Tag: linux

A complete guide to mirror and control your Note 20 Ultra from Fedora Linux with high performance, screen-off mode, autostart, and safe always-plugged-in usage.

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Why scrcpy?

scrcpy is the best free and open-source tool for controlling Android devices from Linux. It offers:

• Low latency
• Full mouse + keyboard control
• Audio support
• No root required
• Works over USB or Wi-Fi

This guide is written specifically for Fedora + Galaxy Note 20 Ultra (SM-N986B), but it works with most modern Samsung phones.

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1. Install scrcpy on Fedora

sudo dnf install android-tools
sudo dnf copr enable zeno/scrcpy
sudo dnf install scrcpy

Enable USB debugging on your phone:

1. Go to Settings → About phone → Software information
2. Tap Build number 7 times
3. Go back → Developer options
4. Enable USB debugging

Connect the phone via USB and accept the debugging prompt.

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2. High Performance + Screen Off Command

This is the recommended command for best visuals, audio, and keeping the phone screen off while controlling it:

scrcpy \
  --video-codec=h264 \
  --video-bit-rate=16M \
  --max-fps=60 \
  --audio-bit-rate=192K \
  --turn-screen-off \
  --stay-awake \
  --disable-screensaver \
  --power-off-on-close

What the options do:

• h264 → Most compatible codec on Fedora
• 16M bitrate → Sharp image
• 60 FPS → Smooth
• --turn-screen-off → Phone screen stays black
• --stay-awake → Prevents the phone from sleeping
• --power-off-on-close → Turns the phone screen off when you close the scrcpy window

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3. Create a Startup Script

Create a reliable script that waits for the phone and then launches scrcpy with the best settings:

mkdir -p ~/bin
nano ~/bin/start-scrcpy.sh

Paste this:

#!/bin/bash

# Wait until the phone is connected
while ! adb devices | grep -q "device$"; do
    sleep 2
done

# High quality + screen off + audio
exec scrcpy \
  --video-codec=h264 \
  --video-bit-rate=16M \
  --max-fps=60 \
  --audio-bit-rate=192K \
  --turn-screen-off \
  --stay-awake \
  --disable-screensaver \
  --power-off-on-close

Make it executable:

chmod +x ~/bin/start-scrcpy.sh

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4. Create a Desktop Shortcut

nano ~/Desktop/scrcpy.desktop

Paste:

[Desktop Entry]
Version=1.0
Type=Application
Name=Phone Control
Comment=Control Note 20 Ultra with scrcpy
Exec=/home/YOUR_USERNAME/bin/start-scrcpy.sh
Icon=phone
Terminal=false
Categories=Utility;
StartupNotify=false

Replace YOUR_USERNAME with your actual username, then:

chmod +x ~/Desktop/scrcpy.desktop

Right-click the icon on the desktop → Allow Launching.

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5. Auto-start on Login (Optional)

mkdir -p ~/.config/autostart
nano ~/.config/autostart/scrcpy.desktop

Use the same content as the desktop shortcut above (just change the path if needed).

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6. Handling Pattern Lock / Black Lock Screen

Android protects the pattern/PIN lock screen, so scrcpy shows a black screen when the phone is locked. This is a security feature.

Best workflow:

1. Unlock the phone first (fingerprint or pattern)
2. Then launch Phone Control
3. The screen will turn off, but the phone stays unlocked and fully controllable

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7. Safe Always-Plugged-In Usage

If you keep the phone connected most of the time:

1. Go to Settings → Battery and device care → Battery → More battery settings
2. Enable Protect battery (limits charge to 85%)

Extra tips:

• Use a good quality cable and charger
• Keep the phone in a well-ventilated spot
• Avoid covering it while charging

This combination keeps the battery healthier over the long term.

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Final Recommended Script

Here’s the complete polished version:

#!/bin/bash

while ! adb devices | grep -q "device$"; do
    sleep 2
done

exec scrcpy \
  --video-codec=h264 \
  --video-bit-rate=16M \
  --max-fps=60 \
  --audio-bit-rate=192K \
  --turn-screen-off \
  --stay-awake \
  --disable-screensaver \
  --power-off-on-close

---

Summary

You now have:

• High-quality remote control of your Note 20 Ultra
• Phone screen stays off while controlling
• Desktop shortcut named Phone Control
• Optional auto-start
• Safe battery settings for always-plugged use

This setup turns your Note 20 Ultra into a powerful secondary device you can control comfortably from Fedora.

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My Start Script

1 Main 2 Virtual:

#!/bin/bash

while ! adb devices | grep -q "device$"; do
    sleep 2
done

VIDEO_OPTS=(
  --video-codec=h265
  --video-bit-rate=10M
  --max-fps=60
  --stay-awake
  --disable-screensaver
)

# 1. Home Assistant (portrait virtual)
scrcpy "${VIDEO_OPTS[@]}" \
  --new-display=1080x1920 \
  --start-app=io.homeassistant.companion.android \
  --no-audio \
  --no-vd-system-decorations \
  --window-title="Home Assistant" &

# 2. Main phone screen
scrcpy "${VIDEO_OPTS[@]}" \
  --audio-bit-rate=192K \
  --turn-screen-off \
  --power-off-on-close \
  --window-title="Note20 Main" &

# 3. Jellyfin (landscape virtual)
scrcpy "${VIDEO_OPTS[@]}" \
  --new-display=1920x1080 \
  --start-app=org.jellyfin.mobile \
  --no-audio \
  --no-vd-system-decorations \
  --window-title="Jellyfin" &

wait