You can use DeX on Galaxy Z Fold 8 inner screen with this trick

Samsung DeX has long been a fan-favorite feature. Since 2017, he has lived quietly among the decor of Samsung’s flagship devices, always ready to save people in times of need. If you don’t know, Samsung DeX is a great tool that allows users to easily turn their Galaxy device into a full-featured desktop computer. All you have to do is turn on DeX, connect it to an external display (wired or wireless) and you’re ready to go. You can even connect peripherals like a USB dock, mouse, and keyboard, and they’ll all work.

When DeX first launched, phone screens were much smaller, so it didn’t make sense to try to run a desktop interface on the phone itself. But that’s no longer the case, especially with devices like the Z Fold 8 that sport a large 7.6-inch interior screen.

Luckily, you can now use all of DeX’s features directly on your Z Fold 8. That’s thanks to an app called Gadesk, which is currently available on the Play Store, so no shady websites or sideloading are involved.

Since it is not a hack, it does not require root or other complicated software. Once the app is installed, it only takes a few minutes to sort through the settings before you can start using DeX on your Z Fold 8 alone – no external monitor or display needed.

If you haven’t already, grab the app from the Play Store. Before going any further, disable Auto Blocker by going to Settings > Security & Privacy > turn off auto-blocker. Leaving it enabled may disable the steps needed to connect the app. Next, enable wireless debugging on your device via Developer Options. To enable Developer Options, in Settings, go to About phone > Software information > tap Build number seven times > enter your password > confirm. In developer options, enable wireless debugging. You must be connected to Wi-Fi and you will be prompted to always allow your network of choice for wireless debugging.

Once done, launch the app and select “Connect Driver”, then choose “First Pairing”. Allow notifications when prompted, and this should take you straight to the Developer Options. Otherwise, go back to Developer Options, then Wireless Debugging and tap “Pair device with pairing code”. Immediately you will see a code on your screen, write it down. Open your notifications, you will see one titled “Pairing screen detected. Enter code”. Click “Enter pairing code” and write the code your device gave you. Once paired, “DeXprobe” should appear in the wireless debug menu, confirming the connection.

Finally, return to the Gadesk app and click “Authorize Driver”, then “Allow”. Next, tap “Enable accessibility” then “ACCEPT AND OPEN SETTINGS”; you will be redirected to the accessibility settings of your Z Fold 8. In there tap Installed apps > find the Gadesk app > enable > Allow. Now go back to the app and tap “Start Desktop”.

Behind all the settings and permissions, the app works by tricking your Z Fold 8 into thinking it’s connected to an external display using the wireless debugging feature. Then the app intercepts the desktop screen output and uses the accessibility permission you gave it to overlay that output on your Z Fold 8’s internal screen.

Now that DeX is successfully working on your Z Fold 8’s internal screen, you can change many settings in the Gadesk app. One of the first settings you need to change is the orientation. By default, Gadesk runs DeX in landscape mode, but portrait suits the Z Fold 8’s aspect ratio better, especially for multitasking.

If for some reason you prefer to use a virtual trackpad on your new Z Fold 8’s DeX mode, you can do that too. Additionally, the trackpad comes with useful functions including copy, paste, zoom in and out, and you can easily change the opacity of the trackpad. Another parameter you should consider is gesture action. You have a three-finger tap and a two-finger tap, and by default they are set to Home and Back, respectively. But with just a few clicks, you can customize both gestures to your preferences or even set them to none if you have no use for them.

You should know that the Gadesk application is not entirely free. On the free version, each DeX session is limited to 15 minutes and you will have to deal with advertisements. Upgrading removes the time limit and removes ads, but it’s a one-time fee of $20. If you haven’t had enough time to test before diving in, you can extend your DeX sessions by 10 minutes each time by indulging in promotions.

Although Gadesk is tailored to the Z Fold 8’s dimensions, the app supports other DeX-enabled Galaxy phones (provided they’re running One UI 8 or later) and Google Pixel devices through the built-in Android desktop mode.