Android Devices – Samsung DEX
Samsung DeX Guide: A Handy Option for Productivity When Traveling
Samsung DeX is a useful feature on select Samsung devices that allows you to use your smartphone or tablet in a desktop-style environment when on the move. Paired with a mouse, keyboard, and monitor DeX can be a full-fledged alternative to other desktop environments. Welcome to our Samsung DEX Guide.
Read on to discover more, if your device is compatible, and exactly how to enable DeX on your device. It’s a useful feature for any traveler and can get you out of a work bind if you don’t have access to a main computer. Alternatively it can be a great portable option for those that may just need a desktop-style environment.
Hey there, my name is Oliver and I have been a traveller and writer for quite a number years now. I graduated from university in the UK and have been on the move ever since. I love visiting historical places and have been to 35+ countries and counting. There’s nothing better than getting to spend a month (or six) truly getting to know a place, it’s people, and local customs.
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Key Takeaways
- Desktop-Like Experience
- Enhanced Productivity
- Android Applications
- DeX is available on select Samsung flagship devices
- Enabling DeX is straightforward
- Flexible Connectivity
What Does Samsung DeX Do?
Providing your device supports it, Samsung DeX presents the ability for you to use your smartphone or tablet similar to a traditional computer or at least gives a familiar desktop interface.
Once DeX has loaded, the user interface displays a familiar style to the Windows or Linux desktop layout. There is a taskbar at the bottom of the display with an app menu button located on the far left-hand side next to search, multi-window, desktop, and back buttons. To the right are various notification icons along with quick action buttons which include sound, on-screen keyboard, language, and take a screenshot.
DeX is a fantastic tool for productivity on the go and ideal for travelers who need to keep their luggage weight down. Simply connect a mouse, external keyboard, and monitor to your device and you gain a fully-fledged computing option without the need for a separate PC. Please note that DeX still uses Android applications that are installed on your device. It is quick, painless, and is a great option to get some work done on the move.
Samsung DeX Compatibility
While DeX is certainly a fantastic feature, Samsung does not make it available on all their devices. Usually, it is reserved for Samsung’s flagship mobile offerings, see if your device is compatible from the table below:
Device Type | Series | Model | Connectivity Options |
Mobile Phone | Galaxy S Series | S8, S9, S10, S20, S21, S22, S23, S24 Series | HDMI/USB-C Wireless Monitor (excluding S8 Series) DeX on PC (excluding S8 Series) DeX Pad/Station |
Mobile Phone | Galaxy Note Series | Note 8, Note 9, Note 10, Note 20 Series | HDMI/USB-C Wireless Monitor (excluding Note8 Series) DeX on PC (excluding Note8 Series) DeX Pad/Station |
Mobile Phone | Galaxy Fold Series | Fold, Fold 2, Fold 3, Fold 4, Fold 5 | HDMI/USB-C Wireless Monitor DeX on PC |
Mobile Phone | Galaxy A Series | A90 5G | HDMI/USB-C Wireless Monitor DeX on PC |
Tablet | Tab S Series | Tab S4, Tab S5e, Tab S6, Tab S7, Tab S8 Series | HDMI/USB-C Wireless Monitor (excluding Tab S4 Series) |
Tablet | Active Tab Series | Tab Active Pro, Tab Active 3 Series | HDMI/USB-C Wireless Monitor (excluding Tab Active Pro Series) |
How to Enable Samsung DeX on Your Device
Enabling Samsung DeX on your device is quite straightforward. In some cases, simply connecting an external monitor to your device will launch DeX, but if not, then be sure to follow these steps to achieve this:
Pre-requisites:
- Your device must support DeX (See the compatibility table above)
- If using a phone device, you must have an external monitor ready.
- If connecting via a cable ensure it is plugged in.
1. Pull down from the top of your display to reveal your quick access panel.
Swipe down from the top of your device display, the quick access panel will show.
2. From the quick access panel wipe down from the top of the display once more
Swipe again on the top of the display. The current icons in view will expand to reveal a larger assortment of icons. The DeX enable icon is located within this section however you may need to swipe right to display the second or third set of icons depending on your device.
3. Press the icon for DeX
Press the DeX icon:
If you are using a tablet:
The DeX splash screen will display, and the DeX interface will load. You are now in DeX mode. The DeX interface will load on the tablet display for tablets without a monitor connected.
If you are using a phone with a connected monitor:
The DeX interface will load on the external monitor, a new option will appear in your phones navigation icons to use the device as a touchpad.
If you are using a phone not currently connected to a monitor:Due to the device’s screen size, the phone must be connected to any external monitor before DeX will launch. An additional screen will display additional options to launch DeX either wirelessly or on a PC.
If you are connecting to a monitor via wireless, select the “DeX on TV or monitor” option, if you are connecting on a PC select this option with your device connected to your computer.
Wrapping Up
Samsung DeX offers a powerful and versatile solution for those seeking to enhance their mobile productivity. It is exceptionally useful to those of us that travel frequently. By transforming your Samsung device into a desktop-like environment, DeX provides the flexibility to perform a wide range of tasks traditionally reserved for a PC. You may be drafting documents, managing emails, or multitasking with various apps, DeX equips you with the tools necessary for efficient and effective work no matter where you are. As long as your device is compatible, enabling DeX is a straightforward process that can significantly expand your device’s capabilities. Embrace the potential of Samsung DeX and unlock a new level of productivity right at your fingertips.
How to use Samsung DEX FAQs
If Samsung DeX is not working on your device, ensure your device is compatible and connected correctly to an external monitor. Check for software updates and restart your device.
With Samsung DeX, you can perform a wide range of tasks typically done on a desktop computer, such as drafting documents, managing emails, and multitasking with multiple apps.
Yes, Samsung DeX can be used wirelessly with a compatible TV or PC.
To enable Samsung DeX mode on your Galaxy S24, connect your phone to an external monitor using a USB-C to HDMI cable or wirelessly to a compatible TV. Swipe down from the top of your screen to open the quick access panel, then tap the DeX icon.
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