Samsung Dex is one of Samsung’s most overlooked flagship hardware devices. It has long been a fantasy to be able to transform your mobile into a laptop alternative with a single cable. So, in this guide, you’ll learn how to use Samsung DeX on Galaxy S8/S8+, S9/S9+, or any other compatible Samsung Galaxy device on Windows 7/10 or Mac with USB-C charging cable.
Recently, the company has announced that you will no longer need a separate monitor like TV, keyboard setup and HDMI cable to enable the desktop environment with Samsung DeX. Instead, you can now use Samsung DeX on compatible Galaxy devices on Windows or Mac with a charging cable also.
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What is Samsung DeX?
Samsung DeX is a software interface that activated by plugging a compatible mobile device into a spare monitor, laptop, or computer. It runs on all of the flagship smartphones that Samsung has launched since 2017, including the Galaxy S8 or later (mostly S and Note Series).
However, Samsung launched DeX for PC in August 2019. It helps users to connect their mobile device to a Windows PC or Mac compatible so they can use DeX right from their laptop.
Why use Samsung DeX?
Samsung DeX has many different features that best suit your needs. Samsung DeX Mode allows your device to display a PC-like experience on a large screen with the same apps that you use on your phone every day. Finally, you can use DeX mode on your monitor while using different apps on your device at the same time, or turn your device into an input device to control the DeX environment.
Benefits of Using Samsung DeX on Windows/Mac on Samsung Galaxy:
- Easy file transfers between Windows and Dex.
- You can answer calls and send text messages on the phone with the DeX window while you are still working on your PC apps and files.
- A great alternative to apps like BlueStacks to play Android-only games on the big screen.
- Increase productivity with a mobile desktop.
DeX-compatible Samsung Galaxy Devices
- Samsung Galaxy 20 Ultra
- Samsung Galaxy S20+
- Samsung Galaxy S2
- Samsung Galaxy Fold
- Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Plus
- Samsung Galaxy Note 10
- Samsung Galaxy Note 10 5G
- Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus
- Samsung Galaxy S10
- Samsung Galaxy S10e
- Samsung Galaxy S10 5G
- Samsung Galaxy Note 9
- Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus
- Samsung Galaxy S9
- Samsung Galaxy Note 8
- Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus
- Samsung Galaxy S8
- Samsung Galaxy S8 Active
- Samsung Galaxy Tab S6
- Samsung Galaxy Tab S5e
- Samsung Galaxy Tab S4
DeX Requirements
To use Samsung DeX on Samsung Galaxy S8 or later compatible devices on Windows 7/10 or Mac with USB-C charging cable. You’ll need the following requirements:
- Any Laptop running on Windows 10/7 or MacOS versions above 10.13
- Samsung DeX Software on PC
- USB-C Charging Cable
- A Samsung Galaxy S8 or Later
How to Use Samsung DeX on Galaxy S8, S9, S10 or later on a laptop with Cable Charging
Till now, we have discussed What is Samsung DeX? Why use Samsung DeX? Benefits of using DeX, compatible Samsung Galaxy devices, and the requirements. If you have all the above-mentioned requirements then without further ado let’s dive into our main topic. This will be a step-by-step guide with screenshots.
Step 1. First, you need to download Samsung DeX from Samsung’s official website. Click here to download the file.
Step 2. If you want to download Samsung DeX for Windows 7 or 10 then click on FOR WINDOWS 7 AND 10. If you’re having a Mac computer then click on FOR MAC OS.
Step 3. Select the file directory then click Save.
Step 4. When the file is downloaded, go to the folder where it’s downloaded. Right-click on it then select Open to install it.
Step 5. Check the box next to I agree to the DeX for PC software license agreement then click NEXT.
Step 6. Select the folder where you want to install the file and click INSTALL. If prompted click Yes.
Step 7. Wait until the file is completely installed. When done, click OK.
Step 8. Now, launch the Samsung DeX software on your PC.
Step 9. Plug one end of the cable into your phone, while plugging the other end into the PC.
Step 10. After plugging the charging cable into your phone, you’ll see a pop-up message which says ” Start casting with Samsung DeX? All you need to do is simply tap Start now.
Step 11. Now, you have successfully connected your Samsung Galaxy device to a laptop using Samsung DeX via cable charging.
Getting to Know the DeX Interface
Using the Samsung DeX interface is easy and user-friendly for most users of Galaxy smartphones or tablets, but here are a few tips to help you familiarize yourself with the interface.
1. Quick Settings Menu
Here you can see your battery life, alarms, and Wi-Fi and cellular connectivity. Click the arrow icon to expand the menu and adjust your settings.
2. Recent, Home and Back
The recent, home, and back options are on the bottom left-hand corner next to the apps tray icon. You’ll be familiar with the other three icons in the bottom-right bar of your phone. They’re the same recent, home, and back icons you’ll see at the bottom of your phone screen, and they’ll give you a fast way to switch between apps and get back to your desktop.
3. Apps Tray
Next to the DeX logo and recent, home, and back keys you will see the apps tray icon. An apps tray icon gives you access to all of the apps on your phone. They’ll be arranged just as you see them on your phone.
4. Lock or Exit DeX
The DeX logo at the bottom left-hand corner, if you want to lock DeX while you leave your desk for a moment. You can also exit DeX mode here or switch to screen mirroring.
Conclusion
This is how you can use Samsung DeX on Samsung Galaxy S8, S9, or other compatible Galaxy devices on a Laptop running on Windows 7/10 and macOS using USB-C charging cable. If you want to play Android-only games on your PC then use Samsung DeX.
4 comments
Works on my s10 but not my s8 🙁
It only works on Samsung galaxy S9 or later devices with Android 10 while Samsung Galaxy S8 or S8+ won’t receive Android 10 that’s why Samsung DeX won’t work on it.
thanks for the article.
Just a heads up, Samsung s8 devices will require the Samsung Dex hub, it cannot be done via usb cable alone (RIP my S8 active0
Samsung galaxy S9 or later devices with Android 10 can do with just the usb.