I finally tried the Pixels new desktop mode, and its the coolest hidden feature you aren't using

Date:
Mon, 18 May 2026 00:30:00 +0000

Description:
Google's new Pixel Desktop mode was a surprise feature back in March, but after trying it, it's the perfect way to let your Android phone pinch-hit as
a laptop.

FULL STORY ======================================================================Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Threads Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter Google 's March Pixel drop included a bunch of new features for its smartphones. One feature that wasn't mentioned is a new Pixel Desktop mode when you connect your phone to an external display.

The idea of connecting a smartphone to a monitor to instantly transform the interface into a desktop-like experience is nothing new, though. Samsung 's phones and tablets have had DeX for years. Motorola phones offer Smart
Connect , which turns even its low-end phones into a desktop experience. Samsung and Google teamed up to make the Pixel Desktop mode possible, though. I've been using it for the last week, and you know what? It's definitely a feature you should be using if you have a Pixel. Latest Videos From You may like Google's Aluminium-merged OS brings familiar vibes - but I have a lot of lingering questions The 6 best Google Pixel 10 upgrades coming in the next Pixel Drop update Google Pixel 10a review: proof you dont need big upgrades to make a great phone It's surprisingly basic, but in a good way (Image credit: Future/Jason Cipriani) The first time I connected my Pixel 10 Pro XL to the same Thunderbolt dock I normally use with my MacBook Pro, I was prompted to connect to an external display. I checked the box next to "Don't ask me again" and tapped the Desktop button. A few seconds later, my display flashed, and I was greeted with a bland desktop, lacking any picture, app icons, or shortcuts. My keyboard instantly connected and worked without
issue, though I had to pair my mouse with the Pixel.

At the bottom of the screen is the taskbar, which uses the same apps I have placed there on my Pixel. To the right are three navigation buttons that used to be the standard way to navigate Android before it went gesture-only.
That's it. It reminds me a lot of the early days of ChromeOS, or of using an early Android beta on a tablet. (Image credit: Future/Jason Cipriani) Then I began clicking on app icons, and instead of watching miniaturized phone-like apps populate the screen, to my surprise, I saw what looked like full-fledged desktop apps open. Chrome is probably the best example as it looks very similar to the browser on a desktop, complete with a row of tabs along the
top of the window; the same tabs I'd all but forgotten I had open on my
Pixel.

In reality, all of the apps I've been using for the last few days are nothing more than beefed-up tablet apps. Only, instead of being locked to specific window sizes or even a column that's similar to the size of a phone app, I have complete freedom to resize each window to whatever shape or format I want. You can have up to five open apps at a time on the external display, plus another running on your Pixel phone for a grand total of six apps. Get daily insight, inspiration and deals in your inbox Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more. Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

When you open a new app on the desktop, and you're at the limit, the app that's been sitting idle the longest is closed. Everything you need to use
the Pixel's Desktop mode (Image credit: Future/Jason Cipriani) To use the new Desktop mode, you'll need some extra hardware. You'll, of course, need a compatible Pixel phone, which means the Pixel 8 or newer, including
foldables. Plus, youll need some sort of display, be it a TV in a hotel room, a portable USB-C display, or a computer monitor. A keyboard and mouse are
also required, and so is a way to connect them all to your phone.

If you have a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse, you can pair them with your phone just like you would any other Bluetooth device. What to read next The best Pixel phones 2026: we've tested the Pixel 10 through the Pixel 10 Pro Fold
and Pixel 10a so you can buy with confidence I tried Googles handy new AI wardrobe feature with Motorolas Razr Google's $3 ChromeOS Flex sells out and shows I'm right about ChromeOS

Connecting your phone to a screen is done through its USB-C port. If you have a screen with a USB-C connection, then you're set. However, if you only have an HDMI cable for your monitor, you'll need an inexpensive USB-C hub. The USB-C hub also allows you to connect a hardwired keyboard and mouse, power
for your phone, and, if you're so inclined, an Ethernet connection. Don't leave your laptop at home yet The Pixel's Desktop feature isn't perfect, though. For example, it's annoying that I can't lock my Pixel while using Desktop mode the screen has to stay on, which in turn produces heat and potentially drains the battery faster.

That said, I've spent a lot of time using the new Desktop mode to reply to emails sitting in my inbox, answer texts, stream music (albeit through the phone's speaker), and even watch some YouTube Shorts.

And my favorite part? At the end of any work session, I unplug my phone, and everything I was just doing on a 32-inch display in front of me is now in the palm of my hand. I don't have to manage multiple devices, wonder where I put
a file, or wait for stuff to sync over.

One day, a mobile phone that converts into a full-fledged desktop experience or laptop replacement will be the norm but until then, I'll keep experimenting and have the confidence in knowing that my phone can pinch-hit for a laptop when needed. 679 at very.co.uk 699 at Carphone Warehouse (128GB) 859 at AO.com (128GB) 1,099 at O2 Mobiles (256GB) Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews, and opinion in your feeds.



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/phones/google-pixel-phones/i-finally-tried-the-pixel s-new-desktop-mode-and-its-the-coolest-hidden-feature-you-arent-using


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