A cloud phone is an Android device that runs on a server in a data centre instead of in your hand. You open it in a browser or desktop app, see its screen, tap and type as you would on a real phone, and install apps from the app store.
How a cloud phone works
The phone runs remotely and streams its screen to you, while your clicks and key presses are sent back to it. Because it runs in the data centre, it keeps working when you close your laptop, and you can open it from any computer you sign in on.
Why teams use cloud phones
- Separation: each account gets its own phone with its own apps, storage and device details.
- No hardware: no handsets to buy, charge, update or replace.
- Shared access: teammates open the same phone without sharing passwords.
- Automation: routine tasks can run on many phones at once.
Cloud phone vs emulator
An emulator runs a virtual phone on your own computer and uses its resources. A cloud phone runs remotely, so the number of phones is not limited by your machine and they keep running when it is off.