Samsung Puts an Entire Desktop Operating System on Its Phones. Here’s How to Use It (2024)

This is perfect for computing on the go: You can be using your phone on the commute into work, then carry on where you left off on a bigger screen when you get to the office. As long as your computing needs aren’t extraordinary, Samsung DeX might be able to replace your office PC, or at least help you stay productive when you're working remotely—though you will still encounter the limitations in functionality that come with Android apps.

If you're plugging your phone into a Windows PC, you need the Samsung DeX app for Windows. With that installed and set up, you can then plug your Galaxy phone into a spare USB port on your desktop or laptop computer and run DeX on the computer’s screen. (The exact type of cable you'll need for the job will depend on what type of USB ports you've got on your computer.)

Running DeX

Here we'll take you through the process of running DeX on a Windows PC, though the experience is more or less the same if you're connecting your Galaxy phone directly to a monitor. (In that case, the handset will automatically detect a bigger screen and give you the same option to launch the DeX environment.)

On a PC, start up the Samsung DeX software, and then as soon as you make the necessary hardware connection, look for a message on your phone inviting you to start DeX: The desktop environment won't launch on the larger screen until you tap Start now. When the desktop view appears, you'll be able to control it using your mouse and keyboard. You can still use your phone as normal too, if you need to.

DeX gives you access to all your mobile apps on the desktop.

Courtesy of David Nield

At the bottom of the DeX screen there's a taskbar similar to the one you get on Windows. The icons, from the far left, take you to the app drawer, search, recently opened apps, and the home screen, and there's also a back button. On the right, you've got information like the time and date, and your phone’s battery status, as well as quick links to your notifications and the volume control.

FAQs

How to use Samsung phone as a desktop? ›

Running DeX

On a PC, start up the Samsung DeX software, and then as soon as you make the necessary hardware connection, look for a message on your phone inviting you to start DeX: The desktop environment won't launch on the larger screen until you tap Start now.

Read On ›

What is Samsung desktop mode? ›

It lets you connect your phone or tablet to a monitor or TV for a larger and clearer view in desktop mode. It's also perfect for multitasking or using productivity apps, such as PowerPoint, that are easier to use on a big screen. You just need to set it up with a compatible DeX accessory.

Discover More Details ›

What does Samsung DeX actually do? ›

Dex (short for Desktop eXperience) extends the Android Multi-Window or split-screen mode, allowing you to multitask easily between apps, tools, and devices. In DeX mode, you can see your full list of apps, access an on-screen keyboard, search for apps and items, and access and edit your phone's photos and files.

How can I use my phone in desktop mode? ›

Manage desktop mode settings

On your Android device, open Chrome .
On the right of the address bar, tap More. Settings.
Under “Advanced,” select Site settings. Desktop site.
Turn on Desktop site.

See Details ›

How do I turn on desktop mode on my Samsung? ›

To enable desktop mode in Chrome for Android, tap the 3-dot menu in the top right and select "Desktop site." This will make Chrome request the desktop version of websites instead of the mobile version. You can also enable "Request desktop site" in Chrome's settings under "Advanced" to always use desktop mode.

Find Out More ›

How do I get my Android out of desktop mode? ›

Tap on the three-dot icon in the top-right corner of the screen to open the menu. Tap on "Settings". Under Settings, tap on "General". Scroll down to "Desktop Mode" and ensure that the box next to "Always request desktop site" is unchecked.

Tell Me More ›

What is desktop mode? ›

Desktop Mode is a user interface feature in which a device, typically a smartphone or tablet, mimics the appearance and functionality of a traditional desktop computer. This mode allows users to access and manage applications, files, and settings in a more familiar and organized manner, similar to a desktop or laptop.

Show Me More ›

What does desktop site mean on Android? ›

Switching to a desktop view allows you to see everything the site has to offer, even on a smaller screen. Improved Navigation for Complex Sites: For e-commerce web applications, the real estate of the screen size impacts the number of menu options that it can show.

Explore More ›

What is desktop god mode? ›

Windows God Mode simplifies access to 250 control panel settings, lists everything in one convenient list, and creates a central shortcut on the desktop for instant access. The term 'God Mode' comes from the gamer scene, where it refers to cheats that make players immortal.

What is the difference between screen mirroring and DeX? ›

As its name indicates, screen mirroring mirrors your device screen on the connected monitor. Screen mirroring is helpful in some circ*mstances, but DeX offers a much different, completely optimized desktop computing experience for productive work on a larger screen. Tap the notification to go into DeX mode.

Show Me More ›

What does DeX mean on Samsung phone? ›

Samsung DeX (stylized as SΛMSUNG DeX) is a feature included on some high-end Samsung handheld devices that enables users to extend their device into a desktop-like experience by connecting a keyboard, mouse, and monitor. The name "DeX" is a contraction of "Desktop eXperience".

Read The Full Story ›

What is multi-control in Samsung? ›

Multi control allows you to use a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse to navigate your Galaxy phone and Galaxy tablet. You can open apps, type messages, send emails and prepare documents as if you were using a PC, or even drag and drop videos, photos and other files from one device to the other.

See Details ›

What is NFC on Samsung phone? ›

Near Field Communication (NFC) technology allows users to make secure transactions, exchange digital content, and connect electronic devices with a touch. NFC transmissions are short range (from a touch to a few centimetres) and require the devices to be in close proximity.

Get More Info Here ›

How do I turn my phone into a desktop? ›

Samsung Devices come with the Dex Desktop Mode

DeX can be used with the Samsung Galaxy S8/S8+ or Note 8 (as of 2020). DeX is essentially a desktop setting for Android. It can be accessed through the notification tray. Simply connect your smartphone to an HDMI-ready wireless display and then connect the input devices.

How can I use my Samsung phone with a broken screen on my computer? ›

Use a Samsung Smart Switch

Install Samsung Smart Switch on your PC.
Connect your Samsung phone to your PC via a USB cable.
Use a mouse to navigate on your phone screen and press "Allow" in the prompt that asks for data access permission.
In Smart Switch, choose the "Backup" tab and select the data you want to backup.

More items...

Which Samsung phones have DeX mode? ›

DeX is available on Galaxy S9, S10, S20, S21, S22, S23, S24, Note8, Note9, Note10, Note20, Z Fold3, Z Fold4, and Z Fold5 series phones, and Galaxy Tab S4, S5e, S6, S7, S8, S9 and Galaxy Tab Active3 and Tab Active Pro series tablets.

View Details ›