The fastest and easiest way to test secondary displays is to use a simulated display, which is owned by the system. Because it shares the system_server UID, it's trusted and allowed to host all decor windows and activities.
If you have a device that supports a hardware connection [for example, HDMI or DisplayPort over USB-C], you can use external hardware displays to test.
By default, virtual displays that aren't owned by the system UID are considered to be not trusted and a number of restrictions are applied to prevent the leaking of user data.
Use desktop mode to test new windowing features and capabilities added to the platform in Android 10. It's a developer option targeted for app developers and enables developers to test apps in multi-display and freeform windowing mode environments.
Figure 1. Desktop mode on two displays, simulated [top] and external [bottom]
When device manufacturers want to provide a desktop-like experience, use this feature to showcase the recommended way to implement some of the windowing features.
- Enable the Force desktop mode developer option.
- Reboot the phone.
- Connect the mouse [via USB or Bluetooth].
- Create a simulated display from the developer options or use a hardware display.
- Launch activities from the launcher on that display and use the mouse to interact.
MD Launcher [platform/development/samples/MultiDisplay] is useful for testing a targeted activity launch and to request a new instance.
Content and code samples on this page are subject to the licenses described in the Content License. Java and OpenJDK are trademarks or registered trademarks of Oracle and/or its affiliates.
Last updated 2022-03-07 UTC.
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Hi, I'm not a Pixel owner but I've heard about a full desktop mode being baked into Android 11. Has anyone had to the to look for or test it out on the latest beta release?
I am aware that it was an experimental feature in 10. I'm a fan of Samsung Dex and this is one of the few things that prevents me from switching.
There is no desktop mode on any Pixel devices.
In developer option there is a experimental desktop mode. It was there in Android 10 and Android 11 beta 1 also, but i never tried it.
Reactions: diando
I haven't flashed 11 yet but from my understanding it's in dev options, is still experimental and requires connection through HDMI.
Sent from my coral using XDA Labs
Just tried it on my Pixel 4XL with latest Beta of Android 11. No go. I don't know why google refuses to enable HDMI out over USB-C on it's devices when nearly every other device supports it. Chromecast is not a viable alternative.
My Pixel 6 Pro does not connect to an external monitor via UBC-C to HDMI cable [hope it's not an issue of my specific device]. The video signal just doesn't transfer, and I get a black screen on the second monitor. I tried having a look at the dev settings but there seem not to be an option to enable/disable the feature, only to resize windows etc. Any tips? [The cable worked fine with my previous Oneplus phone and with my friend's Samsung device]
Thanks so much in advance!
Reactions: galaxys
You would need a DisplayLink dongle and the DisplayLink app, this is the only method to do video out on a Pixel
My Pixel 6 Pro does not connect to an external monitor via UBC-C to HDMI cable [hope it's not an issue of my specific device]. The video signal just doesn't transfer, and I get a black screen on the second monitor. I tried having a look at the dev settings but there seem not to be an option to enable/disable the feature, only to resize windows etc. Any tips? [The cable worked fine with my previous Oneplus phone and with my friend's Samsung device]
Thanks so much in advance!
Reactions: roirraW "edor" ehT, galaxys and Alex-Absolute
Thanks very much for your reply! I'm looking for some of these adaptors on Amazon [UK], but they don't directly specify 'DisplayLink', quite annoying...
I have been looking for a way to reimplement, Miracast compatibility allowing you to cast to any smart device. If anyone is interested in helping please DM me help would be appreciated
That's a great idea. Is miracast hardware built into the phone or just a software WiFi stack? I would like to Miracast from the pixel 6 pro.
I have been looking for a way to reimplement, Miracast compatibility allowing you to cast to any smart device. If anyone is interested in helping please DM me help would be appreciated
It's software that relies on WiFi Direct. However Google practically pulled all Miracast support from Android in favour of Chromecast, so it will be quite the job to reimplement it even with a custom ROM.
That's a great idea. Is miracast hardware built into the phone or just a software WiFi stack? I would like to Miracast from the pixel 6 pro.