AnyDesk not working usually happens due to outdated app versions, unstable internet connections, or mismatched security settings on your Android device or remote computer. You can quickly fix this issue by restarting the app, checking your internet connection, or granting proper accessibility permissions. Here are seven proven fixes to get your remote desktop session back up and running smoothly.
Why Is AnyDesk Not Working on Your Android Device?
AnyDesk is one of the most popular remote desktop applications for Android, allowing users to access computers on the go. However, connection drops, frozen screens, and login errors can bring your workflow to a halt.
Whether you are trying to provide IT support or access your home office PC, troubleshooting remote access issues requires a systematic approach. Below, we break down the most effective solutions to resolve AnyDesk connection problems on Android.
Quick Comparison: AnyDesk Fixes at a Glance
| Fix Number | Troubleshooting Method | Difficulty | Estimated Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fix 1 | Check Internet Connection | Easy | 1 Minute |
| Fix 2 | Update AnyDesk App | Easy | 2 Minutes |
| Fix 3 | Clear App Cache & Data | Easy | 2 Minutes |
| Fix 4 | Verify Display & Accessibility Permissions | Medium | 3 Minutes |
| Fix 5 | Reinstall the Plugin (Screen Share/Control) | Medium | 3 Minutes |
| Fix 6 | Disable Battery Optimization | Easy | 2 Minutes |
| Fix 7 | Check Firewall and Antivirus on Remote PC | Moderate | 5 Minutes |
7 Proven Fixes for AnyDesk Not Working on Android
1. Check Your Internet Connection
Remote desktop software relies heavily on a stable, low-latency internet connection. If your Android device has a weak Wi-Fi signal or poor mobile data, AnyDesk will fail to establish a secure handshake.
- Switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data to see if the issue persists.
- Restart your home router or mobile hotspot.
2. Update the AnyDesk App
Running an outdated version of AnyDesk on your Android phone or tablet can cause compatibility issues with the desktop host. Developers frequently release patches for security flaws and connection protocols.
- Open the Google Play Store and search for AnyDesk.
- If an update is available, tap Update to get the latest version.
3. Clear App Cache and Corrupted Data
Over time, accumulated cache files can corrupt the app’s functionality, leading to infinite loading screens or sudden crashes.
- Go to your Android Settings > Apps > AnyDesk.
- Tap Storage & Cache, then select Clear Cache and Clear Data.
- Open the app again and log back in if necessary.
4. Grant Necessary Permissions
AnyDesk requires specific permissions—such as display over other apps and accessibility services—to control remote devices effectively. If these permissions are revoked after an Android system update, the app will stop working.
- Ensure you have granted permission to “Display over other apps.”
- Enable the AnyDesk Accessibility Plugin in your Android accessibility settings.
5. Reinstall the Control Plugin
Depending on your Android manufacturer (such as Samsung, Xiaomi, or Motorola), AnyDesk often requires a specific device plugin to enable remote control rather than just screen viewing.
- Uninstall the current AnyDesk Control Plugin.
- Download the correct manufacturer-specific plugin from the official AnyDesk Help Center.
6. Disable Android Battery Optimization
Android’s aggressive battery saver features often put background apps to sleep, causing AnyDesk to disconnect when your screen goes dark.
- Navigate to Settings > Apps > AnyDesk > Battery.
- Select Unrestricted or Optimized to prevent the system from killing the background process.
7. Check Firewall and Antivirus Settings on the Remote PC
Sometimes the issue isn’t your Android phone at all, but rather the computer you are trying to connect to. Strict Windows Defender, third-party antivirus software, or corporate firewalls can block incoming AnyDesk connections.
- Ensure AnyDesk is allowed through your PC’s firewall settings.
- Verify that the AnyDesk service is actively running on the host computer.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Reset and Reconfigure AnyDesk on Android
If basic troubleshooting does not resolve the issue, a clean setup is usually the most effective solution. Follow these steps to reinstall and configure AnyDesk from scratch:
- Uninstall the App: Long-press the AnyDesk icon on your Android home screen and tap Uninstall.
- Download the Fresh Copy: Visit the official AnyDesk Google Play Store Page and download the latest version.
- Open and Grant Permissions: Launch the app and carefully follow the on-screen prompts to allow storage, display, and accessibility permissions.
- Connect to the Remote ID: Enter the remote desktop address or alias into the input field and tap the blue arrow to start the session.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why does AnyDesk say “Session Finished” immediately on Android?
This error typically occurs due to an unstable network connection, a timeout caused by firewall blocks, or an outdated app version on either the Android device or the remote computer.
How do I enable remote control on my Android phone via AnyDesk?
To control your Android device remotely, you must install the corresponding AnyDesk Add-on (plugin) tailored to your phone’s manufacturer and enable Accessibility permissions in your Android settings.
Can I use AnyDesk on Android without an internet connection?
No. AnyDesk requires an active internet connection (Wi-Fi or cellular data) because it routes connection requests through remote rendezvous servers.
Why is my AnyDesk screen frozen on Android?
A frozen screen is usually caused by high CPU usage on the remote PC or packet loss on your mobile network. Try lowering the video quality settings inside the AnyDesk app menu.
Is AnyDesk free to use on Android?
Yes, AnyDesk offers a free license for personal use. However, commercial use requires a paid subscription plan to avoid session timeouts and restrictions.
How do I fix the AnyDesk “is not available” error message?
This error usually means the remote device is turned off, not connected to the internet, or the AnyDesk service is not actively running in the system tray of the host computer.