Samsung Dex HeroSource: Jeramy Johnson / Android Central

If you have a Samsung Galaxy S or Note phone along with a spare monitor, keyboard, and mouse, then you've got yourself a pretty powerful pocket computer. Samsung's DeX app allows you to plug your Galaxy phone into a monitor and project a desktop-based UI version of your phone onto the screen. It even works (through an app) with Windows PCs and Mac computers. Samsung isn't the only Android OEM who has built a desktop mode into its devices, but it just might be the most well-known and best execute implementation thus far. We'll show you how to get it set up so that you can take your productivity anywhere.

How to use Samsung DeX on your Galaxy S or Note phone

  1. If you're going to be using Samsung DeX on your Galaxy phone with just an external monitor, just plug in a USB-A to USB-C cable from your monitor to your device and skip to step

  2. If you're going to be using Samsung DeX on your Galaxy phone with a Mac or Windows PC, you'll need to first download the DeX app for whichever respective platform you are on from https://www.samsung.com/us/explore/dex/. I'm using a Mac, so I'll choose the MacOS download option.

    Samsung Dex Mac 1Source: Android Central

  3. Click to download, and follow the installation prompts.

    Samsung Dex Mac 2Source: Android Central

  4. Once the DeX app has been downloaded and installed, plug your phone in via a USB-A to USB-C cable.

    Samsung Dex MacSource: Android Central

  5. Read the Samsung DeX pop up menu and click OK.
  6. If you experience any issues connecting, you may need to try unplugging and replugging your cable or turning off Android File Transfer.
  7. You should see a notification in your status bar that DeX is available. Click on that notification.

  8. When you see a popup notification that asks Start Casting with Samsung DeX? Tap Start now.

    Samsung Dex Phone ConnectSource: Android Central

  9. Now you should see a desktop view of your Samsung Galaxy device on your Mac, PC, or monitor. You can click on any of the apps on the "desktop" or on the navigation/settings menus at the bottom right and left of the screen.

    Samsung Dex MacSource: Android Central

  10. If you click on the bottom left of the screen, you can access a version of the app drawer, home, and back buttons. You can also get some tips and tricks for navigating the UI, and logout of DeX.

  11. If you click on the bottom right of the screen, you can access the quick settings and notification menus.

    Samsung Dex Mac 7 SettingsSource: Android Central

  12. Click on the grid icon on the bottom left menu to access your phone's app drawer.

    Samsung Dex Mac 8 App DrawerSource: Android Central

  13. Click on an app to open and use it as if you were on your phone.

    Samsung Dex Mac 6 TwitterSource: Android Central

You can resize windows and apps, change the desktop background and wallpaper, and even take screenshots from your new phone desktop. Pretty powerful stuff!

Samsung DeX works on Windows 7 and 10 machines, as well as the latest versions of macOS. Alternatively, you can get to work on DeX much more cheaply with just a spare monitor, keyboard, and mouse. Here are some of our favorites for just this kind of setup.

Our top equipment picks

If you've already got a working Windows PC or Mac, then the first thing you'll want to do is download the Samsung DeX app for your computer.

DeX appeal

Samsung DeX App

Turn your phone into a computer

Samsung DeX is a powerful app that can turn an existing computer or monitor into a second screen for your Samsung Galaxy phone. Just plug in your device and start using it on the big screen.

Additional Equipment

Once you have the app for your PC or Mac, you'll still need the following accessories to get the most out of Samsung DeX.

AmazonBasics USB-A to USB-C Cable ($11 at Amazon)

No need to spend big bucks on a fancy cord. This offering from Amazon will do the job for DeX just fine.

Logitech Pebble M350 Wireless Mouse (From $27 at Amazon)

This has long been one of our favorite Bluetooth mice. It connects fast, is super portable, and it's easy to quickly change the batteries (not that you'll need to often).

ASUS VA24 EHE Full HD Monitor ($109 at Amazon)

This monitor from ASUS is the one I chose to complement my Samsung DeX setup. It's got excellent color reproduction, more than enough room to maneuver, and its Eye Care technology makes it easier to use for longer.

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