How to set up and use Samsung DeX on your Galaxy phone or tablet – Android Police

Samsung is one of the world’s leading smartphone manufacturers and also dominates the Android tablet market. This is due to their outstanding performance and user-friendly interface. Additionally, most recent Samsung Galaxy handsets and tablets come with Samsung DeX out of the box. If you don’t know it, DeX allows you to unleash the full power of your smartphone or tablet and turn it into a real desktop computer by connecting it to an external monitor and accessories, allowing you to use it like a PC. Read on to learn more about DeX and how it can help your phone replace your computer.

What is DeX?

Samsung DeX is a way to turn your Samsung mobile phone or tablet into a handheld by connecting it to an external monitor and peripherals. DeX is compatible and integrated with most high-end Galaxy devices released after 2017, namely Galaxy S8, S9, S10, S20, S21 and S22 phones, as well as Note8, Note9, Note10 and Note20 devices and the A90 5G. Additionally, the TabS4, 5e, Active Pro, S6, S7, S7 and Active 3 work with DeX, as well as the Fold, Z Fold2, Z Fold3 and Z Fold4.

To use DeX, you need a USB-C to HDMI connector and possibly an external keyboard and mouse. In some cases, you may not need an adapter, as you can wirelessly stream your screen to a compatible TV. Finally, if you have a Windows PC, you can use a USB cable to open DeX as an app on your computer, but this last step defeats the purpose of using your phone as a computer. Read on to find out how to get started. The process is simple and does not require a lot of computer knowledge.

How to use Samsung DeX with an external HDMI monitor

The easiest way to turn your Galaxy device into a computer is to plug it directly into an HDMI monitor using a USB-C to HDMI cable.

1. Connect the USB-C end of the cable to your Galaxy phone or tablet and the HDMI end to the display.
2. Unlock your phone and, if prompted, press Continue and Begin.

3. If your phone starts mirroring its display, scroll down from the top of the screen to open the notification bar and tap Samsung DeX. Confirm by pressing Begin.
4. Your phone displays the DeX interface on your monitor, which looks like a regular desktop operating system. The notification bar is in the lower right corner and you can access the application tray using the icon in the lower left corner of the screen.

   

5. To use your phone screen as a virtual touchpad, open the notification bar and tap Use your phone as a touchpad.

   

6. To exit DeX mode, save your changes and unplug the HDMI cable. Alternatively, you can click the apps icon in the lower left corner and click Exit DeX.

How to use DeX with a wireless monitor

If you have a compatible TV, you don’t need to plug in an HDMI cable to use DeX. Wireless DeX works on Samsung 2018+ TVs and smart TVs that support Miracast. Also, this feature requires One UI 3.1+, which not all of the aforementioned Samsung devices have. If your monitor and phone are compatible, here’s how to connect them:

1. On your phone or tablet, swipe down from the top of your screen with two fingers to open the Quick settings sign.
2. Faucet DeX.
3. Faucet DeX on TV or monitor.
4. If prompted, press Allow.

   

   

5. Select the TV or monitor you want to cast to.
6. Faucet Begin.
7. Your phone displays the DeX interface on your TV, which looks like a regular desktop operating system. The notification bar is in the lower right corner and you can access the application tray using the icon in the lower left corner of the screen.

   

8. To use your phone screen as a virtual touchpad, open the notification bar and tap Use your phone as a touchpad.
9. To exit DeX mode, click the apps icon in the lower left corner and click Exit DeX.

We recommend using DeX mode with a cable whenever possible. Wireless DeX can be hit or miss, and latency can quickly become an issue.

How to connect accessories

Whether you’re using a wired or wireless connection, using your phone’s screen as a touchpad isn’t necessarily the most convenient option. There are different ways to connect a keyboard and mouse to your phone, making it easier to use like a real computer.

For wired devices, you can use a USB-C hub, DeX Pad, or DeX station. For wireless devices, connect them via Bluetooth:

1. Open your phone Settings.
2. Go to Connections > Bluetooth.
3. Put your keyboard or mouse in pairing mode and select the device you want to connect.

How to use DeX for PC

If necessary, you can use DeX as an application on your computer. This is useful if you want to run your phone’s apps on your computer screen and transfer documents between your PC and phone. Here’s how it works:

1. Open the Samsung DeX application on your computer.
2. Connect your phone and computer using a USB cable.
3. Your phone displays the DeX interface on your PC.
4. You can use your computer’s mouse and keyboard to control DeX. You can also copy and paste text from Windows apps into DeX and drag and drop files between them.
5. To exit DeX mode, click the apps icon in the lower left corner and click Exit DeXor quit the DeX application on your computer.

How to use DeX on your tablet

If you have a Samsung tablet, you can use DeX on its screen, allowing you to multitask in a desktop-like environment without having to use an external monitor. Here’s how to access it:

1. On your tablet, swipe down from the top of your screen with two fingers to open the Quick settings sign.
2. Faucet DeX.
3. If prompted, press Begin.

   

4. The DeX interface loads on the tablet and looks like it appears on an external monitor. You can connect peripherals or a keyboard cover for convenience and use your S Pen if you have a compatible tablet.

   

Leave your laptop at home

With Samsung DeX, you can easily connect your phone to a monitor and work on the go. It’s a great way to save money and avoid multiplying the number of devices you have at home, because your Galaxy phone or tablet can work with monitors and TVs you already own. without buying expensive devices. If you’re a new Galaxy smartphone or tablet owner, you’ll want to spend a few minutes learning about One UI 5, Samsung’s custom Android skin.