Usage Guide

Adding a Server

Servers can be added to AVNC in multiple ways:

  1. Quick Connect: Use the top address bar in the HomeActivity to enter an IP, hostname, or vnc:// URL to connect immediately without saving.
  2. Network Discovery: Swipe to the "Discovered" tab. AVNC automatically scans the local network for devices advertising VNC via Zeroconf/Bonjour.
  3. Manual Profile: Click the + Floating Action Button to open the Profile Editor.

Advanced Server Profile Options

When editing a server, clicking Advanced reveals options for complex network topologies:

  • SSH Tunneling: Instead of exposing VNC directly to the internet, AVNC can SSH into your server (or a bastion host) and port-forward the VNC connection securely. Supports both Password and PEM/PKCS8 Private Key authentication.
  • Wake-on-LAN (WoL): Input the target computer's MAC address. AVNC will dispatch a Magic Packet to wake the computer from sleep just before initiating the VNC connection.
  • UltraVNC Repeater: Check "Use repeater" and input the Repeater ID if connecting through a VNC reflector.
  • View Modes: Select between Normal, No Input (View Only), or No Video (Input Only, useful for using your phone solely as a trackpad).

During a Session

The Toolbar Drawer

Swipe in from the edge of the screen (based on your alignment preference, Left or Right) to pull out the Toolbar Drawer. From here, you can:

  • Open the Android Soft Keyboard.
  • Toggle Virtual Keys on/off.
  • Change Gesture Styles on the fly.
  • Reset, lock, or save the current Zoom level as the default for this server.

Virtual Keys

Because Android soft keyboards lack desktop modifier keys, AVNC provides an overlaid Virtual Keypad.

  • Tap Ctrl, Alt, or Shift to toggle them on (they lock if long-pressed).
  • Swipe left on the Virtual Keypad to reveal a dedicated Text Box. Text typed here is sent to the VNC server sequentially, bypassing complex mobile keyboard autocomplete issues.