Dell first announced the Dell Mobile Connect App at CES 2018, allowing anybody with an Android or iPhone to connect to their PC and get notifications, hands-free phone calls, messaging, and even screen mirroring. It worked over Bluetooth and is for Dell consumers only. At CES 2020, Dell has announced that you will not need an Android phone to mirror your screen or wirelessly transfer files. It will work with iPhones as well. While the Dell Mobile Connect app is only for Dell computers, if you want, you can install it on any Windows 10 PC using the steps below. This also works on Windows 11 PC.
Install Dell Mobile Connect App on any Windows 11/10 PC
- Enable Developer Mode on Windows 11/10 PC
- Install Dell Drivers
- Install Dell Mobile Connect App
- Connect the phone with your computer
You will need admin privileges to execute the steps. Also, make sure to create System Restore as a backup.
1] Enable Developer Mode on Windows 11/10 PC
First, make sure your Windows 10 PC is updated. Next, go to Settings > Update and Security > For Developers > Turn on Developer Mode.
On Windows 11 PC, navigate to Settings > Privacy & Security > for Developers. Toggle on Developer Mode.
In both cases, toggle on the option to Install apps from any source, including loose files. It will allow you to download the APPX file from anywhere you want and install it on your Windows 11/10 PC. As of now, you cannot install the Dell APP from the Windows store unless you have a Dell PC.
- Download the .appx package (Dell Mobile Connect App) from here.
- Once downloaded, double-click to install.
- You will get a warning and ask for permission. Choose yes to install it.
2] Install Dell Drivers
Dell has its driver, which works on any PC, which uses Bluetooth to connect to the phone. Download the official drivers from the Dell Website here. Once downloaded, double-click to launch it, and you will have two options.
- One lets you extract; the second enables you to install. Choose Install.
- Post-installation, you will get an option to open the folder.
- Inside that folder, look for an EXE file named “DellMobileConnectDriversSetup.exe.”
- Right-click on this file and select “Run as administrator.”
- Once complete, you are ready for the next step.
3] Install Dell Mobile Connect App
On your Android phone, install the app from the Google Play Store, or if you have an iPhone install it from App Store.
4] Connect the phone with your computer
Once installed, you will have to connect it to your PC over Bluetooth. Follow the installation process, and you will be good to go. You will have to choose the type of phone you plan to connect and verify using a security code. You can then receive calls, see text, transfer files, and more using it.
Registry Hack to bypass Dell Laptop Check
If you do not want to install APPX from any other place, you can use the following registry hack before launching the application. Make sure to take a backup of the Registry before making the changes.
- Open Run prompt and type CMD. Press Shift + Enter to launch the Command Prompt in administrator mode.
- Type and execute the following:
REG ADD "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Store" /v OEMID /f /t REG_SZ /d DELL REG ADD "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Store" /v StoreContentModifier /f /t REG_SZ /d "DELL_XPS"
- DELL_XPS can be changed to DELL_INSPIRON, DELL_ALIENWARE, DELL VOSTRO.
- When finished, restart the PC
You can also add the following registry key to skip the DMC (Dell Mobile Connect) manufacturer check from the above command prompt. It may or may not work as the app keeps changing.
REG ADD "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Screenovate\BluePhone" /v SkipManufacturerCheck /f/t REG_SZ /d 1
Restart the PC, and install the app from Microsoft Store. There should not be any checks done when you launch the software.
Why Are Dell Drivers Required for the App to Work?
Since the application was specifically designed for Dell Laptop, it uses them for all communications, and hence you need to install the drivers.
Do I Need to Install the App for Mobile?
Yes, otherwise, there is no point. The app works on similar lines as the YourPhone app, which communicates with the phone over Bluetooth to send notifications, calls, transfer files, and more.
Can I use Dell Mobile Connect on any PC?
Yes, if you use the above suggestion, it should work fine. However, there can be minor hiccups as the version of Windows and App changes.
Can I screen mirror my iPhone to my Dell laptop?
The application offers Mirror Screen features part of the package, and it works on iPhone and Android. As long as they are connected to the same network, screen mirroring will not be a problem.
What Are Some of the Benefits of Using Dell Connect?
- Make calls
- Send texts
- Drag-and-drop transfer of files
- Get notifications
- Use contacts from your phone
- Mirror smartphone apps
Do I Need Dell Mobile Connect On Startup?
No, but it is recommended. If you remove it from the Startup, you will have to manually launch the software every time you log into the computer.
If you feel the impact of the app is high during the startup, I would recommend creating a task that can run automatically when you log in or with a delay of few minutes.
Source: Windows Blog Italia
Hi, tk’s for your post.
my opinion: activate Bluetooth before any installation (otherwise error). Everything works well on my SP4 and iPhone. On the other hand, on the iPhone, the screen must remain activated for sending SMS messages, the Bluetooth must be activated and paired with my SP4. I don’t see or is the real interest, except the fact that we can use the pc keyboard on the smartphone (not test).
Getting an error when I try to install the AppxBundle. I’ve put the device into Developer Mode, but when I try to install the app through the PowerShell, I’m told there’s a problem with the manifest. When I try to just double click, it tells me it can’t parse the package. Any ideas?
Yeah, that’s actually true that feature needs to have Bluetooth enabled. When installing the files, if the Bluetooth is turned off, it does ask you that. That said, The fact that screen must remain active is kind of weird. Why would anyone want that? I am guessing this should be fixed.
That’s odd. When you enabled the Developer mode, did it install or download files?
How to get the updated version of this app.
Once you installed any old version of the Windows app, the Microsoft Store will allow you to update it to the latest version.
It worked great but then I receive a message saying that the hardware doesn’t meet the minimal requirements and wont let me proceed any further.
THANKS VERY MUCH