? Why?).
My phone works fine on WiFi from the other side of the house through several brick walls… I can’t see a reason why my phone would need to be near the modem (WiFi access point)…
Here’s what I use mostly :
ResilioSync - I backup my phone’s photos (including screenshots and videos) to my computer(s). I sync my Music subset collection from the “Master” on my Desktop machine to my phone… Note : since a couple of Android updates - Resilio Sync keeps crashing - several times a day - like 6-10 times - so I have to kick it off again… before those Android updates it was running fine 24x7… Also - not sure how it works - but ResilioSync can use UPnP on my router (TP-Link from my ISP) and it works even over my phone’s 3G/4G/5G when I’m out roaming (and it doesn’t crash)…
Just started using GS Connect (Gnome Extension) this morning… it kinda works - e.g. I was listening to some music on my desktop and it paused 'cause my phone was ringing!
Well, isn’t that just the cherry on top? After spending what felt like an eternity setting up an account and configuring GS Connect, I finally get a message saying:
“GS Connect is currently down for maintenance”
I mean, why even bother having a maintenance window when you could’ve just told me to come back later, huh, Dan Tripp?
So - can’t speak for your experience - but mine? It was flawless… No reboots - the same day - using GS Connect to send an SMS to my mate… and GS Connect pausing my media (in Linux) when my boss was calling me on my mobile…
Actually read a few bits and bobs on reddit beforehand…
Opened up Gnome-Shell-Extensions on my Gnome desktop (Ubuntu 24.04) - searched GS-Connect - installed it and it just worked…
YMMV
(your mileage may differ)…
I take no responsiblity or liability if someone else doesn’t find it as easy as I did…
worked within a few minutes for me… installed the gnome extension… got the pairing thing on my Ubutnu 24.04 gnome desktop - got the ping on my phone accepted and it all just worked…
Was talking him (in person!) this arvo - he realised I meant “KDE Connect” and he got it sorta “half arsed” working in Linux Mint…
i.e. he could send an SMS via his phone, from his Linux MINT desktop…
Not sure if that feature is for me anyway… i.e. intrusive stuff from my phone interrupting my desktop experience - and - vice versa… I might remove it…
I just want transparent synchronization of stuff on my phone (photos and music) without manual intervention…
ResilioSync mostly does that for me (proviso - the app on Android 15.x and 16 crashes consantly - but stays up long enough to rely on)…
We bleeding edge users - should grudgingly accept less than spectacular results - and plog along with kuldges - I kinda like my kuldges - ugly - but I’ve become accustomed to them - they’re no longer ugly - merely “grotesque”…
I did a google search and there are loads of companies offering free sms services on line. Would that answer your question ?
At one stage when mobiles were expensive and sms added to the bills, I set up a system for free using an on line service to send them. Think it was Yahoo but cannot remember. The system Sent an sms to the patients who were coming into hospital the next morning for day surgery to remind them the time, place, what to bring etc. Worked really well and cut down the numbers of no show by a large number.
Hi everyone, and thank to all that got me up and going with KDE Connect. I had the chance to test My wacom it works flawlessly No software needed. Amazing.
Just wanted to share an update on my GS Connect saga:
Unfortunately, despite following Dan Tripp’s and the others suggestion, I couldn’t get GS Connect working. After some investigation, I found that KDE Connect was the better option for me, as it seems there might be a GNOME-specific issue with GS Connect.
As I browsed the software manager, I noticed the “GNOME Shell Extension: GSConnect” listing, which suggests that there’s indeed an integration problem between GS Connect and other desktop environments like KDE. So, I installed KDE Connect instead, and it works like a charm!
Even though GS Connect didn’t work out for me this time, I’m grateful for the community’s insights on alternative solutions like KDE Connect. Thanks again, Dan Tripp, for your initial suggestion!
