Finally got a Desktop Mode working!

General
1

Thanks to the new version of scrcpy and Android 15! Can now have Phone Screen Off and Tablet Mode enabled!

Steps:

  • Download version 3.x.
  • Turn on Developer Settings.
  • Enable USB Debugging.
  • Enable “Force activities to be resizable” (lets you resize app windows).
  • Enable “Freeform windows” (lets you move app windows around).
  • Enable “Freeform Windows on Secondary Display.”
  • Enable “Non-resizable in Multi-Window.”

I’m using a secondary display from my Pixel 8—others might prefer mirroring. Reboot after setting everything up.

  • Plug your phone into a PC and accept the USB Debug AUTH prompt (you can use wireless ADB too but expect some lag).

  • Open a command prompt in the folder where SCRCPY is extracted and run:

    scrcpy --new-display=2560x1200/120

    You can adjust the resolution and DPI (/120) to your preference. Use a low DPI for Tablet mode.

This will create a secondary display from your phone (while keeping the phone usable) or you can turn the phone screen off. The only thing missing is a taskbar, though Taskbar apps might work on other devices. Here are additional parameters to tweak:

  • --video-codec=h265
  • --max-fps=60
  • --video-codec=av1

I’ve been waiting years for this feature! Hope it helps others.

2

Very cool! Can we have some screenshots?

3

Hadi said:
Very cool! Can we have some screenshots?

4

Re: Taskbar

Check out ‘Taskbar’ by Braden Farmer, available on the Play Store or any good FOSS repository.

5

Can this be used directly with a monitor or does it require a PC?

6

Emory said:
Can this be used directly with a monitor or does it require a PC?

SCRCPY is an app you run on a PC to share the phone screen and input devices. By default, it mirrors the display. OP’s report suggests the latest update now supports a more desktop-like experience.

7

If you prepare all the steps in advance (up to accepting USB debugging authentication), will it work if the phone screen is broken?

8

Justice said:
If you prepare all the steps in advance (up to accepting USB debugging authentication), will it work if the phone screen is broken?

Theoretically yes, but ADB auth will expire after some time unless you set it to never expire.

9

Justice said:
If you prepare all the steps in advance (up to accepting USB debugging authentication), will it work if the phone screen is broken?

Yes, it will! It’s good insurance, but ensure ADB auth stays active.

10

Lol… you’re skipping the fact that you need to do this on a laptop or PC. Why not just use those instead?

11

Bailey said:
Lol… you’re skipping the fact that you need to do this on a laptop or PC. Why not just use those instead?

Not skipping—it’s clear when I reference the application needed to run it. Why use this? Thousands of Android apps aren’t on PC. Plus, in my case, my work PC is locked down, and this setup allows me freedom with a good UI, sharing a single keyboard, mouse, and monitor between both devices.