← Back to articles

You can use DeX on the Galaxy Z Fold 8's inner screen with this trick

2026-09-19 | original

read original get Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 → more articles

Why This Matters

This story highlights a clever workaround that lets Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 owners run the desktop-like DeX interface directly on the phone's large inner screen, without needing an external monitor. It matters because it showcases how foldable phones with big displays are increasingly capable of replacing traditional desktop setups, expanding the practical use cases for mobile-first productivity.

Key Takeaways

The Gadesk app, available on the Play Store, enables Samsung DeX to run natively on the Z Fold 8's 7.6-inch inner screen.
No rooting, sideloading, or shady downloads are required — it's a simple, official app install with quick setup.
The trick reflects how foldable phone screens have grown large enough to make standalone desktop-mode use practical, a shift from DeX's original 2017 design intent.

Worth a Look

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 — If you're intrigued by running Samsung DeX directly on a foldable's big inner screen, the Galaxy Z Fold line is the phone to get for that exact experience. Its expansive display makes desktop-style multitasking with DeX genuinely usable, whether you're docked externally or trying tricks like Gadesk right on the device.

See Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.

Samsung DeX has long been a fan-favorite feature. Since 2017, it has quietly lived in the settings of flagship Samsung devices, always ready to save people in a pinch. If you don't know, Samsung DeX is an excellent tool that allows users to easily turn their Galaxy device into a full-on desktop. All you need to do is turn DeX on, connect it to an external display (wired or wirelessly) and you're ready to go. You can even connect peripherals like a USB dock, mouse and keyboard, and they will all work.

When DeX was first released, phone displays were way smaller, so it didn't make sense to try running a desktop interface on the phone itself. But that's no longer the case, especially with devices like the Z Fold 8 that sport a big 7.6-inch inner screen.

Thankfully, you can now use all of the features of DeX right on your Z Fold 8 directly. It's thanks to an app called Gadesk, which is currently available on the Play Store, so no shady websites or sideloading are involved.

As it's not a hack, it doesn't require rooting or other complicated software. Once the app is installed, it takes just a few minutes sorting out the settings before you can start using DeX on your Z Fold 8 alone — no monitor or external display needed.

Explore topics: samsung dex galaxy z fold 8 gadesk play store foldable phones