How do I check if your phone supports dex?

On your Galaxy phone, go to Settings and search "DeX." If Samsung DeX appears in settings, your phone supports it. Compatible models include Galaxy S8+, S9, S10, S20, S21, S22, S23, S24 series, Galaxy Note 8 and newer, and Galaxy Z Fold series.

How do I get the right cable?

You need a USB-C to HDMI cable (or adapter). Look for one labeled "USB-C to HDMI" — they cost $10–$20 on Amazon. If you have a Samsung DeX Pad or DeX Station dock, use that instead. Plug the HDMI end into your TV or monitor and the USB-C end into your phone.

How do I launch dex mode?

When you connect your phone to the monitor, a popup appears asking if you want to launch Samsung DeX or just mirror your phone screen. Choose "Start DeX." The monitor switches to the DeX desktop interface with a taskbar at the bottom.

How do I navigate dex?

Use your phone screen as a touchpad to move the mouse cursor on the monitor — just like a laptop trackpad. Or connect a Bluetooth mouse (Settings → Connections → Bluetooth on your phone, then pair a mouse). Use the DeX taskbar to open apps, access settings, and see your recent apps.

How do I open apps in windows?

In DeX mode, apps open in resizable windows just like a regular desktop. Drag the window corners to resize. You can have multiple apps open side by side — for example, a browser window and a document open at the same time.

To return to regular phone mode, unplug the cable or open the DeX notification on your phone and tap "Exit DeX." Your phone returns to normal and all open apps on the monitor close.

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Samsung DeX (short for Desktop Experience) is a feature built into most Samsung Galaxy phones and tablets released since 2017. When you connect your Galaxy device to an external monitor, Samsung DeX launches a desktop-style interface — with a taskbar at the bottom, resizable windows, and full support for a keyboard and mouse.

Think of it like turning your phone into a laptop or desktop computer. You use your phone as the computing device, but work on a big screen with a proper keyboard. For many everyday tasks — browsing the web, checking email, working on documents, video calls — it works beautifully.

DeX works with a simple USB-C to HDMI cable (about $10–$15 on Amazon) or a Samsung DeX Station/Pad dock if you want a more permanent setup. Some Galaxy phones also support wireless DeX — connecting to compatible Samsung smart TVs without any cable at all.

Compatible Galaxy phones include the Galaxy S8 and newer, Galaxy Note 8 and newer, Galaxy Tab S4 and newer, and Galaxy Z Fold series. Check if your device is listed at samsung.com/dex.

While in DeX mode, your phone screen acts as a touchpad — you swipe on the phone itself to move the cursor on the monitor. Or plug in a wireless Bluetooth mouse for a more traditional experience.