How to set up Samsung DeX on your Galaxy smartphone or tablet

Samsung is one of the top smartphone manufacturers in the world and it also dominates the Android tablet market. This is because of their outstanding performance and user-friendly interface. Also, most of the newer Samsung Galaxy phones and tablets have Samsung DeX out of the box. If you’re not familiar with it, DeX allows you to unleash the full power of your smartphone or tablet and turn it into an actual desktop computer by connecting it to an external display and accessories so you can 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 computer by connecting it to an external display and peripherals. DeX is compatible and comes built-in with most high-end Galaxy devices released after 2017, namely the Galaxy S8, S9, S10, S20, S21 and S22 phones, as well as the Note8, Note9, Note10 and Note20 devices and the A90 5G. In addition, 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 potentially an external keyboard and mouse. In some cases, you may not need an adapter, as you can wirelessly cast 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 see how to get started. The process is simple and does not require much IT knowledge.

How to use Samsung DeX with an external HDMI display

The easiest way to turn your Galaxy device into a computer is to connect it directly to an HDMI display 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 to the display.
2. Unlock your phone and press if prompted Continue and Start.

   

3. If your phone starts mirroring the screen, scroll down from the top of the screen to open the notification area and tap Samsung DeX. Confirm by pressing Start.
4. The phone displays the DeX interface on your screen, similar to a regular desktop operating system. The notification tray is in the lower right corner, and you can access the app drawer by using the icon in the lower left corner of the screen.

   

5. To use your phone’s screen as a virtual trackpad, open the notification area and tap Use your phone as a touchpad.

   

6. To exit DeX mode, save the changes and disconnect the HDMI cable. Alternatively, you can click on Apps icon in the lower left corner and click Exit DeX.

How to use DeX with a wireless display

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

1. On your phone or tablet, scroll down from the top of the screen with two fingers to open Quick settings panel.
2. Press DeX.
3. Press DeX on TV or screen.
4. Press if prompted Allow.

   

   

5. Select the TV or screen you want to cast to.
6. Press Start.
7. The phone displays the DeX interface on your TV, similar to a regular desktop operating system. The notification tray is in the lower right corner, and you can access the app drawer by using the icon in the lower left corner of the screen.

   

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

How to connect accessories

Whether you’re using a cable 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 the phone, making it more convenient to use it like an actual computer.

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

1. Open your phone Settings.
2. Go to Connections > blue tooth.
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 app 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. This is how it works:

1. To open Samsung DeX app on your computer.
2. Connect your phone and computer with a USB cable.
3. The 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 from one to the other.
5. To exit DeX mode, click Apps icon in the lower left corner and click Exit DeXor exit the DeX app on your computer.

How to use DeX on your tablet

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

1. On your tablet, scroll down from the top of the screen with two fingers to open Quick settings panel.
2. Press DeX.
3. Press if prompted Start.

   

4. The DeX interface loads on the tablet and looks like it does on an external monitor. You can connect external devices or a keyboard cover for extra comfort and use the S Pen if you have a compatible tablet.

   

Leave the laptop at home

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