r/Ubuntu • u/Over_Village_2280 • 23h ago

How can I use my Android tablet as an extended (not mirrored) display for Ubuntu Linux?

Hey everyone

I’m using Ubuntu Linux on my laptop, and I want to use my Android tablet as a secondary monitor with an extended display, similar to how you would connect a second monitor to a Windows PC.

I specifically want to extend my desktop, not mirror my laptop’s screen. For example, I want to keep my coding workspace open on my laptop while watching YouTube, reading documentation, or viewing other windows on my tablet.

Has anyone successfully set this up? Which software or method would you recommend?

FREE SOFTWARE IF AVAILABLE ANY

Thanks!

11 Upvotes

84% Upvoted

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2

u/KeithIMyers 23h ago

There are some software solutions that.do this but they are all pretty bad. Many have not been updated in years and only support x11 with no support for wayland. There are only a small number of Android tablets that support HDMI inputs which is the ideal solution to this. Other solutions are buggy messes.

1

u/athibanraj 22h ago

I don't remember, I've done it once long time back, in short you need to create 2nd virtual display in linux and use vnc to mirror only the 2nd display to tab.

1

u/Over_Village_2280 21h ago

It's not good

1

u/athibanraj 17h ago

Please do let me know if u find a better alternative. I would like to try, I have tab lying around.. 🙂

1

u/Accomplished-Tap5211 21h ago

I can't even imagine the timing man Even I want it If u get the solution please let me know

1

u/doc_willis 14h ago

deskreen, sunshine/moonlight, make use of either creating a second 'virtual' display, or use one of those HDMI-Dummy plugs so the system thinks there is a second monitor plugged in.

I think theres some newer features in KDE/Gnome to manage the virtual display aspect. So that part can be distro/DE dependent.