Google Pixel 8: How to enable external display support
While Android phones are versatile, most devices don’t offer a desktop-like experience provided by tablets andbudget Chromebooks. However, Samsung phones are an exception since they support DeX mode via USB-C. Even Google’s Pixel devices didn’t support external displays until recently. But there’s a catch — you’ll need a Google Pixel 8 and get the Android 14 beta update on your phone. We show you how to turn on external display support on your Pixel 8.
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Do all Android phones support external displays?
Android phones get more powerful every year, yet most don’t offer the computing experience of a laptop or desktop PC.Samsung DeX, however, lets you connect your Samsung phone or tablet to a monitor and use it as a computer. you’re able to even pair your mouse and keyboard with the device.
Google quietly introduced desktop mode for the Pixel 8, offering support for an external display, mouse, and keyboard. Although the Pixel 8 supported a hardware-level protocol called DisplayPort Alternate Mode, it didn’t have software support. This mode lets you connect your phone to an external display like a monitor or TV via a USB-C cable. Google removed this restriction for the Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro with the Android 14 QPR3 Beta 2 build. you may experience external display support on your Pixel 8a if you get the latest Android 15 Beta.
How to install the Android 14 QPR beta or Android 15 beta on your Pixel 8
You will opt into the Android Beta Program to get the new Android beta builds. Your phone will automatically install the latest Android Beta, like monthly OTA updates.
The Android beta build is mainly for developers. So it can be unstable and malfunction. We recommend installing it on a spare phone. Keep a reliable primary phone with a stable operating system for everyday use.
Here is how to install the current Android Beta or Android QPR Beta on your Pixel 8:
You will receive an OTA update after signing up. If you do not get a system notification, navigate toSettings>System>System updateto check for the update.
How to set up external display support on your Google Pixel 8
After installing the Android beta build on your Google Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, or Pixel 8a, you’ll enable developer options in settings. Then, turn on desktop mode.
Enabling developer options
Turning on desktop mode for the Pixel 8
It’s worth noting that you may’t set up your external display if you accidentally dismiss theMirror displayprompt. Unplug the USB-C cable to re-establish the connection.
Turn on these features immediately for a better experience
How does the Google Pixel’s external display support compare to Samsung’s DeX?
Google’s built-in desktop mode is a bare-bones implementation when compared to DeX. When you connect your Pixel 8 to an external display via USB-C, the desktop interface has a single app drawer shortcut. Clicking it opens shortcuts to the apps on your phone. Additionally, the window management system is quite rudimentary.
Samsung DeXoffers a desktop-like experience using your Samsung phone or tablet. you’re able to use a keyboard and mouse to control apps and tools from a monitor. DeX lets you resize windows, use keyboard shortcuts, and drag and drop apps. The ecosystem works well with apps like Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Google Drive, and Zoom Cloud Meetings.
Unlock more features on your Pixel 8
It’s hard to say whether Google will remove the DisplayPort Alternate Mode feature in a future update or release it as a part of Android 15. Meanwhile, users with older Pixel phones will continue using DisplayLink for screen mirroring.
Although the external display support on the Pixel 8 is not the best, the phone features numerous software tricks. Google’s latest flagships haveadvanced AI toolsfor photo editing, removing background noise, transcription, and more. Do more with your Pixel 8 by trying out thesetips and tricks.
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The Google Pixel 8 is Google’s best phone yet, and it’s the most distinct regular model when compared to the Pro version. It comes with a wonderful form factor that fits well in the hands and has the usual software prowess that you expect from a Pixel.
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The Google Pixel 8 Pro is still a good deal in 2025, with plenty of software support and a premium flagship experience. The Tensor G3 is powerful enough for most tasks, and you’ll enjoy plenty of Pixel extras on Android 15. If you’re in the market for a Pixel but don’t want to pay flagship prices, the Pixel 8 Pro is worth a look.
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The Pixel 8a wants you to forget the Pixel 8 ever existed. With some crucial upgrades over its predecessor, including a brighter display, faster processor, and larger battery, Google’s latest mid-range smartphone is the perfect combo of speed and AI smarts. And with seven years of OS upgrades, it’s the longest lasting $500 smartphone you may find today.
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