Turn an Android phone into a second monitor for the PC It has become one of those brilliant ideas for those who lack space, budget, or simply want to make use of that phone or tablet that's been sitting in a drawer for months. Tools like Spacedesk or Deskreen They allow you to extend or duplicate your computer screen without needing to buy another physical monitor, and the best part: many of these solutions are free or very cheap.
If you're coming from Windows and have switched to a Linux distro like Nobara, or you're still on Windows 10 or 11, you're probably wondering what options are available to achieve a actual extended monitor on your Android device, instead of simply mirroring what you already see. In this article, you'll find a comprehensive overview of Spacedesk, Deskreen, and other alternatives (Splashtop Wired XDisplay, Google Remote Desktop, Duet Display, Miracast, and features specific to some Samsung tablets), along with requirements, installation instructions, and tips to ensure everything runs smoothly with minimal lag.
What is Spacedesk and what is it used for?
Spacedesk is a tool designed for Add additional screens to a Windows PCThis allows you to both extend and clone your desktop. The beauty of it is that these extra screens can be Android phones, tablets, other Windows computers, iOS devices, or even devices that only have an HTML5-compatible browser.
The connection between the main computer and the secondary screens is made through the local network (TCP/IP)In other words, the PC and the mobile phone or tablet simply need to be connected to the same router, either via Wi-Fi or Ethernet cable. Spacedesk also supports connections via [unspecified method]. USBThis is very interesting if you want to minimize latency or if your WiFi isn't exactly top-notch; if you're experiencing latency, check out how Fix jitter in Windows 11.
The following is installed on the main computer: Spacedesk Driver Softwarewhich is the server component, so it's advisable to review possible problems with outdated graphics driversThe Spacedesk Viewer app is installed on the phone, tablet, or other client, acting as a secondary display. This client-server architecture allows the mobile device to be treated as a true additional monitor, not just a remote viewer.
Another strength of Spacedesk is that it supports touch interactionIn other words, you can move windows, click, or scroll directly by touching the mobile screen, just like a desktop touchscreen monitor. This is especially useful for control panels, dashboards, or tools you want to have readily available.
Requirements to use Spacedesk on your PC and on Android
For Spacedesk to function correctly, a series of requirements must be met. minimum requirements both on the main unit and on secondary screens. They aren't particularly demanding, but it's a good idea to check them to avoid surprises.
First of all, you need a network with TCP/IP protocol Fully functional. Virtually any modern home router meets this requirement, so as long as your PC and mobile device share the same local network, you're good to go. If you're using a USB connection, it's still recommended that both devices be on the same network, but the video stream will rely on the cable.
On the main computer (server) It is required:
- Operating SystemWindows 11, Windows 10, or Windows 8.1. Windows 7 is no longer officially supported; you can try using the Windows 8.1 driver, but it is at your own risk.
- Graphic card: compatible with standard Nvidia, AMD, Intel drivers or, failing that, Microsoft's basic display adapter.
- Graphics drivers model (WDDM): versions from 1.1 to 3.0 (1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 2.0, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7 and 3.0).
- DirectX Supported: 9, 10, 11 or 12.
On secondary devices (client) The conditions vary depending on the platform, but they remain quite flexible and allow for the reuse of older devices:
- Android on mobile phones and tablets with a version higher than Android 4.1.
- iOS on iPhone, iPad or iPod touch with iOS 9.3 or later.
- Windows as a client on PCs or laptops with Windows 7, 8.1, 10 or 11.
- HTML5 Browser Modern if you use the client's web version (ideal for very old hardware or rare systems).
With these requirements you can even bring to life a veteran tabletsuch as an iPad 2 or an older Android tablet, provided you have access to a version of the client or, at least, a browser that supports HTML5.
How to install Spacedesk on your main computer (Windows)
The first step to using your Android phone as a second monitor is to install the Spacedesk driver on WindowsThis will turn your PC into a video server. You can download it directly from the tool's official website, where you'll find versions for both 32-bit and 64-bit systems.
Once you have downloaded the installation file (for example, something like spacedesk_driver_Win_10_64_v1073_BETA.msi or newer versions), just run it and follow the wizard. The installer will show you a welcome screen where you'll need to keep clicking on Next to move forward between steps.
In one of the steps you will have to accept the license terms, by checking the corresponding box and clicking again on NextAfterwards you can choose the installation folder on the hard drive, although if you don't have any special needs it's best to leave the path suggested by the program by default.
If you use the Windows firewallThe wizard will offer to automatically create an exception so Spacedesk can communicate over the network. It's recommended to select this option. If you use a different firewall or antivirus software with a built-in firewall, you'll need to add the rule manually to avoid blocking the connection with your mobile device. If you're not comfortable with this, you can learn how to... block suspicious connections from CMD.
Once the initial setup is complete, click on install to begin the Spacedesk driver installation. In a few seconds, everything will be copied and configured, and all you have to do is click on Finish To exit the wizard. From that moment on, your PC will be ready to accept connections from client devices.
Setting up Spacedesk on your PC: basic and advanced options
The good news is that, for most users, Spacedesk It works correctly with the default settings.The only truly essential thing is to ensure that the main service switch (Spacedesk Driver) is in the ON position. ONIf it is turned off, customers will not find the equipment on the network.
In the Spacedesk interface for Windows you will see a Lateral Menu with several sections. Each one groups a set of options, although many will be intended for advanced uses or professional environments:
- ControlHere you can indicate whether you want Spacedesk to start automatically when Windows starts by checking the box Automatic Start System Boot TimeYou also have options to define the delay time before disconnecting inactive displays, clear the current Spacedesk configuration, clear display settings in Windows, or export the tool's configuration for use on another computer.
- Communication Interfaces: displays the PC's different network adapters (both Ethernet and WiFi). When expanded Network adapters You'll be able to see each interface, and selecting one will display its detailed information on the right. Here you can disable any adapters you don't want to use with Spacedesk.
- ConnectionsThis section lists the secondary displays that are or have ever been connected. Active You'll see the ones that are in use, while in Previous Those that connected in the past will appear. When you select one, the right side displays its connection details.
- Diagnostics: gathers useful diagnostic information if there are connection, performance or compatibility problems.
- videowallThis section groups all the displays recognized by the system, including physical displays and virtual displays created using Spacedesk. It allows you to adjust resolution, orientation, refresh rate, brightness, contrast, and compression parameters, although some options may not yet be available in certain beta versions.
If you only want to use your Android phone as a secondary monitor for simple tasks, that will suffice. Activate the driver and leave everything else untouched.The most advanced options make sense when managing large video walls, screen mosaics, or AV-over-IP environments in businesses.
Install and configure Spacedesk on Android
Once the PC has the driver installed in server mode, it's time to configure the secondary deviceIf it's an Android mobile or tablet, the easiest thing to do is go to the Google Play Store, search for "Spacedesk" and install the official app, which is the client.
When you open the app for the first time, you'll see a message reminding you that you must have Spacedesk Windows Driver Installed and active on the main computer. You can check the box to prevent this notification from appearing again and click on OKNext, the application will begin scanning the local network for the server.
If everything is in order and your PC and mobile device are connected to the same router, the app's main screen should display the following: Windows machine IP addressSimply tap it to initiate the connection. In just a few seconds, your computer screen will appear on your Android device, just like any other monitor.
From that moment on, you can drag any window off the edge of the main monitor (to the right, left, top, or bottom, depending on your Windows settings) and see it appear on your phone or tablet. It's exactly the same as working with a additional physical monitorexcept the panel is your mobile device.
On the side of the phone's screen, there's a small floating button with three horizontal lines. Tapping it opens a menu with several useful options for everyday use. secondary monitor:
- Disconnect: ends the connection with the PC and returns the app to the main screen.
- Keyboard: displays a virtual keyboard on Android so you can conveniently enter text on your computer from your mobile phone or tablet.
- Audio: This is used to activate or deactivate audio, although in some beta versions it may not have any effect.
- Minimize: reduces the floating button and fixes it in the upper right corner so that it is as unobtrusive as possible.
If you wish to explore the options further, you can log out from the app, tap on Disconnect and confirm with OKOn the main screen, by tapping the icon with three lines, you will see a new menu with more sections.
Spacedesk settings on Android: quality, resolution, and controls
In the client app's settings menu you will find several sections that allow you to fine-tune the app's behavior. extended screen. These are the main ones:
- Settings: access to the general parameters of the application.
- Input Devices: controls how touch gestures and mouse usage are interpreted on the mobile screen.
- user Manual: Opens the official Spacedesk manual webpage.
- Technical Support: links to the technical support section on the developer's website.
- About: shows the specific version of the client you have installed.
Within Settings This is where you'll find the most important settings for everyday use, especially if you notice delays, stuttering, or want to change the appearance of the image:
- ResolutionThis allows you to choose the resolution of the secondary screen. If your tablet has a very high resolution but your Wi-Fi is weak, you might want to lower the resolution for smoother performance.
- Rotation: controls automatic image rotation, ideal if you're going to use the tablet vertically as a chat panel, social networks, or playlists.
- Quality/PerformanceIt offers different profiles and sliders to balance image quality and performance. On slow or congested networks, it's advisable to sacrifice some quality for smooth window movement.
- Connection: allows you to save the PC's IP address or hostname to connect automatically without relying on network scanning.
- Audio: Enables sound transmission from the server, useful if you want your mobile to play audio from your PC.
- On-Screen Menu: Enables or disables the floating menu that appears on the secondary screen. If you disable it, you can close the app like any other on Android, using the system navigation bar.
Playing with these parameters is key to finding a midpoint between image quality and latency. For office tasks, chat, music, or monitoring, maximum resolution and minimum compression are unnecessary; instead, slightly reducing the quality greatly improves the experience.
Configure a second screen in Windows with Spacedesk
Once Spacedesk is up and running and the Android phone is acting as a second monitor, there's one last step: telling Windows Where is that screen physically located? and how exactly you want to use it (extended or duplicated, horizontal or vertical).
In Windows 10 and 11 you can open display settings by pressing the key combination Windows + I and, within the menu, entering the section System and later ScreenThere you will see representations of each monitor connected to your computer, including the one created through Spacedesk.
Select the screen corresponding to the mobile or tablet And at the bottom, you can change the orientation (horizontal, vertical, etc.). If you want, for example, to place it vertically to the left of your main monitor and slightly lower, simply drag the box representing that screen to the position that matches your actual desktop layout.
Once you have the screens arranged to your liking, press the button Apply to save the changes. From that moment on, every time you connect your mobile device to Spacedesk, Windows will remember that configuration, and you can drag windows from the main screen to the bottom left (or wherever you placed them) to make them appear in Android.
If you need finer adjustments, such as changing text scaling, adjusting HDR, or configuring different refresh rates per monitor, you can access the advanced display options Windows settings manage all these parameters for multiple physical and virtual monitors. Keep in mind that incorrect changes can cause problems. black screen after changing resolution.
Spacedesk security, licenses, and limitations
Although Spacedesk offers many advantages, it's important to be aware of its limitations. Limitations and conditions of useFor quite some time the program has been in beta (for example, version RC 1.0.73) and some advanced security features, such as password protection and full connection encryption, were reserved for commercial licenses.
For one use domestic within your own networkFor networks where you can see all connected devices, Spacedesk is more than sufficient. However, it's not recommended to use it over public, open, or untrusted networks, especially if you handle sensitive information, as the free version isn't designed for those scenarios.
In terms of the business model, Spacedesk is a software Free for non-commercial useOnly businesses or professional environments using it for commercial purposes need to purchase a paid license. There's an interesting detail: the free versions have an expiration date; when that date arrives, the app continues to function but displays the image in black and white until you update to a newer version or purchase a license.
To date, current versions (such as branch 2.1.26 and later) have improved significantly, adding more security measures, but top-tier protection features still require commercial licenses. For the average user who wants an extra monitor at home, it remains a viable solution. powerful, stable and free, although its interface has a somewhat "vintage" look.
Alternatives to Spacedesk: Deskreen, Splashtop, Duet Display and more
If Spacedesk doesn't quite fit your needs due to operating system, personal preferences, or compatibility issues, there are other options available. Other apps for using Android as a second monitor which are worth knowing about. Each one has its advantages and disadvantages, and they are more geared towards certain use cases.
Deskreen: Turn any tablet into a monitor from your browser
Deskreen is a very interesting option because it works in Windows, macOS and LinuxThis makes it ideal if you've switched, for example, to a distro like Nobara 42 with KDE Plasma and are looking for something similar to Spacedesk. On your PC, you install Deskreen, which acts as the server, and on the secondary device, you only need a modern web browser.
This approach has one huge advantage: you can reuse very old tablets who no longer have access to app stores, or even unfamiliar devices as long as they have a browser. When you launch Deskreen on your computer, a QR code is generated; you scan it with your phone or tablet's camera, and when you open the link in the browser, your PC will appear as an available source.
From Deskreen you can choose if you want mirror screen You can share the main window (mirrored mode) or just a specific window, which is very useful for presentations, dashboards, or monitoring panels. The good news is that the hardware requirements are minimal: a PC with a dual-core processor and about 250 MB of RAM is all you need, making it a very lightweight solution.
In environments where you need cross-platform compatibility, such as when you use Linux on your PC and Android or iPad as a secondary display, Deskreen becomes one of the More interesting free alternatives a Spacedesk.
Splashtop Wired XDisplay: less lag with USB cable
For those who distrust WiFi and prefer to minimize latency as much as possible, Splashtop Wired XDisplay is a solution that works exclusively through usb connectionIt is free in its basic version and allows you to use Android phones or tablets (and also iPads) as a second screen with very low latency and high resolutions, including Full HD at 60 FPS.
The philosophy is similar: you install one application on your PC (compatible with Windows 7 or later and macOS 10.9 or later) and another on your mobile device (Android 4.0 or later, iOS 7.0 or later), and the video communication is done via cable. This guarantees a much smoother experience which can be unstable wireless connections, something crucial if you want to play videos or move windows quickly.
Furthermore, Splashtop has evolved and offers features of remote access to your computers From anywhere, although these advanced features usually come with a paid subscription. If you just want to use your phone as an extra monitor and don't mind being tethered, Wired XDisplay is one of the best options in terms of performance.
Google Remote Desktop: Simple remote access, but no extended desktop
Google Remote Desktop (Chrome Remote Desktop) is probably the best option “native” and familiar For many Android users, this is because it relies on the Google ecosystem and only requires a Gmail account to get started.
It works based on the remote desktop protocol: you can see and control the PC screen from your mobile device, but there's no possibility of extend desktop like an additional screen. Everything that appears on your main monitor is replicated on Android, without the ability to add a separate workspace.
Another important limitation is that it only works via InternetIt doesn't use USB connections, which means higher latency than local solutions and requires a good connection at both ends. It's perfect for remote support or accessing your PC from outside your home, but not so much for using Android as a second monitor for everyday productivity tasks.
Duet Display: professional quality, but it costs money.
Duet Display was born as an exclusive application for the Apple ecosystem, but over time it has incorporated android supportIts focus is heavily on image quality and fluidity, and it offers specific options for tablets with styluses, such as the S-Pen, turning them into true drawing screens for applications like Photoshop.
You can use Duet Display both by cable such as via Wi-Fi, allowing you to choose between maximum stability or wireless convenience. The tablet's familiar touch gestures are integrated with what you see on the PC, facilitating a very natural interaction with the remote desktop.
The downside is that it's not a free app. The most basic version, Duet Air, is offered through a monthly subscription It's a paid service (around $4 per month, paid for a year upfront). Before you decide, you have a 7-day free trial to see if the experience justifies the cost for your use case.
If you're looking for something highly polished for a professional workflow, Duet Display is a powerful option, but if your goal is simply make use of an old mobile phone Without spending money, you'll probably be more interested in sticking with Spacedesk, Deskreen, or Splashtop Wired XDisplay.
Other options: Samsung tablets, Miracast, and hardware limitations
Some manufacturers have begun integrating their own features to use their products as a second screen. A clear example is the Samsung tablets from the Tab S7 range onwardsmanaged with One UI 3.1 or higher. These allow you to use them as a secondary monitor for a Windows 10 PC (version 2004 or later) or Windows 11 without needing to install third-party software.
To use this option, both devices must be connected to the same network. WiFi networkOn the tablet, open the quick settings panel and tap the "Second screen" button. Then choose the connection mode (for example, prioritize illustration/gaming or video). On the PC, use the Windows + K key combination to open the wireless connection menu. The name of the Samsung tablet will appear there; selecting it will start the desktop projection.
There is also technology MiracastMiracast allows you to send video from your PC to compatible devices, such as some smartphones, tablets, or smart TVs. To check if your PC supports Miracast, you can use the DXDiag tool and review the text report it generates. If it's supported, you can pair your computer with the target device (usually via Bluetooth) and use the wireless projection option in the display settings.
It is important to take into account certain physical limitations The issue lies with the connectors. Simply plugging a mobile phone into a PC with a standard USB cable isn't enough to make it act as an additional display: most USB-A ports and many USB-C ports don't natively transmit video, only data and power. For a phone to send or receive a physical video signal, it needs compatibility with alternative modes like DisplayPort over USB-C, and even then, a device to act as a transmitter or receiver of that signal is required, which in this case is usually the specialized apps themselves.
Regarding ideas such as use a TV to stream its content to a smartphoneThings get even more complicated. Televisions are designed as video receivers, not transmitters, and don't include hardware capable of sending the signal to other devices. Furthermore, TV content is protected by copyright, which further complicates the technical and legal feasibility of this scenario. The closest thing to a solution are the official apps of the networks and streaming platforms, which replicate the content themselves.
Using a mobile phone or tablet as a monitoring panel with Spacedesk and AIDA64
Beyond using Android as a second monitor to drag windows, there's a very popular idea among modding enthusiasts: employing a screen embedded in the PC chassis to display a panel with temperatures, CPU and GPU usage, fans, etc. Although mounting a physical screen on the front of the tower requires quite a bit of DIY, you can achieve a very similar effect using a phone or tablet connected with Spacedesk.
The part of hardware It's simple: you need a mobile phone or tablet (ideally Android, although an iPad will also work), the corresponding charger so the device doesn't run out of battery, and a decent Wi-Fi connection. The phone will communicate with the PC wirelessly, but it's advisable to keep it plugged in if you're going to have it on for hours, and to avoid the apps drain battery running in the background reduce their autonomy.
On your computer, you install the Spacedesk server, and on your mobile device, the client app. As you know, with both connected to the same network, the tablet will detect the PC and, as soon as you select it, it will become a configurable second monitor in Windows Just like any other. You can place it vertically, below the main monitor, or wherever it makes the most sense depending on your setup.
To display system information on that secondary monitor, one of the most comprehensive tools is AIDA64Once installed on your PC, you can go to the preferences menu and enter the "Sensor Panel" section. There you have the option to activate a sensor panel, which by default comes with a fairly simple, but functional, design.
The interesting thing is that AIDA64 allows import custom skinsAnd on its official forum, there are dozens of designs created by the community in different resolutions, styles, and colors. You just have to find one that fits your tablet's resolution (for example, 1024x768 for an iPad 2) and the aesthetic of your case or desk.
Once the skin is imported, apply it to the Sensor Panel and drag the panel window to the secondary monitor (the mobile or tablet screen managed by Spacedesk). This way, you'll have a permanent dashboard with temperature, load and other critical parameters of your PC always visible, without taking up space on the main monitor.
This solution is especially attractive if you like projects of PC case modding But you don't want to, or can't, cut the chassis to install a screen. With an old phone and a bit of skill, you can achieve a very striking visual effect by adjusting the skin to your liking (like the well-known "Kakthus" design available on the AIDA64 forums, among many others).
Combining tools like Spacedesk, Deskreen, Splashtop, or even native solutions from some tablets, along with monitoring software like AIDA64, opens up a whole range of possibilities for Give your Android phone a second life Or that forgotten tablet: from expanding your workspace for multitasking to setting up spectacular control panels, without needing to invest in an additional physical monitor and adapting to Windows, macOS or Linux.
