ZeroTier + RustDesk Setup Guide (Android <-> PC)

This guide explains how to securely access your desktop from Android and use Cursor remotely.

1) Create a ZeroTier network

  1. Open ZeroTier Central
  2. Sign in and click Create A Network
  3. Copy your Network ID (16-hex string)

2) Install ZeroTier on PC (Ubuntu/Debian)

curl -s https://install.zerotier.com | sudo bash
sudo systemctl enable --now zerotier-one
sudo zerotier-cli join <YOUR_NETWORK_ID>
sudo zerotier-cli listnetworks

Then authorize the device in ZeroTier Central:

  • Open your network -> Members
  • Set Auth for your PC

Get PC ZeroTier IP:

ip -4 a | rg zt

3) Install ZeroTier on Android

  1. Install ZeroTier One on Android
  2. Open app -> Join Network
  3. Paste <YOUR_NETWORK_ID>
  4. In ZeroTier Central, set Auth for Android device

4) Install RustDesk on PC (from GitHub)

RustDesk releases:

Direct Ubuntu/Debian x86_64 .deb (example):

Install:

wget -O /tmp/rustdesk.deb "https://github.com/rustdesk/rustdesk/releases/download/1.4.6/rustdesk-1.4.6-x86_64.deb"
sudo apt update
sudo apt install -y /tmp/rustdesk.deb || sudo apt -f install -y

Run:

rustdesk

In RustDesk settings:

  • Set permanent password
  • Enable unattended access
  • Note RustDesk ID

5) Install RustDesk on Android

If Play Store app is unavailable in your region:

  1. Open RustDesk Releases
  2. Download signed APK matching architecture (usually aarch64, file pattern *-signed.apk)
  3. Install APK (enable “Install unknown apps” temporarily if needed)

6) Connect Android to PC

  1. Ensure ZeroTier is connected on both devices
  2. Open RustDesk on Android
  3. Enter PC RustDesk ID
  4. Enter your unattended password
  5. Control desktop and use Cursor normally

7) Security checklist

  • Keep ZeroTier network private
  • Authorize only your own devices
  • Enable 2FA on ZeroTier account
  • Use strong RustDesk unattended password
  • Keep desktop awake while remote session is needed