GNOME extensions represent one of the easiest and fastest ways to augment and improve/upgrade your OS based on your specific needs and wants.

Even though they're not particularly hyped up, GNOME extensions are quite popular, as most users have at least one non-default GNOME extension installed.

GSConnect is one of the most popular GNOME extensions out there, and it's always at the top of the lists of all "the best GNOME extensions" tier lists, and for good reason.

GSConnect is for GNOME users what KDE Connect is for KDE users. In short, GSConnect is a complete implementation of KDE Connect for GNOME with very good Nautilus, Firefox, and Google Chrome integration.

Still a bit confused? GSConnect helps you connect your Android device to your GNOME-based Linux OS. There are a lot of things that can be done with the help of GSConnect.

Sharing files, links, and texts, sending and receiving messages, synchronizing clipboard content, contacts, and notifications, as well as controlling, media players and system volume are just a couple of prime examples.

GSConnect also allows you to remote control your Android device/mobile phone, locate your phone, browse your phone's filesystem, you name it.

Getting to grips with GSConnect might seem a bit awkward at first, but trust us, it's not rocket science. Before anything else, make sure you check out the Features and Wiki sections for the extension.

If you're encountering problems, rest assured, the developers have you covered with a very well-organized Help section.

The standard installation goes as follows: install GSConnect from the GNOME Shell Extensions website, or use the god-tier Extension Manager to get the job done faster and easier.

Next, install KDE Connect Android from either Google Play or F-Droid. This is a good time to point out that GSConnect DOES NOT need KDE Connect desktop app to work. Having it installed on your GNOME system will render the app useless.

Open the app on your Android phone, pair the device with your computer (of course, both have to be connected to the same network), accept the connection, and that should be it. Alternatively, you can install the bespoke add-ons/extensions for Firefox and Google Chrome.

There's really not much to be said about GSConnect apart from the fact that it's an awesome little GNOME extension. It 100% deserves the "must-have" status, and it should definitely find its way on your GNOME desktop if you happen to have an Android device.