Mode Samsung DeX turns your smartphone or tablet Android into a full-fledged work computer with support for a mouse, keyboard and multitasking. This is not just an “enlarged” phone interface, but a separate environment with application windows, a taskbar, and even support for .exeapps through emulators. But how to start it if you have never done this?

In this article - current methods of activating DeX on all supported Samsung devices (including 2026-2026 models)a comparison of wired and wireless connections, as well as solutions to common problems. If you do not have Galaxy, but a device from another brand, at the end there is a section about DeX alternatives for all Android smartphones.

What is Samsung DeX and why do you need it

DeX (from Desktop Experience) is a proprietary technology Samsungthat converts the mobile interface One UI into a desktop one. When connected to a monitor, you get:

  • 🖥️ A full-fledged desktop with a taskbar (as in Windows/macOS)
  • 📁 Support for dragging files between windows
  • 🎮 Ability to connect a mouse, keyboard, gamepad
  • 🔄 Multitasking with window resize (up to 5 applications simultaneously)
  • 🖱️ Right-side panel with quick settings (as in Windows 11)

The main advantage over screen mirroring (Screen Mirroring) — DeX optimizes applications for a large screen. For example, Microsoft Office displayed in full desktop form, and not in the mobile version. Even games like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile can be launched with mouse/keyboard controls.

Since 2023 DeX supports Linux applications through Termux and emulation Wine for some .exefiles. This makes it a complete replacement for a lightweight PC for office tasks, programming or study.

📊 Why. do you want to use DeX?
Working with documents
Gaming with keyboard/mouse
Programming
Watching movies on the big screen
Other

What devices support Samsung DeX

The technology is available only on flagship and some mid-budget Samsung devices starting from 2017. Full list of supported models:

Series Models (2017–2026) Connection type
Galaxy S S8/S8+, S9/S9+, S10/10+/10e, S20/S20+/S20 Ultra, S21/S21+/S21 Ultra, S22/S22+/S22 Ultra, S23/S23+/S23 Ultra, S24/S24+/S24 Ultra Wired + wireless
Galaxy Note Note8, Note9, Note10/10+, Note20/Note20 Ultra Wired + wireless
Galaxy Z (folding) Z Fold2/3/4/5, Z Flip3/4/5 (unfolded only) Wired + wireless
Galaxy Tab Tab S4/S5e/S6/S7/S8/S9, Tab Active Pro Wired + wireless (from Tab S6)
Galaxy A A52/A52s, A72, A82 (selected regions only) Only wired

On devices Galaxy A (except those listed) and Galaxy M/J DeX doesn't work —instead, only the mode Screen Mirroring (screen mirroring) is available. Also, the technology is not available on smartphones of other brands (Xiaomi, Google Pixel, OnePlus etc.), but there are alternatives for them (see section). 7).

⚠️ Attention: On some devices Galaxy A (for example, A53, A33) DeX may be displayed in the settings, but will give an error when connected. This is due to manufacturer restrictions for budget models.

Samsung DeX connection methods: wired vs wireless

You can launch DeX in two ways: via cable or via Wi-Fi/BluetoothEach option has pros and cons:

  • 🔌 Wired connection:
    • ✅ Stable operation without delays
    • ✅ Supports resolution up to 4K@60Hz
    • ✅ Works on all supported devices
    • ❌ Requires original cable or hub
    • ❌ Charges the phone more slowly (if you use a non-original adapter)
  • 📶 Wireless connection:
    • ✅ No need for cables
    • ✅ You can connect to smart TVs (Samsung, LG, Sony)
    • ✅ Works with Miracast-adapters
    • ❌ Input lags (not suitable for games)
    • ❌ Maximum resolution - 1080p@30Hz
    • ❌ Battery drains quickly

For wired connection you will need:

  • 🔌 Original cable USB-C to HDMI (or adapter Samsung EE-I3100)
  • 🖥️ Monitor/TV with port HDMI (or DisplayPort via an adapter)
  • ⚡ Power supply (charging at 15W+)

For wireless:

  • 📺 TV with support Miracast (or an adapter like Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter)
  • 📶 Stable Wi-Fi 5 GHz (or direct access point from the phone)
  • 🔋 Phone charger (the battery will run out in 1–2 hours)
💡

If you have Galaxy S22 Ultra or newer, you can use the official Samsung DeX Station (EE-G9700) - it not only connects to the monitor, but also charges the phone at 45W, and also has a built-in cooler for cooling.

Step-by-step guide: how to enable DeX via cable

This is the most reliable way. data-i="132">), connect it to a power source (otherwise DeX will not start).

  1. Connect original cable USB-C to HDMI to the phone and monitor. If you are using a hub (for example, Anker 565), connect it to a power source (otherwise DeX will not start).

  2. A notification will appear on the phone screen: "Connected to HDMI. Click to launch DeX". Tap on it.

  3. If the notification is not appeared, go to Settings → Features → Samsung DeX and turn on the switch.

  4. The DeX desktop will be displayed on the monitor. Connect the mouse and keyboard via Bluetooth or USB hub.

If the screen remains black:

  • 🔄 Try another cable (not all USB-C to HDMI support DisplayPort Alt Mode)
  • 🔌 Connect the charger to the phone (DeX requires additional power)
  • 📱 Reboot the device and reconnect

Original USB-C to HDMI cable|Monitor with a resolution of at least 1080p|15W+ charger connected to the phone|Samsung DeX is enabled in the settings|Mouse/keyboard connected-->

On Galaxy Z Fold i Flip DeX starts automatically when connected to the monitor in the unfolded state. If the phone is folded, the mode is not activated.

How to launch DeX over Wi-Fi (wireless mode)

Wireless DeX works on devices with One UI 3.1 and newer (released after 2021). Instructions:

  1. Make sure that the phone and TV (or adapter) are connected to the same network Wi-Fi 5 GHz.

  2. On your phone, open Settings → Features → Samsung DeX.

  3. Select "Wireless DeX" and wait to search for available devices.

  4. Tap on the name of your TV or adapter. A confirmation code will appear on the TV screen - enter it on your phone.

  5. Done! you can connect Bluetoothmouse and keyboard.

If DeX does not find the TV:

  • 🔄 Restart the router and phone
  • 📶 Connect to the network 5 GHz (may not work) 2.4 GHz may not work)
  • 📺 Update the TV firmware (check in Samsung TV check in Settings → Support → Software Update)
⚠️ Attention: For a wireless connection you cannot use mobile data (4G/5G) - only Wi-Fi. Also, some applications (for example, Netflix) may block image output due to DRM protection. Miracast due to DRM protection.

Customizing the DeX desktop: tips for convenience

The DeX interface is reminiscent of Windows 11, but with mobile features. Here's how to customize it:

  • 📍 Changing wallpaper: Right-click on the desktop → Wallpaper. You can choose dynamic wallpapers or upload your own.
  • 🖼️ Window mode/full screen: In most applications (for example, Chrome), you can switch between windowed and full-screen mode through the menu ⋮ → Open in window.
  • 🔄 Multitasking: Long-press the window title and drag it to the edge of the screen to dock (like in Windows). To see all open windows, swipe up with three fingers on the touchpad (or press Alt + Tab on the keyboard).
  • 📱 Phone control: On the right side of the screen there is a panel with notifications and quick settings. To return control to your phone (for example, to make a call), swipe down from the top edge.

Some apps (for example, WhatsApp or Instagram) are displayed in mobile view in DeX. To fix this:

  1. Open the application in DeX.
  2. Click ⋮ → Open in browser (if there is such an item).
  3. Or use the web version via Chrome (for example, web.whatsapp.com).

For gamers: in DeX you can connect Xbox or PlayStationgamepad to Bluetooth and play Call of Duty Mobile, PUBG or emulators (PPSSPP, Dolphin).Input latency is minimal (especially with a wired connection).

How to run Windows applications in DeX?

In DeX you can install Termux s proot-distro and run Linux apps (for example, GIMP or Python).For .exefiles you will need Wine or ExaGear (does not work with all games).

1. data-i="217">from Termux from F-Droid (not from the Play Market!).

2. Enter the commands:

pkg update && pkg upgrade

pkg install proot-distro


proot-distro install ubuntu


proot-distro login ubuntu

3. Inside Ubuntu, install Wine:

apt update

apt install wine

4. Download the .exefile and run. via wine filename.exe.

⚠️ Does not work with all apps (especially anti-cheats in games).

Typical problems with DeX and how to fix them

Even on new devices Galaxy S24 errors may occur. Let's look at the most common ones:

Problem Cause Solution
DeX does not start when connecting the cable Non-original cable, lack of power Use the original cable Samsung + connect 25W+ charging
Black screen on the monitor Incompatible connector or resolution Try another HDMIport on the monitor or reduce the resolution in the DeX settings
Mouse/keyboard does not work Drivers did not load Connect devices after launch DeX or reboot phone
DeX lags or slows Lack of RAM or weak processor Close background applications or use a wired connection
No sound on the monitor Invalid audio source In the DeX panel, select HDMI as audio output device

If after the update One UI DeX stopped working:

  1. Go to Settings → Device maintenance → Storage.
  2. Click ⋮ → Storage settings → Reset DeX settings.
  3. Restart your phone and try connecting again.
⚠️ Attention: On some firmware (for example, custom LineageOS) DeX may not work due to lack of drivers Samsung. In this case, only returning to the official firmware will help.

Alternatives to Samsung DeX for others. Android devices

If you don't have Samsung, but want similar functionality, try these solutions:

  • 🖥️ Microsoft Your Phone:
    • ✅ Works on all Android 9+
    • ✅ Integration with Windows 10/11 (phone control with PC)
    • ❌ No full desktop
  • 📱 Second Screen (application):
    • ✅ Mouse/keyboard support
    • ✅ Works via USB/Wi-Fi
    • ❌ Paid version is needed for higher resolutions 720p
  • 🐧 UserLAnd + Ubuntu:
    • ✅ Full Linux on Android
    • ✅ Support Python, GIMP, Blender
    • ❌ Complex setup, no graphics accelerator
  • 🎮 Shadow PC (cloud PC):
    • ✅ Full-fledged Windows 10/11 in the cloud
    • ✅ Powerful hardware (up to RTX 3080)
    • ❌ Paid subscription (~$30/month)

For Google Pixel i OnePlus there are proprietary solutions:

  • Pixel: Mode "Desktop Mode" (hidden function, activated via ADB): 
    adb shell am start -n com.android.tv.settings/.MainSettings
  • OnePlus: "OnePlus Desktop Mode" (available on OnePlus 8T and newer).

If you need the desktop interface is suitable., and not screen mirroring, the best option is Samsung DeX on supported devices. For the rest, UserLAnd (for Linux) or Shadow PC (for Windows).

💡

On devices without official support for DeX (for example, Xiaomi or Google Pixel), it is difficult to find a full-fledged replacement. It is better to consider cloud solutions like Shadow PC or connecting your phone as a second screen via Microsoft Your Phone.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Samsung DeX

Can I use DeX on a MacBook?

Yes, but with reservations. For this you need USB-C hub support (for example, DisplayPort Alt Mode (For example, Anker 565). will launch on an external monitor connected to the hub. The mode will not be displayed on the screen itself. MacBook, and then the phone to the hub via USB-C. DeX will launch on an external monitor connected to the hub. On the screen itself MacBook the mode will not be displayed.

Does DeX work on the Galaxy A54?

Even though Galaxy A54 has a powerful processor (Exynos 1380), Samsung has not officially added DeX support for this model. An alternative is mode Screen Mirroring or applications like Second Screen.

How to output sound via HDMI in DeX?

By default, the sound can go through the phone speakers. To redirect it to the monitor:

  1. In the DeX panel (right side of the screen), click on the icon Sound.
  2. Select HDMI or DisplayPort as the output device.
  3. If the option is missing, check the cable - it should support audio transmission.

Can I play Steam games via DeX?

Directly - no, but there are workarounds:

  • Install Steam Link on your phone and connect to a PC from Steam.
  • Use Moonlight to stream games from a PC to NVIDIA GPU.
  • For cloud games, suitable Xbox Cloud Gaming or GeForce NOW (work in the DeX browser).

Native launch of .exegames is only possible through Wine v Termux, but this requires deep configuration and does not work with all games.

How to take a screenshot in DeX mode?

Methods:

  • Press Win + PrtSc (if a keyboard is connected).
  • Or use the combination Fn + Power (on some keyboards).
  • Or swipe edge of the palm across the phone screen (if the function Palm screenshot is enabled in the settings).

Screenshots are saved in a folder Pictures/Screenshots on the phone.