Many advanced Samsung users have fallen in love with DeX since they first tried it: connecting their phone to a monitor and having a complete desktop environment sounds like science fiction come true. But, with the arrival of new versions of One UI, such as version 8, more than one person has noticed that The DeX experience has changed; features have been lost, and an integrated Linux system is sorely missed. like in that legendary beta version of Linux on DeX.
At the same time, the community hasn't been idle. Between proposals to the Samsung team, experiments with Termux, chroot, Proot, virgl, and curious solutions for recording the DeX screen or maximizing multi-window mode, a range of solutions has emerged. A whole ecosystem of tricks and shortcuts to set up a useful Linux environment within DeXEven without official support. If you use your Galaxy as a professional tool, for development or teaching, this will interest you.
Linux on DeX: what it was and why many miss it
For a few years, Samsung invested heavily in a very powerful idea: Linux on DeX, also known as Linux on GalaxyThe proposal was simple to explain but incredible for those who tried it: being able to run a complete Linux distribution on your Galaxy, taking advantage of DeX to have a traditional desktop on an external monitor, with mouse and keyboard.
In practice, Linux functioned like just another application within Android, but underneath. It ran a complete Linux operating system with its own desktop environment and native applicationsIn official demonstrations, software such as GIMP or Firefox was seen working normally, which opened the door for developers and power users to forget about the laptop in many situations.
The Linux on DeX beta was limited, available only to Galaxy Note9 and Galaxy Tab S4 with Android Oreo or higherand accessible through a developer registration program. Those who participated in these tests speak of enormous potential, especially in educational and programming environments, where a single smartphone could function as a true Linux desktop PC.
One of the most frequent uses was by teachers in technical fields: Professors of web development and programming subjects who used Linux on DeX in class to showcase development environments, local servers, or open-source tools without needing a classroom full of PCs. For them, their Galaxy wasn't just a phone, but their entire office in their pocket.
However, that beta program ended some time ago. After its closure, official information practically disappeared, and The beta page has stopped updatingSeveral users have inquired on Samsung forums about the status of the project, expressing that it would be fantastic if this feature returned as a standard feature in current Galaxy devices, but the company has not announced its return.
Samsung's bet on mobile-PC convergence
The underlying idea has not changed: The convergence between smartphones and computers is getting closer.Samsung DeX is one of the most mature proposals for turning a mobile phone into a desktop environment, and its integration with Linux was, at the time, one of the bravest moves in this field.
Linux on Galaxy was presented as a natural ally of DeX. The dock and DeX mode turned the mobile phone into a “PC”While Linux provided the preferred operating system for much of the development world. At developer conferences, Samsung demonstrated how this Android-Linux convergence allowed users to use programming toolsImage editors and desktop browsers with very decent performance.
The public examples mentioned compatibility with Ubuntu 16.04 and later versionsAnd it was emphasized that Linux remains the system of choice for many programming professionals. Samsung's decision to bring it to its Galaxy devices aligned with what other tech giants were doing, such as allowing the installation of Linux distributions directly from the Windows 10 store.
Although the beta program has ended, the current context favors a possible return. The trend towards remote work and portable environments is clear, and Today's high-end mobile phones far surpass many mid-range laptops from just a few years ago.This makes the idea of reviving Linux on DeX especially tempting for the community.
Why is the community asking for Linux on DeX to return?
In official forums and user communities, every so often someone appears and posts the same message: “Samsung, devolved Linux on DeX, now it really could succeed”The arguments they present are quite solid and reflect the current state of hardware and software very well.
On one hand, there's the hardware. A Galaxy S24 Ultra or any recent high-end model has More than enough power comparable to many work laptopsWith fast CPUs, plenty of RAM, and generous storage, running a full Linux desktop today would be much smoother than in the days of the Note9 or the Tab S4.
On the other hand, there are new ways of working. People are more mobile, work remotely, mix leisure and productivity on the same devices, and value things very highly. the possibility of carrying a complete system in your pocket without lugging around a laptopFor developers, students, and technical professionals, having Linux within DeX would be a very practical dream: IDEs, containers, servers, and CLI tools all within reach of an HDMI cable.
Integration into the Galaxy ecosystem is also a key argument. Enthusiastic users suggest that Linux on DeX is being relaunched as a feature within DeX., with seamless switching between the Android and Linux environments from the interface itself, and with expanded support for Galaxy tablets and more phone models.
Finally, there's the community factor. The number of people interested in Linux has continued to grow, and A good portion of that community would be delighted to use a native Linux environment on their Galaxy devices.For Samsung, this would be a clear way to differentiate itself from Apple and other Android manufacturers, winning over developers, sysadmins, computer science students, and highly technical profiles, who are usually the ones who most recommend the brand to their network.
From the official beta to workarounds: how to use Linux on DeX today
Although Samsung no longer offers an official Linux on DeX, many users have sought alternatives. The most widespread involves combining Termux, PROOT or CHROOT environments, and Samsung DeX mode to set up something very similar to a Linux desktop, with different layers of integration and performance.
A classic starting point is to use Termux as a terminal and base environmentFrom there, you can set up a complete desktop system inside a PROOT container (without root) or a CHROOT container (with root). Several public projects detail how to do this, providing ready-made scripts and configurations so you don't have to reinvent the wheel.
Among the most commonly used resources for non-root environments are Termux-Desktops by LinuxDroidMasterwhich offers PROOT configurations with different desktops and distributions. It's often recommended for those who have root access and are looking for better performance. Linux Deploy, which facilitates the creation of Linux systems in CHROOT with better performance than PROOT and more utilization of the hardware.
There is also a more manual option, designed for those who want to fully understand what is happening underneath: Setting up a bare-bones CHROOT Linux system within Termux, following detailed technical guidesThese explain step by step the preparation of the file system, the configuration of the environment and the integration with Android, which is very useful for learning in depth how this convergence layer works.
PROOT vs CHROOT environments: without root or with root
When installing Linux on your Galaxy for use with DeX, one of the biggest decisions is whether opt for a PROOT environment (without root) or a CHROOT environment (with root)Both options allow a Linux user to have their own directory hierarchy, but they have significant differences in performance and permissions.
PROOT environments run in user mode on top of Android, so They do not require root access to the device and are much safer in terms of warranty.For users who don't want the hassle of rooting their Galaxy, this is the obvious path. The trade-off is that performance is usually somewhat reduced, and there are certain limitations on hardware and system access.
In contrast, a CHROOT runs directly as part of the system, making much better use of the device's resources. With root access, Linux can get more out of the CPU, GPU, and I/O.And solutions with hardware acceleration work better. The downside is that rooting involves more security risks and, in many cases, problems with warranty and OTA updates.
Linux Deploy greatly simplifies life for those who opt for CHROOT: It allows you to download and install popular distributions, configure the image, the graphical environment, and the X server. without too much hassle. For those who prefer total control, more advanced guides show how to manually set up the CHROOT and how to then integrate efficient X clients like Termux X11.
Termux X11 and virgl: Linux desktop with DeX acceleration
A key point for making Linux usable on DeX is the way the desktop and graphical applications are displayedMany people start using VNC, but the performance and latency experience can be improved. This is where Termux X11 comes in, an X client designed specifically for this type of setup.
Termux X11 acts as a graphical server for Linux applications running within the PROOT or CHROOT, and It integrates much better with the Android and DeX ecosystem than a traditional VNC viewer.Users who have tried both options agree that Termux X11 is "a billion times faster" than VNC, with less lag and better mouse and keyboard response.
If we also add virglrenderer for graphics accelerationIt's now possible to run Linux applications with 3D support, something unthinkable on a mobile device just a few years ago. Documentation such as that from Termux-Desktops and specialized articles explain how to enable this acceleration in PROOT and CHROOT environments, adjusting drivers and environment variables to take advantage of the device's GPU.
In practice, this allows you to run Linux via Termux on a DeX desktop. open demanding graphics applications, play multimedia content, and even try some simple gamesSeveral videos demonstrate the actual performance, showing that the DeX + Termux X11 + virgl combo can be surprisingly capable.
Screen recording in DeX: tips and tricks with and without root
One of the most frequently mentioned problems by those experimenting with Linux in DeX is that, when they want to share their progress, They find that the screen recorder does not appear in the DeX environment.This makes creating video tutorials or documenting configurations much more difficult.
One particularly inquisitive user decided to investigate and ended up discovering a way to launch the Samsung screen recorder using use ADB or TermuxHowever, both methods require root access. The idea is to directly start the recorder's activity using the "am start" tool.
From Termux, the approximate command used is something like suam start -n com.samsung.android.app.smartcapture/com.samsung.android.app.screenrecorder.ScreenRecorderStarterActivity -a com.samsung.android.app.screenrecorder.ACTION_START –ez FLAG_ACTIVITY_NEW_TASK trueWhile from an ADB shell something similar can be done by encapsulating it in a "su -c" command. This allows the recorder to be launched even if its usual icon is not displayed.
For those who want to investigate a way to achieve this without root access, it is suggested to take a look at the logcat filtering of the screen recorder process by apps like Automate from LlamalabThese tools allow you to orchestrate workflows using visual blocks and access many internal Android APIs. With Automate, for example, you can launch system activities and manipulate widgets, opening the door to a potential shortcut without needing root access.
If you're not interested in dealing with internal activities, there's still another option: use the native binary /system/bin/screenrecordThis tool, accessible via ADB or from a shell on the device, records the screen without audio, but it's sufficient for capturing DeX sessions or demonstrations of your Linux desktop.
To configure it, it's best to first consult the help with /system/bin/screenrecord –helpNext, you need to find out the identifiers of the physical screens using the command dumpsys SurfaceFlinger –display-idwhich shows something like “Display 4613571866842539268…”. That number is the one you pass to screenrecord with the display-id option to indicate which monitor you want to record.
A real-world example would be to run screenrecord –display-id 4613571866842539268 /sdcard/Download/tmp_file_1.mp4 To capture the output of the external monitor connected to DeX and save the video to the Download folder. To stop recording, simply press Ctrl + C in the terminal where the command was launched, after which the file is ready to share.
Useful settings in Samsung DeX: accessibility, keyboard, and developer mode
Not everything in DeX revolves around Linux; there are also small tweaks that greatly improve day-to-day use. For example, if I usually work in dimly lit environments or with very bright monitorsIt is advisable to be aware of the additional screen dimming option within the accessibility settings.
In the path Settings > Accessibility > Visibility enhancements > Additional dimming you can adjust the Adjust the intensity of the dimming and activate it to gain visual comfort during long sessions.It's a simple but very welcome adjustment when you spend hours in front of the monitor with DeX and don't want to strain your eyes.
Another important issue is the key mapping and keyboard shortcutsThis is especially important if you work with remote or local Linux environments where the keyboard is crucial. Applications like Keymapper (open source) allow you to remap key combinations or launch applications quickly, ideal for simple setups.
If you need something more advanced, Automate can come into play again for create complex flows that react to keys, events, or system state changesIn fact, Keymapper and Automate can be chained together using intents and internal broadcasts, creating very powerful shortcuts that work on both Android and DeX sessions with Linux.
Finally, it is necessary to mention the Samsung DeX's developer mode, which is not the same as Android's developer optionsThis mode unlocks special desktop environment settings, including better control over window resizing and application behavior.
To activate it, in a DeX environment go to Settings > Samsung DeX > About Samsung DeX and Quickly tap the title “Samsung DeX” five timesA pop-up window will appear asking if you want to enable developer options; by accepting and restarting DeX, this additional menu will be available.
It is highly recommended to combine it with the option of “Multi-window for all apps” in Settings > Advanced features > Labsor from the developer options themselves. This allows you to force any app, even those not designed for large screens, to run in a resizable window within DeX.
Force mobile apps and access the One UI launcher from DeX
One of the common complaints from DeX users is encountering applications that They refuse to run in desktop mode, restart when resized, or do not allow to be resized.Enabling developer mode and multi-window labs solves most of these problems, but there are still some curious tricks that the community has discovered.
Among them, one behavior stands out that is almost a “bug turned into a feature”: the possibility of Force the normal One UI launcher into a DeX environmentThis allows you to view your home screens, icons, and widgets as if you were in mobile mode, without leaving DeX completely.
The most frequently cited method involves installing a backup app such as Swift Backup from Google PlayThere's no need to use its backup functions; simply open it, go to the applications tab, select any app, and tap the three vertical dots menu to choose the "Add to Home Screen" option.
By accepting, for some reason, the system It changes the active launcher and displays the typical One UI launcher, with its apps and widgets, while still keeping the taskbar and DeX windows.It's a kind of hybrid mode where you can use your regular desktop alongside the DeX elements. To return to "pure" DeX mode, simply unplug and plug back in the HDMI cable, or use the Windows + W keyboard shortcut twice to toggle the mode.
This combination offers a lot of possibilities, because it allows access widgets, app shortcuts, and settings that you'd normally only see in mobile mode, while you continue to use DeX floating windows and, for example, a Linux desktop running on Termux X11 at the same time.
Ideas and future proposals for Linux on Samsung DeX
With everything that has been learned since the Linux on DeX beta, many users have come up with some pretty concrete proposals on how Samsung could relaunch a modern version of Linux integrated into DeXThese ideas are based both on the experience of the original beta and on the tricks and solutions that are used today with Termux and similar products.
One recurring suggestion is that, instead of limiting it to one or two models, Samsung work with popular distributions like Ubuntu or Fedora to offer optimized official imagesAvailable for a wider range of Galaxy devices (phones and tablets), integrating it into the DeX app would allow switching from Android to Linux with a single click, while maintaining ecosystem consistency.
As an added benefit, a well-thought-out relaunch of Linux on DeX would reinforce Samsung's image as Leading brand in innovation compared to Apple and other Android manufacturersIn the eyes of the technical community, offering an officially supported Linux desktop environment is a very powerful gesture: it means taking developers, system administrators, and technology students seriously.
Furthermore, it would fit perfectly with the rest of the devices in the Galaxy ecosystem, such as the Galaxy Tab and Galaxy BookThis creates an interesting triangle: an Android tablet, a traditional laptop, and a smartphone capable of transforming into a Linux mini-PC. For many professionals, this would make the Galaxy more than just a phone: it would become the hub of their entire workflow.
While that future may or may not arrive, the community continues to use its ingenuity to make it happen. Linux coexists with DeX through Termux, PROOT, CHROOT, Termux X11, virgl, and other toolsBetween accessibility settings, keyboard shortcuts, developer modes, and curious bugs turned into features, a practical guide has been woven that transforms many Galaxy devices into true portable Linux-based workstations, provided the user is willing to tinker a bit. Share this information so that others can learn about Samsung DEX mode on Linux.
