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    Phone & Tablet
    Intermediate
    3 min read 6 stepsApril 19, 2026Verified April 2026

    What Is Samsung DeX and How to Use It

    Samsung DeX turns your Galaxy phone into a desktop computer. Connect it to a monitor and you get a full keyboard-and-mouse setup.

    At a Glance

    Category
    Phone & Tablet
    Difficulty
    Intermediate
    Read Time
    3 min read
    Steps
    6
    Topics covered
    samsung
    dex
    galaxy
    desktop mode
    monitor
    productivity

    In this guide (6 steps):

    1. 1.Check if Your Phone Supports DeX
    2. 2.Get the Right Cable
    3. 3.Launch DeX Mode
    4. 4.Navigate DeX
    5. 5.Open Apps in Windows
    6. 6.Exit DeX
    1

    Check if Your Phone Supports DeX

    ~15s
    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.
    2

    Get the Right Cable

    ~25s
    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.

    Quick Tip

    Quick Tip: Some monitors support USB-C directly — in that case, a USB-C to USB-C cable works and also charges your phone while in DeX mode.

    3

    Launch DeX Mode

    ~15s
    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.
    4

    Navigate DeX

    ~17s
    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 (SettingsConnectionsBluetooth on your phone, then pair a mouse). Use the DeX taskbar to open apps, access settings, and see your recent apps.
    5

    Open Apps in Windows

    ~15s
    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.
    6

    Exit DeX

    ~15s
    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.

    You Did It!

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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.

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    samsung
    dex
    galaxy
    desktop mode
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    productivity

    Official Resources

    Apple Support — iPhoneGoogle Help — AndroidSamsung Support

    Sources used to create and verify this guide. View all sources →

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