Discover How to use the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Tablet as a Second Screen

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Oladipo Lawson

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How to use the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 as a Second Screen

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 is an excellent tablet that might be as good as the iPad. While many see it as a great tablet, others see it as an ideal desktop replacement device or a great compliment to their already incredible work setups as a second screen.

This is because, with the Galaxy Tab S8, Samsung has finally been able to perfect DeX mode, which they launched with the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7. 

DeX mode allows you to turn your Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 into a working laptop with floating icons, a taskbar, and other computer-centric features. It also pairs seamlessly with any device that it is connected to.

So, in many cases, it can be used as a second screen, an external monitor, or even a secondary laptop. So, in this article, I’ll be showing how to use your Galaxy Tab S8 as a second screen, and I’ll also be showing a few tips to get the most out of your Samsung DeX setup.

Related posts to read: Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Review.

How to use the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 as a Second Screen (2)

How to use the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 as a Second Screen

If you intend to use the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 as a second screen, then you will need to connect a keyboard, connect wirelessly using the DeX app, or connect a cord to your Galaxy Tab S8 and start DeX right away. Each choice is thankfully available thanks to Samsung, but to set everything up and function properly, you’ll need to look through your settings.

Open the Settings app on the Samsung Tab S8, then go down to the bottom of the left sidebar and tap Advanced Features. Then tap the right side and select Samsung DeX. The auto-start option for the Book Cover Keyboard should be enabled. Verify that Auto is enabled when HDMI is attached and turned on, then finally close the Settings program.

If you have these three options selected, Samsung DeX will start up automatically; you won’t need to explicitly enable it. Of course, you don’t have to turn them on simultaneously. You can set DeX to only start up when an HDMI cable is plugged in. To link an HDMI connection to your tab, you will need to make sure it is connected to the DeX stand or DeX-top (yes, I know it’s a bad pun).

How do I use Samsung DeX Mode on the Galaxy Tab S8?

To use Samsung DeX on your Galaxy Tab S8, simply go to the tablet’s DeX mode. The traditional Android Home Screen interface will be replaced with something akin to a Chromebook or Windows laptop.

Set it up by following these steps:

  • Return to the Home Screen of your Galaxy Tab S8.
  • To access the Quick Settings panel, swipe down twice on the status bar.
  • Then press the DeX button.

It will take some time for your tablet to reach DeX mode after it has been enabled. Apps with true multi-window support can now be used, and specific icons can be set to appear on the “desktop.” You can even configure a distinct backdrop that appears only when DeX mode is enabled.

How to Automatically Activate Samsung Dex

How to Automatically Activate Samsung Dex

You might not want to plug a cable or a keyboard into your Galaxy Tab S8 and have DeX launch right away. Fortunately, Samsung made both of those options possible, but to get everything working properly, you’ll need to dig into your settings.

  • Launch the Settings app on the Samsung Tab S8.
  • Scroll down and tap Advanced Features in the left sidebar.
  • Tap the right side to select Samsung DeX. Turn on the Book Cover Keyboard’s auto-start feature.
  • Check that Auto Start is enabled when HDMI is connected.
  • Close the Settings program.

If you have these two options enabled, you will not need to manually enable Samsung DeX; it will start up instantly. Of course, you are not required to activate both. You can configure DeX to only launch when an HDMI cable is attached. The inverse is also true. DeX can start instantly when the keyboard cover is attached; however, DeX cannot start when an HDMI cable is connected.

How to use Galaxy Tab S8 as a second screen with Windows

PC:

If you’re looking to extend your Windows PC screen to your Samsung Galaxy Tab S8, you can do so using Samsung’s Second Screen app. This app enables you to use your tablet as a secondary screen, which means you can view more windows, enjoy larger images, and generally experience greater productivity.

Here’s how to set it up:

1. Download the Second Screen app onto your Windows PC from the Microsoft Store.

2. Install and launch the app on your PC.

3. Connect your Galaxy Tab S8 to your PC via a USB cable. Make sure your tablet is unlocked, and the USB connection is set to Transfer files.

4. On your tablet, swipe down from the top of your screen to access your notifications panel, then tap on USB options and select Transfer files.

5. Once your tablet is connected, open the Second Screen app on your PC. You’ll see your tablet listed under available devices. Click on it to connect.

6. Once connected, you’ll see your PC screen displayed on your tablet. Depending on the aspect ratio of your tablet display, you may see black bars, also known as letterboxing, around the edges. To get rid of these, simply go to your display settings on your PC, select your tablet as the second screen, and adjust the display scaling as needed.

And that’s it! With Samsung’s Second Screen app, you can enjoy larger-screen real estate on your Windows PC and Samsung Galaxy Tab S8.

Turn your Windows setup into a productivity powerhouse

In today’s fast-paced world, productivity is key to success. And one way to increase productivity is to optimise your workspace. If you’re a Windows PC user, you’re in luck because there are plenty of tools and tricks you can use to turn your setup into a productivity powerhouse. 

By following the tips and techniques below, you can transform your Windows PC into a tool that can help you get more done in less time. Whether you’re a student, professional, or entrepreneur, these strategies can help you take your productivity to the next level. So, let’s dive in and explore how you can get the most out of your Windows PC.

Extend your PC screen to your Galaxy tablet

Extend your PC screen to your Galaxy Tablet

To extend your PC screen to your Samsung Galaxy tablet, you can use third-party apps such as Spacedesk and iDisplay. Both apps allow you to use your Galaxy tablet as a secondary display.

To use Spacedesk, download and install the drivers for your PC and the app on your Android tablet from the Play Store. Both your PC and tablet should be on the same Wi-Fi network. Enter the IP address on your tablet to connect to your PC, and you can now use your tablet as a second screen.

Alternatively, you can also use iDisplay by downloading and installing the app on both your PC and tablet. Connect your devices using a wireless or wired connection, and iDisplay will automatically recognise your tablet as a second screen.

Using these third-party apps is a great way to maximise your screen space and increase productivity. Whether you need the extra screen real estate for work or want to enjoy multimedia content on a larger display, both Spacedesk and iDisplay offer easy and efficient ways to extend your PC screen to your Galaxy tablet.

How to use Samsung’s Galaxy Tab as a second display for your PC | PCWorld

If you own a Samsung PC or tablet with the UI 3.1 tablet interface, you can use the Second Screen app to easily use your Galaxy Tab as a second display for your PC. The process involves connecting the Tab to your PC via a local Wi-Fi network.

To get started, open the Second Screen app on your tablet and select “Connect to PC.” Follow the instructions to connect your tablet to your PC over Wi-Fi. Once connected, you can adjust the relative positioning of your displays and alter the display scaling to fit your needs.

In Windows’ display settings, you can also toggle inputs from your Tab on and off, allowing you to use it as a traditional secondary display or as an extension of your primary display. The Second Screen app from Samsung offers a convenient way to make the most of your tablet’s beautiful display while also expanding your screen space for multitasking or other purposes.

Conclusion

If you intend to use your Galaxy Tab S8 as a second screen, then just follow the steps I have listed out for you, and you should be good. I love using my Galaxy Tab as a second screen because it improves my workflow exponentially. It gives me the chance to use an extra device to walk around the house with when I’m trying to do some heavy thinking or just feel like working outside of my home workstation. 

Sometimes, I might forget my main laptop at home when I’m late to work, but because my tablet is usually always in my bag, I’m usually not at a total loss when I get to the office because chances are, I shared the same projects between them. Using your Galaxy Tab S8 as a second screen is a great way to boost your productivity, and it is also a great way to multitask.

I enjoy using it as a second screen, and I hope you do, too. Thank you so much for reading this one. Please feel free to ask as many questions as you would like in the comment section below.

Image Gallery – Discover How to use the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Tablet as a Second Screen.

Extend your PC screen to your Galaxy tablet
How to use the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 as a Second Screen (2)
How to use the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 as a Second Screen

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The S Pen that comes with the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 is incredibly good. It is smooth to use and has a very nice and direct input method. However, if you have been trying to disable the S Pen on your Galaxy Tab S8, you may be disappointed because it is impossible to turn off the S Pen. However, fear not because there are other ways you can keep the S Pen dormant without turning it off and keeping it from distracting you when you are using the tablet. I will also show you some other creative things you can do with the Galaxy Tab’s S Pen. How to turn off the S Pen on a Samsung Galaxy Tab S8? Unfortunately, there is no way to directly turn off the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8’s S Pen because Samsung didn’t see a need to include one. However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t ways for you to make the S Pen dormant. If you place the S Pen on the magnetic strip at the back of the tablet, next to the cameras, the Pen should become dormant and charge. However, because you can’t actually disable the S Pen, once you take it off, it immediately starts to work. Also, if you place the S pen on the top-right corner of the Galaxy Tab S8, the pen should become dormant. The magnetic strip next to the SD card slot is a placement point where you can place your pen when you are not using it. It is a convenient placement point because it saves you the stress of trying to place it at the back of the tablet to charge it. Finally, if you absolutely have no use for the S Pen, you can either give it to someone else using a recent Samsung device or tablet (it works with other Samsung Devices). You could also just leave it inside the box if you truly don’t intend to use it. However, you will need to keep it charged every once in a while to keep it from getting damaged. However, if I could kindly interject for a brief moment, I would like to tell you about all the cool stuff you can do with the S Pen that came with your Galaxy Tab S8. S-Pen Features Simply raise your S Pen above the tablet's display to access the Air Command menu (a tiny circle with a pen icon). Here, you can choose between Take note: Obtain Samsung Notes, then begin sketching and writing. Using Smart Choose, you can choose and save content using your S Pen. Screen write: Make notes on the visible screen using your S Pen. Instant messages: To make photographs more unique, add your own animated GIFs, emoticons, and handwritten text. Use the Galaxy Tab camera and S Pen to doodle, annotate, and draw on surfaces using augmented reality. When you use your S Pen to hover over a word or phrase, a translation will appear instantly. You may even hear the pronunciation by hitting the sound icon. PENUP: Use the PENUP app and your S Pen to start sketching, colouring, or designing. How to Draw on Your Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 There are a variety of ways to draw on your Samsung Galaxy Tab S8, and they are all very fun and intuitive ways of drawing. So, here are a few you can use; Samsung Notes To get started, just select "make a note" from the Air Command menu. You are free to write, draw, highlight, modify the size, and change the transparency of your text. Just save and share when finished. Screen Write It is easy to annotate images, graphs, or PDF files using Screen Write. You may access Screen Write from the Air Command menu. The S Pen annotation tools open when you choose Screen Write, and a screenshot of the content you are viewing is also taken. The image can then be cropped, annotations can be added using the S Pen, and your thoughts can be sent via email or messaging apps. PENUP When it comes time to relax, PENUP has you covered. You can learn to sketch with the S Pen, express your creativity through your own design, or unwind by deliberately colouring on a screen. You may start creating works of art thanks to a collaboration between the professional painting programme Clip Studio Paint and the Galaxy Tab S8 series that enables next-level creativity. Is using the S-Pen on the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Intuitive and Easy? The Galaxy Tab S8 makes it easy and simple to use the S-Pen. It is easy to use and very comfortable. The Galaxy Tab S8 will recognise a sketching app when you launch it, and you should have no trouble connecting to your tablet after that. I enjoy that each Tab S8 from Samsung comes with an S Pen and that it feels solid and comfy in my palm. Drawing and taking notes on the Tab S8's display is accurate and fluid, with no obvious lag. The variable refresh rate of the display (up to 120 Hz) could be important given that the screen can react to input more often. How Do I Connect My S Pen To My S8? Connecting your S Pen to your Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 is an easy process. To start, gently pull the S Pen out of its silo. The device should now recognise the pen, allowing you to use its advanced features for quick note-taking, precise drawing, and more. If the device fails to detect the S Pen, the first step is to check if it's charged. You can do this by using a USB-C cable to connect it to your tablet and waiting for a few minutes until the battery level is sufficient. Once charged, try pulling the pen out of the silo again and checking if the device recognises it. If the tablet still fails to recognise the S Pen, there is a pairing button located on the side of the pen. Hold it down for three seconds to initiate the pairing process. This should help the device recognise the pen and allow you to enjoy its full features. In conclusion, connecting your S Pen to your Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 is simple, and with its advanced features, it's a great tool for productivity and creativity. How Do I Pair My Samsung Stylus Pen? Pairing your Samsung Stylus Pen to your Samsung device is a simple process that can take just a few minutes. Here's how to do it: 1. Open the Settings app on your device and search for "S Pen." 2. Tap on the S Pen option, and then select "Air Actions." 3. Scroll down and find "More Options" and tap on it. 4. Next, tap on "Scan for S Pen." Once you click on "Scan for S Pen," your device will start searching for your stylus pen. When your Samsung stylus pen appears, click on "Connect" to link it to your device. After pairing, you can use the stylus pen's advanced features and enjoy seamless use of features such as air command, portrait mode, and screen protectors. With your Samsung stylus pen paired with your device, you'll be able to enhance your user experience and use your tablet to its fullest potential. How To Connect S Pen To Samsung Phone Connecting the S Pen to your Samsung phone is easy, and it allows you to access advanced features such as air command, screen-off memos, and live messages. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to connect your S Pen to your Samsung phone. 1. Remove the S Pen from its silo On your Samsung phone, remove the S Pen from its silo to power it on. The S Pen will automatically connect to your phone via Bluetooth. 2. Update the software If you’re using an older version of Samsung software, update it to the latest version. This will ensure that your S Pen can be detected and connected to your phone. 3. Search for the S Pen in the Samsung App Store If your software is up-to-date, but your S Pen is not connecting, search for the S Pen in the Samsung App Store and install the latest version of the S Pen software. This should resolve any connection issues you’re experiencing. 4. Turn off the S Pen To turn off the S Pen, hold down the button on the side of the pen until the light on the pen turns off. This will disconnect the S Pen from your phone. 5. Reconnect the S Pen To reconnect the S Pen, press and hold down the button on the side of the pen until the light on the pen comes on. This will enable Bluetooth pairing, and the S Pen will connect to your phone once again. In conclusion, connecting the S Pen to your Samsung phone is a simple process that can be done quickly. Once it’s connected, you can enjoy all the advanced features that the S Pen offers. Conclusion While it is not possible to disable the S Pen on the Galaxy Tab S8, It is possible to make it dormant, and you can do this by placing it on the magnetic strips at the back and on the top-right-hand corner of the tablet. While these won’t turn it off entirely. It should allow you to work freely without the pen interrupting whatever you are doing. However, there are a lot of things you can do with your Galaxy Tab S Pen, and I have listed a few for you to try out. Hopefully, they make you want to keep using the S Pen because it is an excellent pen that lets you get the most out of it. Thank you for reading this article. Please feel free to drop all of your questions in the comment section below.
Discover How to Turn off the S Pen Features on the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Tablet
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Oladipo Lawson

Oladipo is an economics graduate with multifaceted interests. He's a seasoned tech writer and gamer and a passionate Arsenal F.C. fan. Beyond these, Dipo is a culinary adventurer, trend-setting stylist, data science hobbyist, and an energised traveller, embodying intellectual versatility and mastery of many fields.

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