How to get Samsung Dex on (almost) any android device (sort of!)

Naveen Thakur
1 Mar, 2023

Samsung DeX has redefined what’s possible with a smartphone, offering a full desktop experience by simply connecting your Galaxy phone to a monitor. But what if you don’t have a Samsung flagship? Can you still enjoy a desktop-like interface on your Android device?

The answer is: sort of!

In this blog, we’ll guide you through how to replicate or simulate the Samsung DeX experience on almost any Android device—even if it doesn’t officially support DeX. Using third-party apps, OTG hardware, and some tweaks, you can get surprisingly close to DeX’s productivity.

What Is Samsung DeX?

Samsung DeX (Desktop eXperience) transforms your phone into a desktop-like interface when connected to a larger screen via HDMI or wirelessly. It’s especially powerful on devices like the Galaxy S24 series, Z Fold, Z Flip, and Tab S series.

Features of Samsung DeX:

  • Resizable multi-window apps

  • Drag and drop support

  • Taskbar with app launcher

  • Keyboard and mouse support

  • Full-screen web browsing

  • DeX for PC (run DeX as a windowed desktop on a laptop)

Why Would You Want DeX on Any Android Device?

Many users want a desktop experience without carrying a laptop, but not all own a Samsung flagship. By using Android's native capabilities, third-party launchers, and external displays, it’s possible to get close to the DeX feel on a wide range of Android phones and tablets.

Can You Install Samsung DeX APK on Other Devices?

No. Samsung DeX is deeply integrated into Samsung’s One UI and specific hardware. The app cannot be sideloaded or run on non-Samsung phones.

However, there are alternatives to achieve a similar desktop-like environment, which is the focus of this blog.

Tools and Apps You’ll Need

Here’s a toolkit to replicate Samsung DeX features:

Tool  Purpose
Sentio Desktop  Turns your phone UI into a desktop
Samsung Flow  Wireless screen mirroring (Samsung-only)
SecondScreen  Forces desktop resolution on external monitors
Scrcpy  Mirror Android to PC with keyboard/mouse
Taskbar (by Braden Farmer)  Adds a start menu & taskbar
Luna Display or Duet Display  Turns a tablet into a second screen
OTG Hub/USB-C Dock  Connect peripherals like keyboard/mouse
Wireless HDMI (MiraCast)  Cast your phone to a display

Method 1: Use Sentio Desktop – Best DeX-Like App

Sentio Desktop (formerly Andromium OS) is the closest third-party app to Samsung DeX. It brings a desktop UI with:

  • Taskbar

  • File explorer

  • App drawer

  • Multi-window support

  • Resizable apps (for compatible apps)

How to use Sentio:

  1. Install Sentio Desktop from Google Play.

  2. Grant required permissions.

  3. Pair with an OTG dock or wireless display.

  4. Connect mouse and keyboard via Bluetooth or USB.

  5. Launch Sentio Desktop.

📌 Limitations: Some apps won't support window resizing or multi-tasking. Also, performance depends on your phone’s RAM and chipset.

Method 2: Use Taskbar + SecondScreen Combo

If you want more control and prefer open-source tools, Taskbar + SecondScreen is a powerful combo:

Taskbar:

  • Free on Google Play.

  • Adds a Windows-like taskbar with app drawer.

  • Great for productivity.

SecondScreen:

  • Forces higher resolutions when mirroring to an external display.

  • Helps display a more desktop-like UI.

Steps:

  1. Install Taskbar and SecondScreen.

  2. Enable developer options > Force desktop mode.

  3. Configure SecondScreen to increase resolution & DPI.

  4. Launch Taskbar and connect to monitor.

  5. Use mouse/keyboard via Bluetooth or OTG.

📌 Note: Not all Android phones support forced desktop mode (introduced in Android 10).

Method 3: Use Scrcpy to Mirror Android to PC

Scrcpy is a free tool that mirrors your Android device on a PC. It’s fast, has low latency, and supports keyboard/mouse input.

Steps:

  1. Enable USB debugging on your phone.

  2. Connect to PC via USB.

  3. Download and install Scrcpy on your PC.

  4. Launch Scrcpy.

Now, you can use your Android apps on a bigger screen using your PC’s input devices.

📌 Pro Tip: Combine this with rotation control apps to simulate landscape mode.

Method 4: Use DeX on Windows/Mac (Samsung Devices Only)

If you do have a compatible Samsung device, but want to run DeX on your laptop:

Steps:

  1. Download Samsung DeX for PC from Samsung’s website.

  2. Connect your Samsung phone via USB.

  3. Launch DeX on your PC.

  4. You’ll now get a DeX window (not full screen).

📌 Works great on Galaxy S21/S22/S23/S24, Z Fold/Flip, Note 20, Tab S series.

Method 5: Wireless DeX Alternative – MiraCast or Smart View

If your Android phone supports wireless display (MiraCast):

  1. Turn on Smart View or Cast screen from Quick Settings.

  2. Select your smart TV or MiraCast dongle.

  3. Use apps in landscape mode with Bluetooth keyboard/mouse.

📌 It’s not true DeX, but gets the job done for media, light browsing, and file management.

Method 6: Using ChromeOS-like Launchers

Install Android launchers that mimic ChromeOS or Windows:

  • Leena Desktop UI

  • Computer Launcher

  • Win 10 Launcher

These apps offer:

  • Start menu

  • Desktop layout

  • Windowed apps (some)

  • File explorer

Great for tablets or Android-on-TV setups.

Recommended Setup for DeX-Like Experience

Component  Recommendation
Android Version  Android 10+ (required for desktop mode toggle)
Display Output  USB-C to HDMI, or wireless MiraCast
Keyboard & Mouse  Bluetooth preferred
Launchers  Sentio Desktop, Taskbar, Computer Launcher
Accessories  OTG hub or USB-C docking station

Limitations and Reality Check

While these methods bring you close to Samsung DeX, they're not perfect. Here's what you'll miss:

  • App optimization: Not all Android apps support resizable windows.

  • Performance: Budget or mid-range phones may lag.

  • No true multi-monitor support.

  • Missing features like drag & drop, clipboard sync.

But if your goal is basic productivity, remote work, or Netflix + keyboard mode, these alternatives work surprisingly well.

Use Cases for DeX-Like Environments

  • Office presentations

  • Editing Word/Excel files

  • Remote desktop access

  • Managing cloud storage

  • Watching videos + multitasking

  • Light coding or blogging on the go

Tips to Enhance Your Experience

  • Use Bluetooth keyboard with touchpad for portability.

  • Use cloud storage apps (Google Drive, OneDrive) for seamless file access.

  • Install file explorer apps like Solid Explorer for PC-like navigation.

  • Use Split-Screen shortcut apps to quickly multitask.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need a high-end Samsung phone to enjoy a desktop-like Android experience. Thanks to clever apps and tools, you can simulate Samsung DeX on almost any Android device—just don’t expect perfection.

If you're a power user or someone who needs to get work done on the go, these tricks can extend your phone’s productivity potential significantly. And if you do ever get your hands on a Galaxy flagship—welcome to the real DeX!

FAQs

Q: Can I install Samsung DeX on my Xiaomi or OnePlus phone?
No, Samsung DeX is exclusive to Samsung’s One UI. But you can use Sentio or Taskbar to simulate it.

Q: What’s the best way to connect my phone to a monitor?
A USB-C to HDMI adapter works best for supported phones. MiraCast works wirelessly on many Android devices.

Q: Is there any lag with these alternatives?
It depends on your phone’s performance, screen resolution, and connected peripherals. Wired connections offer better results.

Conclusion

While it’s not the real Samsung DeX, creating a desktop-like setup using Android’s hidden features and third-party tools is easier than you think. Whether you’re traveling light or want to breathe new life into an old phone, these solutions offer a powerful bridge between mobile and desktop worlds.


 

Next Post Previous Post
No Comment
Add Comment
comment url