For several years now, the possibility that an Android mobile could be a kind of pocket computer has been considered. And when we say pocket computer we do not mean doing all the things that are done on a PC and that are already possible, such as sending emails or editing documents. We literally mean to do it in the same way as on a desktop or laptop.
For this reason, more than interesting projects were born that did not come to fruition, such as RemixOS, which brought together several former Google workers to create a fully functional desktop Android. The idea did not hatch, but it put many manufacturers on the path of the idea and today, Samsung or Huawei integrate a desktop mode in some of their devices. Some brands like Motorola have also taken their first steps in this functionality, but it is still far from being something that can be used in a massive way. However, Android hides a trick that goes unnoticed by many users and that allows us to activate an experimental desktop mode.
How to activate Desktop Mode
But the goal is that all Android phones can connect to a screen and become a PC. Google continues to think about the matter and since Android 10, it has integrated a hidden function to be able to turn any Android mobile into a computer. In addition, this hidden option is still present in Android 11 and possibly more refined in Android 12. Before activating this mode, we must bear in mind that we will need to have some essential elements.
Requirements to have desktop mode
In order to enable this mode on any Android, we must take into account several requirements that will be essential . Keep in mind that it is still an experimental mode of Android, so it will not appear in low-end terminals. What we need yes or yes:
- Android mobile with Android 10 or Android 11 : these are the versions of Android that have enabled experimental mode to force desktop mode
- Enable Developer Options: if not enabled, it can be done by tapping several times on “Build number” in the System Settings
- USB-C to HDMI adapter: an inexpensive device that will help us connect the mobile with a monitor or television via HDMI. We can find it on Amazon for around 20 euros.
Force Mode in Developer Options
We must go to the Mobile Settings and enter the System. Then we open the developer options, look for “Force desktop mode” and activate the switch. Once we have done it, we will be ready to test the desktop mode. The ones that we will have to follow are the following:
- Download and install this APK tool
- Enter the Settings / Applications / Default applications menu and choose “Lawnchair” as the default launcher.
- Connect the mobile to a screen or monitor via HDMI using the adapter
- Now we will see the Android interface appear on the screen. We accept permissions including “show over other apps” and “usage access”
And now that?
Once done, we can take advantage of our terminal to perform more productive tasks, surf the internet, edit documents or play games. It must be borne in mind that since it is an experimental way we can find adaptation errors in applications and possible crashes. The good news is that we can connect a wireless mouse and keyboard through one of the adapter’s USB ports, since Android’s desktop mode will detect them without a problem.
During the time we are in desktop mode, we can continue to receive notifications without problem, although many of the applications that receive them may not be adapted for correct viewing.