Samsung DeX turns a compatible Galaxy phone into a full desktop experience on a TV, monitor or PC. This guide is the hub for the whole series: what DeX is, which phones support it, how to connect it, and how to fix it when it won't work — all in one place. Last updated: July 2026.
What is Samsung DeX?
Samsung DeX is a feature built into many Galaxy phones and tablets that launches a desktop-style interface — resizable windows, a taskbar and multi-window multitasking — when you connect the device to a larger screen. It is not the same as simply mirroring your phone: the phone becomes the "brain" and the external screen becomes the workspace. Just add a mouse and a keyboard. For the full explainer, see what is Samsung DeX.
DeX vs. screen mirroring
Screen mirroring shows on the external display exactly what's on the phone. DeX is different: it reorganizes the phone's elements into an independent desktop environment, while the phone-mode setup stays untouched underneath. One copies your screen; the other gives you a computer.
What "DeX mode" means
You'll often see the feature called DeX mode. It's the same thing, named after what it does: the desktop mode a Galaxy switches into once it's connected to an external screen. Turning DeX mode on starts that desktop environment; turning it off drops the connection back to plain mirroring, with the phone's own layout stretched onto the screen.
Wired DeX vs. wireless DeX
There are two ways in. Wired DeX uses a USB-C to HDMI cable or adapter straight into the display — the most stable option. Wireless DeX casts to a compatible smart TV over Wi-Fi, with no cable at all, on supported flagships. DeX has been around since 2017, when it launched with the Galaxy S8, and it's still here on the latest models.
Which Galaxy phones support DeX?
Which devices are supported depends on the model, and for wireless DeX it depends on both the phone and the display. The summary is below; for the authoritative, model-by-model list — including the similar-sounding phones that don't have the feature — see which Galaxy phones and tablets support DeX.
Full compatibility table
| Series | DeX support | Wireless DeX |
|---|---|---|
| Galaxy S (S8 and newer) | Yes | Yes, on newer flagships |
| Galaxy Note (Note8–Note20) | Yes | Yes, on newer models |
| Galaxy Z Fold (all models) | Yes | Yes |
| Galaxy Z Flip | Only the Z Flip7 | No, not on the Z Flip line |
| Galaxy Tab (S4 and newer) | Select models | Select models, not the Tab S4 |
| Galaxy A / M / entry-level | Mostly no (except the A90 5G) | No |
The compatible devices, per Samsung's official page, are the Galaxy S8 through S25 series, Note8 through Note20, the foldables from the original Fold through the Z Fold7 and the Z Flip7, the Galaxy A90 5G, and the Tab S4, S5e, Active Pro, S6, S7, S8, S9, S10, S11 and Active3.
Phones that support wireless DeX specifically
Wireless DeX — casting DeX to a screen with no cable — is available on newer Galaxy S and Note flagships and on the Z Fold line, paired with a compatible smart TV on the same Wi-Fi network. It has real limits: it doesn't work with touch screens, with the Galaxy Z Flip line, or with the Galaxy Tab S4.
Phones that do NOT support DeX
Most Galaxy A, M and entry-level phones do not support DeX at all — the A90 5G is the exception. Watch out for the similar names, too: the Galaxy Z Flip7 FE doesn't support DeX (neither over HDMI nor wirelessly), and the Tab S9 FE, Tab S10 Lite, Tab S10 Plus and Tab S10 FE don't support HDMI output.
How to connect Samsung DeX
DeX on a TV (HDMI / adapter)
Connect a USB-C to HDMI cable, or a multiport USB-C adapter, from the phone straight into the TV's HDMI input. This is the most stable route and works on any TV with an HDMI port. Add a Bluetooth or USB mouse and keyboard for a full desktop.
Wireless DeX to a smart TV
On a compatible smart TV, you can start DeX over Wi-Fi with no cable. Put the phone and the TV on the same network, then cast DeX from the quick-settings panel. This requires both a supported phone and a TV that accepts the cast.
DeX on a PC or monitor
Plug the phone directly into a monitor's HDMI input the same way you would a TV. To run DeX in a window on a computer instead, install the Samsung DeX app for PC and connect the phone by cable — handy for dragging files between the phone and the computer.
What cable or adapter you need
For a TV or monitor, a certified USB-C to HDMI cable or a USB-C hub with HDMI output is all you need. An uncertified cable is the single most common cause of a black screen, so it's worth using a known-good one. Not every USB-C cable carries video, either — for what to look for (DisplayPort Alt Mode, Power Delivery on hubs) and what to avoid, see how to choose the right cable or adapter for DeX.
Turning a Galaxy phone into a TV box with DeX
A phone that supports DeX can double as a low-cost TV box — a processor, Wi-Fi and a working screen output are all it takes to make an old handset useful again. See the Galaxy Z Flip 5 turned into a TV box and the case for reviving the phones forgotten in the drawer.
Troubleshooting: when DeX won't connect
Most of the time DeX just works, but a few things can stop the connection — usually the cable, a setting, or the way the connection was made. The most common cases are below; for the full walkthrough, see why won't DeX/HDMI connect.
DeX won't connect over HDMI
Reseat the cable at both ends (removing the phone's case for the test), and if the image is cropped, set the TV's picture size to "Fit to screen" or "16:9". If you're using a USB-C hub or a dock, make sure it's fed by a charger with enough power — some accessories won't drive DeX on their own.
Wireless DeX not showing up
If the TV never appears in the cast list, confirm both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network and close together, and that the phone actually supports wireless DeX. Remember it doesn't work with the Z Flip line or the Tab S4. On some tablets you also need to enable "Classic" mode under Settings > Connected devices > Samsung DeX.
Black screen or no signal
A black screen or "no signal" is most often an uncertified or failing cable or adapter — swap it for a known-good one first. If the screen only mirrors instead of opening DeX (common after the One UI 8 / Android 16 update), start DeX manually from quick settings, then switch the display option to Extend.
Frequently asked questions
Is my Galaxy S10e DeX compatible? Yes — the Galaxy S10e supports DeX over a wired connection.
Does DeX work on any TV? Wired DeX works on any TV with an HDMI input. Wireless DeX requires a compatible smart TV.
What is wireless DeX on Android? It is DeX launched by casting to a compatible screen, with no cable required, available on newer Galaxy flagships.
Do all Galaxy phones support DeX? No. DeX is limited mostly to flagship S, Note, Z and higher-end Tab models. Most A/M and entry-level phones do not support it.