Why is Samsung Dex not working? So you have a Samsung Dex compatible phone and you can’t seem to get it to work. I was struggling with this problem for a while, and I’ll quickly share some possible solutions with you.
Why is Samsung Dex Not Working?
Samsung Dex usually does not work when either your phone, display adapter or monitor, does not have enough power. Continue reading to learn more about common Samsung Dex problems, and how to fix them.
Phone Side:
Here are a few things to check on your phone:
Check Product Compatibility
For starters, you need to have a Samsung Dex compatible phone. Most modern phones are compatible, but it’s best to double-check the list below.
If you do not have a Samsung Dex supported phone, then you won’t be able to use the mode.
This mode works best with S10 and Note10.
The Samsung DeX service is currently available on the mobile devices listed below:
▷ Smartphones
– Galaxy S8, Galaxy S8+, Galaxy S8 Active, Galaxy Note8, Galaxy S9, Galaxy S9+, Galaxy Note9, Galaxy S10, Galaxy S10 5G, Galaxy S10+, Galaxy S10e, Galaxy Note10, Galaxy Note10+, Galaxy Note10 5G, Galaxy Note10+ 5G, Galaxy A90 5G, and Galaxy Fold▷ Tablets
– Galaxy Tab S4, Galaxy Tab S5e, and Galaxy Tab S6※ Available devices may differ by country or region.
※ The features that are available may vary slightly by model. We are planning to provide software updates to expand the availability of the service.
More information can be found here, under the General Enquiry menu.
Update Your Phone’s Software
Most phones will automatically update, but you haven’t got around to it, I recommend checking for software updates. Dex is a relatively new feature, so you should always check for software updates.
Turn Off Battery Saving Mode
In order for Samsung Dex to work, the power mode needs to be set to high performance. In most cases, an alert will appear asking for you to toggle from battery saving to high performance. It’s worth a shot.
On that note, the mode can consume a lot of battery, so it’s probably not the best for longterm use. Or you could use a power bank.
Manually Switch to Dex Mode
Sometimes, the phone won’t automatically switch to Samsung Dex mode, even if it’s connected to a display. In that case, you might need to manually switch to Dex Mode.
For example:
If your phone starts screen-mirroring mode but shows this notification, then all you have to do is tap the notification to start Samsung Dex. It should work.
Another thing that you can try is going into your phone’s connection settings, find HDMI mode, and switch from mirroring to Dex.
Still not working?
Use Your Original Phone Cable
If Dex isn’t working then you might have a faulty USB cable.
One solution that helped a friend was he switched back to the original USB-C cable that came with his phone, and Dex started right away.
It’s something worth trying out, at least.
You can always try Samsung’s official USB-C cables.
Adapters:
Your phone may not be the problem, the problem could be the USB adapter. Looking for a way to use Samsung Dex to replace your laptop?
The good news is Samsung does sell Dex-supported hubs and adapters, but third-party ones work just as well.
Get an Adapter with External Power
Generally, for the best performance, you’ll want a USB-C to HDMI adapter that has a separate port for power.
With the extra power, Dex will usually start with no problems, and you can charge your phone at the same time too.
Another quick solution could be to double-check all the connections are secure and fully in place.
Also, some phones just aren’t compatible with certain adapters. And some adapters are just garbage, so that’s something to think about.
One more thing is, if you use a portable monitor, then you need to make sure the monitor has it’s own source of power.
Display (TV, Monitor, etc)
Maybe your phone and the adapter are both fine, and the problem is with your display.
Double Check the Source
Now, if you know the display works, but it’s not finding your phone, make sure the source settings are correct.
Make sure you chose the right HDMI port in the source.
Conclusion:
If you run through this checklist, and Samsung Dex still doesn’ work, then the problem is likely with your phone.
Either it’s just not compatible, or the software is outdated. But the good news is Samsung Dex usually starts without any issues.
Thanks for taking the time to read this quick tutorial. I hope it helps you with your Samsung Dex not starting issues.
Leave a comment below if you have any questions or suggestions.
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