How To Share Phone Screen With Tablet

Install Spacedesk Hero (Paradigm credit: Adam Doud/Android Key)

If you have a workflow that requires a second monitor, getting things done on a laptop can be challenging. Lenovo seeks to address that with tablets like the Lenovo Yoga Tab 13 which doubles equally a 2d monitor when not in use. But if you lot accept any old Android tablet handy, it'southward pretty easy to turn that tablet into a functional 2d monitor. We'll show you how.

For this article, nosotros took a expect at a few software solutions to make this work before settling on an app called Spacedesk. Spacedesk is a pair of free apps that runs on your PC, and the other runs on your tablet. They connect via Wi-Fi, making it super simple to use (as long as you have Wi-Fi). We'll talk over this more at the terminate of the commodity, but let'southward become into installing information technology for at present. There are two sets of instructions here, start for your PC, followed by your phone or tablet. Let's get into it.

Download Spacedesk for Windows

Download Spacedesk from the spacedesk website. Choose the appropriate version for your PC (32-bit vs. 64-bit, etc.).

One time downloaded, run the file.
Click Next.

Place a checkmark in I accept the terms in the License Agreement and Click Next.

Gear up your destination folder (if not the default) and click Next.

Place a checkmark in Add an exception to the Windows firewall for Spacedesk and click Next. Note: This but adds an exception for the built-in firewall for Windows. If you're using a tertiary-party firewall, you will likely need to add an exception manually.

Click Install.

Click Cease.

When yous're done, the Spacedesk driver icon will appear in your organization tray, and you're prepare to download the app.

Download Spacedesk onto your tablet

Once you've installed the Desktop customer, it's time to download and run the app.

Download the spacedesk app (opens in new tab) from the Google Play Store.
Once installed, run the app. Place a checkmark in Do non show this message box once more and tap Ok.

Tap Connexion: (IP address hither).

That's information technology! Once you connect, yous'll see your reckoner's desktop on your tablet. You can choose to mirror your display or extend your desktop, depending on what yous desire to do. You may need to go to your compter's Settings > System > Display to configure how to arrange your displays, etc.

Install Spacedesk Arrange Windows Ss — Source: Adam Doud/Android Central (Image credit: Source: Adam Doud/Android Central)

Some additional test notes

We tested this app with a Lenovo Smart Tab M10 Hard disk drive. The Wi-Fi connectedness works beautifully with virtually no lag. You tin can utilize your tablet just like a second monitor. What's more, bear on input works! If you open the Netflix website, you can use touch to use the play controls, elevate windows around, etc.

Spacedesk will not work if you lot currently have other screen-sharing apps installed on your computer, such as Splashtop wired Xdisplay. Spacedesk's website gives y'all instructions for uninstalling that driver.

One time again, this app just works if y'all're working in the same Wi-Fi network. If you're a road warrior who likes to work in coffee shops, you lot might desire to consider a wired solution, such as Splashtop or the Lenovo Yoga Tab thirteen referenced in a higher place.

A tablet and a smart screen

(opens in new tab)

Pulling triple duty
One of the bug with Android tablets is what to do with them when not in use. They often end up on a shelf, but Lenovo built a dock for this tablet that turns it into a Google Banana-powered smart screen. Plus, you lot can utilise it as a 2d monitor when needed with Spacedesk for a triple-duty tablet.

Adam has been writing and podcasting the mobile tech space for near a decade. When he's not writing, he hosts the Do good of the Doud podcast, spends manner too much time on Twitter, and redesigns his office infinite over and over.