'%3e%3cpath%20d='M8%200C12.4183%200%2016%203.58172%2016%208C16%2012.4183%2012.4183%2016%208%2016C3.58172%2016%200%2012.4183%200%208C0%203.58172%203.58172%200%208%200ZM11.6162%204.38379C11.2257%203.99337%2010.5927%203.99338%2010.2021%204.38379L8%206.58594L5.79785%204.38379C5.40732%203.99334%204.77429%203.99329%204.38379%204.38379C3.99331%204.77429%203.99335%205.40733%204.38379%205.79785L6.58594%208L4.38379%2010.2021C3.99348%2010.5927%203.99341%2011.2257%204.38379%2011.6162C4.77426%2012.0066%205.40734%2012.0065%205.79785%2011.6162L8%209.41406L10.2021%2011.6162C10.5927%2012.0066%2011.2257%2012.0067%2011.6162%2011.6162C12.0067%2011.2257%2012.0066%2010.5927%2011.6162%2010.2021L9.41406%208L11.6162%205.79785C12.0066%205.40735%2012.0066%204.77429%2011.6162%204.38379Z'%20fill='%23080E17'%20fill-opacity='0.46'/%3e%3c/g%3e%3cdefs%3e%3cclipPath%20id='clip0_3761_713'%3e%3crect%20width='16'%20height='16'%20fill='white'/%3e%3c/clipPath%3e%3c/defs%3e%3c/svg%3e)
How to Control PowerPoint from Android in Microsoft 365
Question details
The user wants to use their Android smartphone as a remote control to navigate and manage a Microsoft 365 PowerPoint presentation running on a computer.
- Product
- Microsoft 365 PowerPoint
- Device & OS
- Android
- Scenario
- Presenting a slideshow where the user needs mobility and wishes to change slides wirelessly using an Android phone instead of being tethered to the computer.
- Observed behavior
- Microsoft 365 does not offer a built-in Android remote-control add-in for current versions, as the previous Office 2013 remote application was discontinued.
Ensure both your computer and your Android device are connected to the same Wi-Fi network or paired via Bluetooth, as remote control solutions require a stable local connection.
Use a Third-Party Remote Control Application
Since Microsoft no longer provides an official remote app for modern versions of Microsoft 365, using a reputable third-party application is the most reliable way to control your slides.
Microsoft created a remote-control app specifically for Office 2013, but this functionality was not carried over to newer Microsoft 365 versions. To regain this capability, you will need to rely on secure third-party solutions available in the Android app ecosystem.
Open the Google Play Store on your Android device and search for "PowerPoint remote control" or "PC remote" to find highly-rated applications designed for slide navigation.
Most remote apps require a companion program on your PC. Download and install the corresponding desktop client from the app developer's official website.
Launch the app on both your PC and Android device. Follow the on-screen prompts to pair them via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, then open your PowerPoint presentation and use your phone to control the slides.
Submit Feature Feedback to Microsoft
Request that Microsoft brings back native Android remote control functionality in future updates of Microsoft 365.
Use WPS Office for Seamless Presentation Control
If the lack of a built-in remote in Microsoft 365 disrupts your workflow, consider switching to WPS Office. WPS Office is a free, lightweight alternative that offers excellent compatibility and features smart mobile tools to enhance your presentations effortlessly.
- 1. Install WPS Office: Download and install WPS Office on your computer and Android device.
- 2. Open your presentation: Launch your .pptx file in WPS Presentation with complete formatting preserved.
- 3. Explore mobile tools: Utilize the WPS Office mobile app to explore built-in sharing, projection, and document management features.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Microsoft remove the Office Remote app?
Microsoft designed the original Office Remote app specifically for Office 2013. As the suite transitioned into the cloud-based Microsoft 365 ecosystem, they chose not to continue developing the standalone remote app, focusing instead on cross-device cloud collaboration.
Can I use a wireless presentation clicker instead of my Android phone?
Yes, a physical USB or Bluetooth presentation clicker is highly recommended. These devices act as a basic keyboard to send 'Next Slide' and 'Previous Slide' commands, working natively with Microsoft 365 PowerPoint without requiring any special add-ins.
Does PowerPoint for Web support Android remote control?
No, PowerPoint for Web does not have a native remote control feature. You must either use a physical presentation clicker or a third-party application that controls your computer's browser directly.
What features should I look for in a third-party PowerPoint remote app?
A good remote app should offer stable Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity, cross-platform support (Windows/Mac), the ability to view your speaker notes on your phone, a virtual laser pointer, and a slide timer.
