Convert a Android mobile on a second monitor It has become a very handy solution when we don't have space on the table, the budget is tight, or we simply want to get the most out of it. a second-hand Android mobile phone Or maybe a tablet we had gathering dust in a drawer. If you were used to using Spacedesk on Windows and have now switched to GNU/Linux (like Nobara, Ubuntu, etc.), or if you simply want to know all the ways to get an extra screen with your Android device, you'll find a very comprehensive overview here.
Throughout this guide you will see all the most popular alternatives To use your phone or tablet as an extended or mirrored monitor: Spacedesk, Deskreen, Splashtop Wired XDisplay, Google Remote Desktop, Duet Display, the special functions of some Samsung tablets, Miracast, and other options. You'll see what each one does, which operating systems it works on (Windows, macOS, Linux), its system requirements, its advantages and disadvantages, and, above all, when it truly extends your desktop and when it simply mirrors the screen.
What does it mean to use an Android phone as a second monitor?
Before we get into the apps, it's worth clarifying the difference between extend desktop and duplicate the screenExtending means the system sees your phone or tablet as an additional, independent monitor, allowing you to move windows between screens, change orientation, resolution, and so on, just as if you had plugged in a physical monitor. Duplicating simply displays the same content as your main monitor, which is useful for presentations or remote control, but not for gaining actual extra screen space.
Many users who come from Spacedesk on Windows They feel very limited when switching to Linux because most of the tools available in the open-source desktop environment (Deskreen, X11VNC, Weylus, Rustdesk, etc.) focus on screen mirroring, not creating an extended virtual display. If you need a completely separate monitor for serious multitasking, editing, programming, or simply to have chats and media players running alongside it, this difference is crucial.
In addition, it's important to keep in mind that the connection you use (Wi-Fi, LAN, or USB) greatly affects the latency, fluidity and qualityWireless connections are usually more than sufficient for quiet tasks (office applications, browsing, reading), but they can fall short for video, gaming, or anything requiring a high and stable refresh rate. With a USB cable, you'll typically gain stability, less latency, and better resolutions.
Spacedesk: the reference for using your Android mobile as an extended monitor
Spacedesk is one of the best-known solutions for Turn your Android phone into an additional monitor From the PC. It was born focused on Windows and today it remains, for many, the most complete option when your main machine uses Windows 8.1, 10 or 11. It allows both mirroring and extending the desktop, supports multiple screens at the same time (even video walls) and works over the local network or via USB connection.
This software is divided into two components: it is installed on the PC Spacedesk DRIVER (server)The device acts as the video signal source, and the Spacedesk client application is installed on the mobile phone, tablet, or other computer to receive the image. It can also be used from an HTML5-compatible web browser, which is very convenient for older devices that no longer have access to app stores.
For it to work, both the main computer and the Android device must be connected to the same local network (LAN/Wi-Fi) Or, if you prefer, you can connect them via USB. It doesn't matter if your PC is connected to the router via Ethernet cable and your mobile device via Wi-Fi; as long as both are on the same TCP/IP network, they will be able to see each other. However, the better the connection, the better the experience will be, especially if you plan to move a lot of windows around.
Spacedesk requirements and compatibility
On the PC side, Spacedesk functions as a virtual display driver for WindowsIt is officially compatible with Windows 11, Windows 10, and Windows 8.1. Windows 7 is no longer supported, although some users continue to use the older version designed for 8.1, accepting the associated security and stability risks. In any case, an updated system is recommended.
Regarding graphics hardware, Spacedesk works with Nvidia, AMD, and Intel adapters, and even with Windows' basic display. At the driver level, it supports a wide range of WDDM versions (from 1.1 to 3.0) and DirectX 9 to 12, meaning that virtually any modern PC, or even one from a few years ago, can run it without problems, provided the drivers are reasonably up to date.
For secondary screens or clientsSpacedesk covers several systems: on Android, it works on phones and tablets with a version higher than Android 4.1; on iOS, from iOS 9.3 for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch; on Windows, from version 7 onwards (although, as a server, Windows 7 is not recommended); and you can also use a modern browser with HTML5 support, which opens the door to unofficial or very old devices.
On the network side, a functional TCP/IP connection on the LAN is sufficient. Many Spacedesk problems stem more from network requirements than hardware requirements. network outages or restrictionsFirewalls that block ports or antivirus software that gets overly protective. That's why it's important to thoroughly check the Windows firewall and the firewall of any security suite you have installed.
Install Spacedesk on the main PC
To start using Spacedesk from Windows, the first thing to do is download the driver installer from the Spacedesk official websiteThere you choose the version appropriate for your system (32 or 64 bits). The file usually has a name like spacedesk_driver_Win_10_64_vXXXX_BETA.msi, which you execute by double-clicking to start the wizard.
During installation, you accept the license terms, choose the destination folder (usually the default path is the best option), and decide whether you want the installer create an exception in the Windows FirewallIf you're only using the Microsoft firewall, check that box to avoid connection problems. If you have third-party antivirus software, you'll usually need to manually add the corresponding exception or rule.
When you click on "Install", the components of the Spacedesk Windows DriverThe process usually doesn't take long, and at the end you just need to click "Finish" to close the wizard. From that moment on, the PC is ready to act as a server and share its screen with one or more secondary devices on the network.
After the first startup, Spacedesk can be configured to It starts automatically with Windows.This way, you always have the option to connect a mobile phone or tablet without having to manually open anything. This is especially convenient if you use your Android screen almost daily, as if it were just another monitor on your desktop.
Basic Spacedesk configuration on Windows
Once installed, Spacedesk offers a configuration interface with several sections. The essential first step is to ensure the switch is set to Spacedesk DRIVER is ONWith that, the server is now listening on the network and any client on the same LAN should be able to detect it and connect.
In the "Control" section you can do things like activate the Automatic startup with Windows boot (option "Automatic Start System Boot Time"), define a delay time for disconnection, delete the current Spacedesk configuration or even export it, in addition to restoring the screen settings that Windows has saved at that time.
In «Communication Interfaces» you will see the different network adapters of the equipment (Ethernet, Wi-Fi, etc.). Selecting one of them displays the details of that adapter on the right, which is useful for checking which IP address the server will advertise and detecting possible conflicts if you have several active network cards.
The "Connections" section displays the secondary screens that have been connected to the main device. "Active" lists the devices currently in use, while "Previous" displays a history of previously connected devices. Selecting any of these shows detailed connection information, which is very useful for diagnostics.
En "Diagnostics" Information is collected to detect problems, and in "Videowall" All screens, both physical and virtual, that the system recognizes are displayed. From there, parameters such as resolution, rotation, refresh rate, brightness, and compression can be adjusted, although in some beta versions some of these functions are still limited or reserved for commercial environments.
Install and configure Spacedesk on Android
On an Android mobile or tablet, the process is quite straightforward: simply go to the Google Play Store and search for "Spacedesk"Select the client's official app and tap "Install." The app is also available in other stores like the Amazon Appstore, and for iOS it's available on the App Store.
Once installed, open the application on the secondary device. The first time, a message will usually appear indicating that you need to have [the necessary software] installed. Spacedesk Windows DRIVER on the main PCYou can check the box to prevent this notification from appearing again and click "OK". If everything is on the same network and the Windows driver is enabled, the app will scan the LAN and should automatically find the PC, displaying its IP address or name.
By tapping on the PC input, in a few seconds you will see how The Windows desktop appears on the screen of the mobile phone or tablet.From that point on, Windows treats that device as an additional monitor. If you drag a window to the right or to your configured screen position, it will appear on the Android device as if it were a physical screen.
In the client interface you will see a small floating button (a square with three lines) on the side. If you press it, a menu appears with several options: "Disconnect" to disconnect the secondary screen and return to the device list; "Keyboard" to display an on-screen keyboard on the device (very useful for typing without touching the PC); "Audio", which depending on the version may have no effect; and "Minimize", which reduces the size of the button to make it less intrusive and moves it to the upper right corner.
If you tap "Disconnect" and confirm with OK, you'll return to the app's main menu. From there, tapping the three-line icon again will show you options like Settings"Input Devices", "User Manual", "Technical Support" and "About". Each one focuses on a different aspect of the client's operation.
Advanced settings for the Spacedesk client on Android
Within "Settings" you'll find several options that affect how the remote display looks and behaves. One of the most important is "Resolution"From here you can choose the resolution of the second screen. You can opt for a lower resolution if your network is limited, or a higher resolution if your bandwidth and PC performance allow it.
The "Rotation" setting allows you to activate the automatic screen rotation Depending on how you rotate your phone or tablet, it's perfect if you want to use it vertically as a screen for chats, to-do lists, timelines, etc. You can also fix a specific orientation if you don't want it to rotate when you move the device.
In "Quality/Performance" you can play with the parameters of image quality and compressionIf your network is slow or unstable, you should lower the quality slightly to reduce lag when moving windows between screens. If your connection is good (for example, with a powerful router and your PC connected by cable), you can prioritize image quality so that text and graphics appear sharper.
The "Connection" section is used to configure a automatic connection using an IP address or hostname Specifically, this prevents the app from having to scan the network every time. "Audio" attempts to route audio input from the server, although its practical use may vary depending on the version. Finally, "On-Screen-Menu" allows you to hide the floating menu; if you disable it, the side button will disappear, and you'll have to close the app like any other mobile application, using system gestures.
In addition to all this, in "Input Devices" you can adjust how touches and gestures on the mobile or tablet's touchscreen are interpreted: whether you want them to behave like a mouse, whether you prefer two-finger scrolling, etc. This is important if you plan to use the tablet as a... touch surface for drawing or editing applicationsHowever, accuracy will also depend on connection delay.
Configure the extended Windows desktop with Spacedesk
Just because Spacedesk is working doesn't mean Windows has the screen positioned correctly. To adjust the position, go to the Windows display settingsIn Windows 10/11 you can easily open it with the Windows + I key combination and then by going to "System" → "Display".
In that section you will see the detected monitors. Select the secondary screen that corresponds to your mobile phone or tablet And, if you like, change the "Orientation" to portrait to use it in portrait mode. Then you can drag the box from that screen with your mouse and place it to the left, right, top, or bottom of the main screen, and even move it a little further down if you want to simulate that it's on a different level.
When you're happy with the layout, tap "Apply." From then on, you can move windows between screens simply by dragging them to the edge where you've placed the Android monitor. It's a very handy trick for better organize your workspace, for example, leaving the browser on the large screen and chats, email or multimedia player on the small one.
If you want to fine-tune things, you can change the display settings in the advanced Windows display settings. refresh ratethe scale, the color mode, etc. In many cases, you don't need to touch anything, but if blurry text notes or unusual scales, it might be helpful to review it.
Security, licenses and current status of Spacedesk
Spacedesk has been around for a long time beta or RC phase (Release Candidate)This means that, although it is quite stable, some advanced features are still under development or primarily intended for commercial environments. Until recently, for example, password protection and traffic encryption were not fully implemented in all cases.
For home use within your own network, where you know which devices are connected, this is usually not a big problem. Even so, it's not a good idea to expose Spacedesk to the outside world or use it in public or unreliable networks Without additional measures, especially if you work with sensitive information. In business environments or when enhanced security is required, the commercial version offers more guarantees, such as improved encryption and authentication.
Regarding the business model, Spacedesk is Free for non-commercial useA license fee is only charged when a company uses it professionally. Furthermore, while free versions have an expiration date, what happens when they expire is that the software continues to function, but the image will be displayed in black and white until you upgrade to a new version or purchase a license.
Currently, public versions usually have a fairly long period of free use before expiring, sometimes more than a year. Version 2.x It has continued to improve performance and add features such as password protection and encryption for paying customers, while maintaining a very competent free base for the home user who simply wants to take advantage of their old Android as a monitor.
Deskreen: using any device with a browser as a screen
Deskreen is another very interesting tool if you want to use any tablet or mobile phone as a secondary screenEspecially if the device is old, doesn't have access to the Play Store, or runs on an outdated system. Unlike Spacedesk, the idea here is that you only need a modern web browser on the device; the heavy application is installed on the PC.
Deskreen is compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux, making it a very attractive option for those who, for example, have switched from Windows 10 to a distribution like Nobara, Ubuntu, Fedora, or similar and miss the Spacedesk experience. The hardware requirements are very modest: a dual-core processor and about 250 MB of RAM They are sufficient for the server to function smoothly.
It works simply: you install Deskreen on your computer from its official website, run it, and the application generates a QR code and a URLOn your tablet or mobile device, open your browser and scan the QR code or type in the web address. The Deskreen app will then display the connected device; simply accept it to start sending your screen.
With Deskreen you can not only mirror your main screen, but also share a specific window or simulate using it as a second screen. However, the experience of A true extended desktop is usually more limited or relies on workarounds (such as virtual monitors at the operating system level). In many cases, especially on Linux, what you get is more of a mirroring than a completely independent second screen.
Despite this, Deskreen is a great alternative if you're looking for something cross-platform, lightweight, and requires no client apps, especially to give a second life to tablets or old mobile phones that cannot install modern software but can open a compatible HTML5 browser.
Other apps for using your Android phone as a second monitor
Beyond Spacedesk and Deskreen, there are many other applications that allow you to reuse a Android as an additional monitor or remote screen. Each one has its own particularities: some only work via USB, others are purely remote, and others combine both possibilities, with free and paid versions.
The choice depends a lot on what you need: if you want low latency and high fluencyWired connections (like Splashtop Wired XDisplay or Duet Display) are usually the best option. If you're looking for something quick to control your PC remotely or see what it's doing, remote desktops like Google Remote Desktop are sufficient, even though they only mirror the screen and don't extend it.
The PC's operating system (Windows, macOS, or) also plays a role. Linux), since not all tools are cross-platform. Linux users, in particular, often have more difficulty finding solutions that truly create a second, independent screen instead of simply projecting what's already displayed on the main monitor.
Below we review some of the best-known options and how they fit into this usage landscape Use your Android phone or tablet as an additional monitor depending on your needs and your equipment.
Splashtop Wired XDisplay: second screen via USB
Splashtop Wired XDisplay is a very popular alternative when you want minimize latency using a USB cable instead of relying on Wi-Fi. The good news is that the basic version is free and works on both Windows and macOS, so you can connect an Android smartphone or tablet (or even an iPad) via cable and use it as a secondary monitor quite smoothly.
The great advantage of this app is that, by working via USB, it achieves less delay and greater stabilityIt can reach Full HD resolutions at 60 FPS if the device and PC support it. This is a particularly interesting solution if your wireless network is weak, you experience interference, or you simply want to use the second monitor for tasks involving some movement.
Splashtop Wired XDisplay has also been incorporating remote access features to be able to access your PC from anywhereAlthough these usually come with paid plans. The system requirements aren't too demanding: on computers, macOS 10.9 or higher and Windows 7 or later; on mobile phones and tablets, iOS or Android version 4.0 or 7.0 or higher depending on the device.
However, it's important to keep in mind that Splashtop Wired XDisplay's main focus is the wired connectionIf your goal is to use your mobile phone or tablet primarily wirelessly, other options such as Spacedesk or tools specifically designed for LAN might be a better fit.
Google Remote Desktop: Remote control without extended desktop
Google Remote Desktop (Chrome Remote Desktop) is probably the most "native" and simple solution for Control your PC from an Android deviceProvided you already use Chrome and have a Gmail account, it installs as an extension or app on your computer and as an app on your mobile device, allowing you to access your desktop from anywhere via the internet.
The major limitation of this tool is that it does not allow extend desktopWhat you see on your phone or tablet is simply a mirror of your computer screen, as if you had a remote monitor. You can't move windows from one screen to another or gain any real desktop space; you just have convenient remote access to manage your PC from the sofa, bed, or away from home.
In addition, Google Remote Desktop always works. via the Internet and not by cableTherefore, latency can be significant depending on the quality of your connection. For light office tasks, checking files, or helping someone remotely, it works very well, but for use as a proper "second monitor," it falls short.
Duet Display and other paid apps
Duet Display was born as an app to convert iPads as second screens for Mac and Windows, with very high image quality and fluidity. Over time, support has expanded, and today it's also possible to use Android tablets as additional monitors through this platform, with a wired or Wi-Fi connection.
One of its main advantages is its integration with pencils like the S-Pen or similar stylusThis allows you to use the tablet as a drawing or editing surface for PC applications like Photoshop or illustration tools. It also supports multi-touch gestures, zoom, and natural scrolling, making for a very polished experience.
The downside is that Duet Display isn't free. The more affordable option, Duet Air, is offered through monthly subscriptionIt costs around a few dollars a month, paid annually. Before paying, however, they offer several days of trial to check if it really suits your needs and if the quality/latency matches your daily usage.
There are other payment alternatives such as Air Display 2 or iDisplay, but in general they offer a similar approach: PC app, mobile or tablet app, and USB or Wi-Fi connection to create a seamless second screen. Since there are already very capable free options, it's usually only worth paying for these services when you need specific features or the highest possible image quality.
Native features of some Samsung tablets
If you have a relatively modern Samsung tablet, especially from the Tab S7 range onwards, One UI 3.1 or higherYou may already have one native function to use it as a second screen for a PC with Windows 10 (version 2004 or later) or Windows 11, without installing third-party applications.
The key requirement is that both the tablet and the PC are connected to the same Wi‑Fi networkOn the tablet, pull down the quick settings panel from the top and tap the "Second screen" button. A screen will open allowing you to choose the connection mode (for example, optimized for illustration or for video/gaming).
Without leaving that screen on the tablet, on the PC go to the option to connect wireless devices (Windows + K) and it should appear. Samsung tablet name in the listYou select it and, in a few seconds, the PC will start projecting or extending the screen onto the tablet, depending on what it allows and how you configure it in the Windows settings.
The tablet itself will display a bar with a button DisconnectWhen you're finished, simply tap it to stop using the tablet as a secondary screen. It's a very convenient solution if you have a relatively recent Samsung ecosystem and want to avoid installing additional apps.
