How to copy and paste between Android and Windows
Start with Microsoft Phone Link: its cross-device copy and paste works on Samsung phones with One UI 2.1 or later, Surface Duo, and selected HONOR, OPPO, ASUS and vivo phones. If you type with SwiftKey, its cloud clipboard syncs your last copied item through a Microsoft account. For other phones, MyClippy syncs text over your private Wi-Fi without changing your keyboard.
Option 1: Phone Link cross-device copy and paste
Microsoft documents cross-device copy and paste for Surface Duo and Android devices running One UI 2.1 or above, or select HONOR, OPPO, ASUS or vivo devices. It needs a Windows 11 PC or Windows 10 with the May 2019 update or later, plus current Phone Link and Link to Windows apps.
It copies text and images; Microsoft says images over 1 MB are resized. Turn it on in Phone Link under Settings → Features → Cross-device copy and paste. If your phone isn’t on Microsoft’s list, having messages or notifications working in Phone Link doesn’t mean the clipboard will work.
Option 2: SwiftKey cloud clipboard
Microsoft SwiftKey for Android can sync with Windows clipboard history. It needs the SwiftKey keyboard, the same Microsoft account on both devices, and Clipboard history and Sync across devices turned on in Windows. Microsoft says it keeps only your last copied clip, for an hour.
Option 3: MyClippy on your local Wi-Fi
MyClippy is a free pilot for Android 8 or later and Windows 10 or 11 on x64 PCs. It runs in the Windows system tray and connects to the phone over your private Wi-Fi — no Microsoft account, keyboard change or cloud service. Text copied on Windows goes straight to the phone’s clipboard; copying from Android to Windows is automatic after an optional Accessibility setup, or manual with Share → MyClippy.
Which option fits your phone?
| Option | Phones | Keyboard | Account | Connection | What syncs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phone Link | Samsung (One UI 2.1+), Surface Duo, select HONOR, OPPO, ASUS, vivo | Any | See Microsoft’s setup | Phone Link apps | Text and images |
| SwiftKey cloud clipboard | Android phones using SwiftKey | SwiftKey required | Microsoft account | Microsoft cloud | Last copied clip, for an hour |
| MyClippy | Android 8 or later | Keep your own | None | Same private Wi-Fi | Text and links up to 32 KB each |
| KDE Connect | Android | Any | None | Same network | Text; tap “Send clipboard” on Android 10+ |
Microsoft and KDE details come from their documentation as of 28 September 2026. We tested only MyClippy. See the full comparison.
Set up MyClippy on Windows and Android
- Download the Windows installer ZIP from Downloads, choose Extract All, and run the extracted setup. It installs for your account without administrator rights.
- The pilot is unsigned. If SmartScreen shows “Windows protected your PC”, check the file came from getmyclippy.com; if you trust it, choose More info → Run anyway. Keep Defender on.
- When Windows Firewall asks, allow MyClippy on Private networks. It uses TCP port 8788 and UDP port 8789 on your local network.
- Install MyClippy on Android through the Google Play testing invitation and open it on the same Wi-Fi. Allow notifications and local-network access.
- Copy harmless text on Windows and paste it on the phone. Then set up automatic copy on Android, copy fresh text there and press Ctrl+V on the PC.
What we tested with Windows
On 24 September 2026 we ran a three-device test with a Windows laptop, an Apple M1 Pro Mac and a Pixel 7. Each copy had to reach both other devices. After the laptop’s clock was synchronized, all six directions passed, along with Unicode and multiline text, repeated A → B → A copies, pause and resume, and rejoining after the Windows app restarted.
Before the clock was synchronized, four of five checks failed. MyClippy orders clips by the time they were copied, so keep automatic date and time on. Full results.
Frequently asked questions
Does Phone Link copy and paste work with Google Pixel phones?
Pixel phones are not on Microsoft’s documented list for cross-device copy and paste (checked 28 September 2026). The list names Samsung phones with One UI 2.1 or later, Surface Duo, and select HONOR, OPPO, ASUS and vivo devices. Other options include SwiftKey’s cloud clipboard, KDE Connect and MyClippy.
Can I sync my Android clipboard with Windows without SwiftKey?
Yes. Phone Link works on supported phones with any keyboard, and cross-platform apps such as MyClippy and KDE Connect don’t require a particular keyboard. MyClippy uses an optional Accessibility service to copy automatically from Android.
Do I need a Microsoft account?
SwiftKey’s cloud clipboard requires one. MyClippy doesn’t use accounts; devices connect over your private Wi-Fi.
Does MyClippy work on Windows on Arm?
The current Windows pilot is built for x64 PCs and hasn’t been tested on Windows on Arm.
Sources and current requirements
- Microsoft: Transfer content between your devices with Phone Link
- Microsoft: Copy and paste between SwiftKey and Windows
- KDE Connect user documentation
Product capabilities and platform requirements can change. This page describes a local pilot, not a guarantee of compatibility with every phone or source app. Spotted something out of date? Email intelligentiastudios@gmail.com.