To use KDE Connect, first install the KDE Connect application on both your computer and mobile device. On Android, you can install it from the Google Play Store or F-Droid; on iOS and iPadOS, it is available on the Apple App Store. For Linux distributions, it is typically available in the official repositories and can be installed via package managers like apt or zypper. While it is designed for KDE Plasma, KDE Connect functions on other desktop environments like GNOME, Xfce, and LXDE, though some features might be less accessible.

Ensure both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network, as this is essential for discovery and communication. Once installed, open the KDE Connect app on both devices. Your computer’s name should appear in the mobile app, and vice versa. To pair the devices, select the desired device on one app and request pairing; a notification will appear on the other device, which you must accept.

After pairing, KDE Connect enables a range of features. You can transfer files between devices, with files sent from the computer typically stored in the ~/Downloads directory by default. You can also send SMS messages from your computer (requires an Android device), receive phone notifications on your desktop, control media playback on your computer from your phone, use your phone as a keyboard and touchpad, and run predefined commands on your computer from your mobile device.

 For advanced users, the kdeconnect-cli command-line tool allows for managing devices and sending files.

If devices cannot discover each other, verify they are on the same network and check for firewall rules blocking the necessary ports (1714-1764 for TCP and UDP). On systems using firewalld, you can add the kdeconnect-kde service to allow traffic. For users on non-Plasma desktops, installing indicator-kdeconnect can provide a system tray icon for easier access.