Utilizing Your Android Tablet as an Extended Display for Your PC
If you own an unused Android tablet, repurpose it by utilizing it as a secondary screen for your desktop or laptop.
Setting Up Your Android Tablet as a Second Screen for Windows
Connecting a Samsung tablet to a Windows PC is straightforward. Galaxy devices feature a Second Screen option in the Quick Menu, allowing a seamless connection to your computer without needing additional cables or software.
For non-Samsung Android tablets, you’ll require third-party software to configure the device as a secondary screen. In this guide, we will demonstrate the process using Spacedesk.
Begin by installing the Spacedesk app on your Windows PC and the Android tablet. The Windows installer supports Windows 8, 10, and 11; choose the appropriate version (32-bit or 64-bit). To determine your system type, navigate to Settings -> System -> About -> System type.
Connecting the Devices via USB
Spacedesk offers connection options via Wi-Fi or USB. To connect using a USB cable, launch Spacedesk on your Android device and tick the box for LAN/Wi-Fi at the bottom. Your tablet will then search for a computer connection.
Afterward, open Spacedesk on your PC and toggle it to ON at the top.
Select Android USB Cable Driver (ON) on the left side and check the box for USB Cable Android.
Your Windows screen should now mirror on your Android device. If the display remains blank, disconnect the USB cable briefly and reconnect it. If the issue persists, restart both your Android tablet and Windows computer, then try reconnecting.
Connecting the Devices via Wi-Fi
As an alternative, you can link the two devices through your Wi-Fi network. Spacedesk advises that this method may cause lag, so it’s best to proceed only if you have a strong Wi-Fi connection.
Ensure both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi. Next, open Spacedesk on your PC and turn it on. Go to your Android tablet, launch Spacedesk, and check the box for LAN/WiFi.
Tap your computer’s name displayed above your IP address to initiate the mirroring of your Windows display on your tablet.
Using Your Secondary Display
By default, Spacedesk will mirror your Windows display on the tablet. However, you can configure the tablet as an extension to your primary screen. On your Windows PC, navigate to Settings -> System -> Display. Click on Duplicate these displays and switch to Extend these displays.
To disconnect the devices, open Spacedesk on your PC and switch the ON toggle to OFF.
Your tablet screen will dim, displaying a message that says Disconnected – Reconnecting to IP. Tap the menu icon on the right and select Disconnect.
Confirm your action by pressing OK in the pop-up window.
Setting Up Your Android Tablet as a Second Screen for Mac
For Mac users, you can configure a similar setup using Duet Display software, which offers a 7-day free trial. Download Duet Display on your Mac computer and the Android tablet.
Connecting the Devices via USB
Open the Duet app on your Mac, which will guide you through the necessary permissions for proper functionality. Click on My Devices on the left panel. The Android device will appear in the right-side list.
Launch the Duet app on your Android tablet and choose Wired to establish a USB connection.
Ensure that USB Debugging is enabled on your Android device, then connect it to the Mac using a USB cable. Allow access when prompted to trust the computer. Navigate to Settings in the Duet App on your Mac and check Enable Android USB Support.
Finally, in the Duet app on your Mac, you can select whether to Mirror or Extend the display using the Android device.
Connecting the Devices via Wi-Fi
Make sure both the tablet and Mac are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Open the Duet app on your Mac, where you should see the Android device as an available connection. If not, you may see a prompt to connect via your Android device. On the Duet app on Android, tap the Wi-Fi symbol on the left and choose either the Mirror or Extend option.
To disconnect the devices, simply click Disconnect in the Duet app on your Mac device.
Considerations Before Using an Android Tablet as a Second Monitor
Our tests to convert an Android tablet into a secondary display were successful, though we observed some lag when using the Wi-Fi connection.
If you have an older Android tablet, you might encounter screen burn-in, which can cause discoloration or outlines of text and images on the display. This issue typically arises with OLED or AMOLED screens but is less common in LCD displays. Such problems usually take extensive use before they start becoming noticeable.
While tablets may not be as trendy as they once were, you may be interested to discover why I still rely on a tablet in 2024. Additionally, if you own an iPad, find out how to utilize your Apple tablet as an extended display.
All images and screenshots are credited to Alexandra Arici.
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