If you have an Android tablet that you’re not using much, put it to work by using it as a second screen for your desktop. Follow this guide to learn how to use your Android tablet as a second monitor.
Good to know: learn how to turn your smartphone into a mic on Windows.
Content
- How to Set Up Your Android Tablet as a Second Screen for Windows
- How to Set Up Your Android Tablet as a Second Screen for Mac
- Things to Remember Before You Use an Android Tablet as a Second Monitor
How to Set Up Your Android Tablet as a Second Screen for Windows
If you have a Samsung tablet, connecting it to a Windows PC is easy. Galaxy slates offer a Second Screen option in the Quick Menu that lets you seamlessly connect to your computer – with no other cables or software.
For any other non-Samsung Android tablets, you’ll need to install third-party software to set up the slate as a second screen. We’re using Spacedesk to demonstrate.
Install the Spacedesk app on your Windows PC and Android tablet, respectively. The Windows installer is available for Windows 8, 10 and 11. Select between the 32-bit or 64-bit versions. If you’re unsure whether you’re running 32-bit or 64-bit, go to Settings -> System -> About -> System type.
Connect the Two Devices via USB
Spacedesk allows you to connect the two devices via Wi-Fi or USB. Connect via USB cable by opening Spacedesk on your Android device and checking the box next to LAN/Wi-Fi at the bottom. The tablet will start scanning for a computer connection.
Open Spacedesk on your PC, and switch to ON at the top.
Click on Android USB Cable Driver (ON) on the left, and tick the USB Cable Android option.
Your Windows screen will be mirrored on your Android device. If the display remains dark, gently unplug the USB cable, then plug it back in. If it still doesn’t work, restart your Android tablet and Windows computer, and try again.
Tip: if you’re a Linux user, learn how to use your smartphone as a second monitor.
Connect the Two Devices via Wi-Fi
Alternatively, connect the two devices via your Wi-Fi network. Spacedesk warns that using this method may make the Wi-Fi lag, so only try this if you’re on a strong Wi-Fi connection.
Connect both devices to the same Wi-Fi, then open Spacedesk on your PC, and turn it on. Go to your Android tablet, open Spacedesk, and tick the box next to LAN/WiFi.
Tap your computer’s name above your IP address to get your tablet to mirror your Windows display.
Using Your Secondary Display
By default, Spacedesk will mirror your Windows display on your tablet, but you can also use the tablet as an extension for the main screen. On your Windows PC, go to Settings -> System -> Display. Click the Duplicate these displays button, and switch to Extend these displays.
To disconnect the two devices, open Spacedesk on your PC, and toggle the ON switch to OFF.
The screen on your tablet will go dark with a floating message that says Disconnected – Reconnecting to IP. Tap the hamburger menu on the right, and select Disconnect.
Press OK in the pop-up window to confirm your decision.
FYI: Finder search not working on Mac? Learn how to fix it.
How to Set Up Your Android Tablet as a Second Screen for Mac
If you have a Mac computer, you can create a similar setup with your Android tablet as a secondary display using the Duet Display software. It has a 7-day free trial. Download Duet Display on your Mac computer and your Android tablet, respectively.
Connect the Two Devices via USB
Open the Duet app on your Mac. The app will walk you through granting the permissions needed for it to work. Select My Devices on the left side. Your Android device will appear in the list on the right.
Open the Duet app on your Android tablet, and select Wired to establish a connection via a USB cable.
For the wired option, ensure that USB Debugging is activated on your Android device, then connect your Android tablet to the Mac using a USB cable. Press Allow in the pop-up that asks for permission to trust the computer. Go to Settings in the Duet App on your Mac. Check Enable Android USB Support.
From the Duet app on your Mac, choose whether you want the Android device to Mirror or Extend your Mac’s display.
Connect the Two Devices via Wi-Fi
Ensure that both the tablet and Mac are connected to the same Wi-Fi, then head to the Duet app on your Mac and. Your Android device should show as an available connection. If not, you will see a message telling you to connect using your Android device (which was the case here).
Open the Duet app on Android, and tap the Wi-Fi symbol on the left. Choose the Mirror or Extend option.
To disconnect the two devices, press Disconnect from the Duet app on your macOS device.
Tip: in the market for a new slate? Our Android vs. Fire tablet guide can help you decide which to purchase.
Things to Remember Before You Use an Android Tablet as a Second Monitor
Our testing that converted an Android tablet into a secondary display went well. The only thing we noticed was the slight lag when using the Wi-Fi method to connect the devices.
You may have an older Android tablet that with screen burn. You’ll notice discoloration across sections of the display, that often appear as outlines of text and images, color desaturation, or irregular patches and patterns.
Screen burn-in is most commonly associated with OLED or AMOLED displays, which are more common in higher-end tablets. However, LCD displays are less susceptible to burn-in issues. Keep in mind that it usually takes much screen usage before these issues start to manifest.
Good to know: read these tips if you want to turn your Amazon Fire tablet into a stock Android device.
Tablets aren’t as popular as they used to be, but if you’re curious, learn why I still use a slate in 2024. If you own an iPad, learn how to use an extended display with your Apple tablet.
All screenshots and images by Alexandra Arici.
Alexandra Arici –
Staff Writer
Alexandra is passionate about mobile tech and can be often found fiddling with a smartphone from some obscure company. She kick-started her career in tech journalism in 2013, after working a few years as a middle-school teacher. Constantly driven by curiosity, Alexandra likes to know how things work and to share that knowledge with everyone.
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