Samsung DeX

Samsung DeX (stylized as SΛMSUNG DeX) is a feature included on some high-end Samsung handheld devices that enables users to extend their device into a desktop-like experience by connecting a keyboard, mouse, and monitor.^[1][2] The name "DeX" is a contraction of "Desktop eXperience".

Logo

The Samsung Galaxy S8 plugged into the DeX docking station. Monitor is displaying the PowerPoint and Word Android applications.

DeX Station

DeX Station when opened, showing the USB-C docking

For technical specifications, Samsung DeX requires hardware such as USB 3.1 transfer specification, USB-C port with DisplayPort Alternate Mode support to be present on a mobile device.^[3] Samsung first included the DeX feature on the Galaxy S8, and has continued to support the feature on most of their high-end smartphones, including the Galaxy S, Note and Z Fold lines. The feature is also available on many Galaxy Tab S models, from Galaxy Tab S4 onwards.

History

In 2017, the original version of DeX was released, which required the use of a proprietary docking accessory called the DeX Station. This provided a USB-C port, Ethernet, HDMI 2.0 output and two USB 2.0 ports.^[4]

In August 2018 with the launch of the Note 9, Samsung introduced the DeX HDMI adapter (USB-C to female HDMI), DeX cable (USB-C to male HDMI) and DeX multiport adapter, which whilst still proprietary and containing active electronics,^{[citation needed]} eliminated the need for the previous docking accessories.^[5] This design enabled the cell phone to lie flat and function as a touchpad or even continue being used as a phone in its usual fashion whilst being connected to a display and with DeX operating.^[6]

Also in 2018, Samsung released the DeX PAD. This provided a USB-C port, HDMI, and two USB ports. This design enabled the cell phone to lay flat and function as a touchpad or even continue being used as a phone in its usual fashion whilst being connected to a display and with DeX operating.

Since 2019, with the Galaxy Note 10 and Galaxy Fold, DeX can now be launched via a direct cable connection to a physical computer using the existing provided charging cable or any similar off-the-shelf USB-C cable with data transfer, eliminating the need for any proprietary docking accessories.^[7]

DeX has also been used in the public safety setting to replace in-vehicle laptops.^[8]

Samsung also announced "Linux on Galaxy" (since renamed to "Linux on DeX") which allows the use of a compatible Linux distribution rather than the default Android OS giving full personal computer capabilities.^[9][10][11]

The DeX Desktop can also be accessed with a downloadable app for Windows and macOS or through third-party accessories.^{[citation needed]} Users can connect to their mobile devices with a USB cable. As of April 2022, macOS and Windows 7 are no longer supported.

Samsung DeX devices can be managed by Samsung Knox (3.3 and higher) to allow or restrict access using the Knox platform for added control and security.^[12][13]

In October 2019 Samsung announced that Linux on DeX will not be available for Android 10 and warned users that after upgrading to Android 10 they will not be able to downgrade, permanently losing the ability to use full Linux applications.^[14]

In 2020, wireless Dex was introduced, enabling Note 9 and newer phones to use Miracast to project the desktop experience to a PC previously connected via USB or a wireless monitor/TV.^{[citation needed]}

As of 2024, Samsung DeX's PC app is no longer supported on devices running One UI 7 and higher.

With the release of Samsung's One UI 8, DeX is back on Samsung devices.

In July 2025 with the release of Samsung's One UI 8 a new / updated version of DeX was created and it is indeed again usable. The attached pdf file is the proposed edit to update the out of date Wiki entry, if you would perhaps care to make it happen as I apparently cannot.

 As of July 2025 Samsung's One UI 8 update created a new version of DeX, built on Android 16's native Desktop ModeI.

It does however requireusing ADB and an open source app " scrappy " to access DeX on any Android device running One UI 8 using a PC.

The new DeX can run on any virtual display,which allows us to use DeX on a PC again, regardless of whether it’s running macOS, Windows, or Linux.

One UI 8’s new DeX's virtual display, allows the open-source "scrcpy" tool to mirror the full desktop experience to any PC.

This opens a new window on your PC showing the full DeX interface, which you can then control with your keyboard and mouse, share your clipboard, capture audio, and more.

This method only works on Galaxy devices running One UI 8 or later, as older versions do not support showing DeX on virtual displays.

It will also not work on Google’s Pixel phones, as Android 16’s Desktop Mode only activates when a physical external display is connected.

If you have a compatible Samsung device running One UI 8, follow these steps:

1. Set up ADB on your PC

Official Google links for ADB & Fastboot binaries, without having to download the complete ADB Developer Suite ( which is pretty massive ).

Windows :

https://dl.google.com/android/repository/platform-tools-latest-windows.zip

Mac :

https://dl.google.com/android/repository/platform-tools-latest-darwin.zip

Linux :

https://dl.google.com/android/repository/platform-tools-latest-linux.zip

2. Set up scrcpy on your PC.

The GitHub page, which is the official site for the opeb source scrappy site has versions for all three PC operating systems, as well a links to dicumentation resources.

3. Open a command prompt on the terminal and run the following command:

scrcpy --new-display=1920x1080/284

Replace ‘1920×1080/284’ with your desired resolution and screen density settings as required bu your system.

Source for Scrappy on GitHub :

https://github.com/Genymobile/scrcpy

     https://github.com/Genymobile/scrcpy

Complete documentation on the scrappy installation and setup is also available on the GitHub page.

• * NOTE : This is the official and only "safe" option to access / download the project.

See also

• Webtop, a similar feature of the Motorola Atrix series from the early 2010s, which required specialized hardware.
• Ready For, a feature of some high-end Motorola phones that includes a desktop mode as well as TV, Video Chat and Game modes.
• Easy Projection, a similar desktop mode found on the Huawei Mate 10, Mate 20 and Huawei Mate 30 phones
• Screen+, a similar desktop environment mode found on the LG Velvet and V60 phones.
• Continuum, a similar feature announced by Microsoft in 2015 for Windows 10 Mobile
• Docking station
• Lapdock