Tips to exploit the full potential of the USB port on Samsung phones

The USB port on your Samsung phone is for more than just charging. From turning your phone into a desktop computer to powering other devices, these little-known apps will change the way you use your device.

5. Turn your phone into a second screen for your computer

Tips to exploit the full potential of the USB port on Samsung phones

What if you could turn your phone or tablet into a second screen for your laptop? The GlideX app lets you do this via the USB-C port on your Samsung phone, instantly giving you a second screen for your laptop or desktop. Once connected, your phone becomes a fully functional extended display that works with your Windows computer. While GlideX also works over Wi-Fi, the USB connection offers better stability and less lag.

In addition to extending your screen, GlideX also makes it easy to transfer files between devices, mirror your phone screen to your PC , and control multiple devices with just one keyboard and mouse. It's an all-in-one tool that seamlessly connects your phone to your PC and manages everything from one place.

4. Turn your phone into a desktop PC with DeX

Tips to exploit the full potential of the USB port on Samsung phones
Samsung DeX on screen with taskbar hidden.

Speaking of replacing traditional setups, if your work revolves around web browsing, document editing, email, and video calling rather than dedicated software, Samsung DeX can even replace your laptop. You just need a monitor at work to connect to.

Samsung DeX lets you turn your phone into a desktop-like workspace by connecting it to an external monitor. Most Samsung flagships from the Galaxy S8 onwards support the feature; newer models only require a USB-C to HDMI cable, while older models require the DeX Station. Add a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse, and you have a true desktop setup running from a device that fits in your pocket.

When you're at home, DeX is also great for watching movies and TV shows. Unlike regular screen mirroring, you can turn off your phone screen while streaming to your TV, which should extend your battery life a lot.

3. Use your phone as a power bank to charge other devices

Tips to exploit the full potential of the USB port on Samsung phones
Samsung Galaxy S24 FE connected to Galaxy Watch LTE

Most of us use a power bank to charge our smartphones when we travel. But here's something you might not know: Your Samsung phone can double as a power bank for other devices. Yes, Samsung supports reverse wireless charging with PowerShare , but that's not what we're talking about here.

While it can't match the speed of a wall charger, it's perfect for emergencies. The Galaxy Buds will have enough juice to keep you listening for hours longer, or the smartwatch can last until you find a suitable charger.

2. Connect USB to increase phone storage capacity

Tips to exploit the full potential of the USB port on Samsung phones
PNY Elite X Type C USB plugged into Samsung phone

While not a Samsung-exclusive feature, you can easily plug a USB drive into your phone to increase its storage capacity. The built-in My Files app treats the external drive like any other folder, allowing you to move files back and forth with ease.

This is incredibly useful: You can download 4K videos without losing quality, access work documents from a USB drive during meetings, or share large files much faster than uploading them to the cloud. It’s a useful way to free up gigabytes of space without deleting files you still need.

1. Connect the game controller (or other accessories)

Tips to exploit the full potential of the USB port on Samsung phones
G8+ Galileo Wireless Mobile Gamepad

If you have an Xbox or PlayStation controller, you can connect it and use it with your Samsung phone. Just plug it into a USB port and you're instantly connected. The wired connection reduces Bluetooth latency and keeps the controller charged, making games like Call of Duty Mobile and Genshin Impact much more enjoyable than touch controls.

Beyond gaming, your phone's familiar USB port supports a wide range of accessories. Whether you're making music with a MIDI keyboard, connecting faster with a USB-C to Ethernet adapter, or recording voice overs with a USB microphone (like for YouTube videos), there are countless ways to expand your phone's capabilities.

Tags: #Android
Sign up and earn $1000 a day ⋙

Leave a Comment

Samsung features to help protect your phone from theft

Samsung features to help protect your phone from theft

The good news is that if you have a Galaxy phone, Samsung includes a number of features that help protect your phone and user data in case the device is stolen.

How to AirPlay to Android TV Without Paying a Dime

How to AirPlay to Android TV Without Paying a Dime

Mirroring your Android phone or Windows PC to your Android TV has always been easy, but now iPhone, iPad, and even Mac users can enjoy the same convenience.

7 Samsung Features You May Not Be Using for Better Photos

7 Samsung Features You May Not Be Using for Better Photos

Great photos are more than just a matter of pointing and shooting. If you own a Samsung phone, you have a secret treasure trove of camera tricks waiting to be unlocked for your creativity.

How to hide private photos on Android

How to hide private photos on Android

All the photos you take on your smartphone are saved in your device's photo library so everyone can see them, even your private photos.

7 Simple Ways to Make Your Samsung Phone Look Less Boring

7 Simple Ways to Make Your Samsung Phone Look Less Boring

Your expensive Samsung Galaxy doesn't have to look exactly like every other phone on the market. With a few tweaks, you can make it more personal, stylish, and unique.

Why do so many people decide to switch to Samsung after years of using iPhone?

Why do so many people decide to switch to Samsung after years of using iPhone?

After getting bored with iOS, they finally switched to Samsung phones, and have no regrets about that decision.

6 disadvantages of buying the Google Pixel flagship phone

6 disadvantages of buying the Google Pixel flagship phone

While Google's mid-range phones are great value, what about its flagship products?

10 Hidden Android Features That Make Everyday Life Easier

10 Hidden Android Features That Make Everyday Life Easier

If you've been using an Android phone for long enough, you probably already know and use many of its features. However, there are likely some hidden features that you don't know about.

10 devices that can be plugged into the smartphone charging port

10 devices that can be plugged into the smartphone charging port

Most of us treat our smartphone's charging port as if its sole job is to keep the battery alive. But that little port is much more powerful than it gives it credit for.

Instructions for adjusting Android phone screen brightness

Instructions for adjusting Android phone screen brightness

Changing the brightness of your Android phone screen is a simple way to help you choose the screen brightness that suits your surroundings, avoiding the phone screen being too bright or too dark, affecting your health, especially your eyes.

How to easily read smartphone specifications

How to easily read smartphone specifications

If you're on the hunt for a new smartphone, the first thing you'll naturally look at is the specs sheet. It's packed with clues about performance, battery life, and display quality.

Why are Pixel phones worth the money?

Why are Pixel phones worth the money?

Years ago, some people decided to buy the first Pixel phone without thinking twice about whether it was worth the price. Time has proven that they are definitely worth every penny.

Are you using the full potential of the buttons on your Android phone?

Are you using the full potential of the buttons on your Android phone?

The buttons on your Android phone aren't just for adjusting the volume or waking up the screen. With a few simple tweaks, they can become shortcuts for taking a quick photo, skipping songs, launching apps, or even activating emergency features.

6 Hidden Files That Are Wasting a Lot of Space on Android

6 Hidden Files That Are Wasting a Lot of Space on Android

The biggest space hogs on your Android phone aren't always the things you can see. If your storage is filling up faster than usual, hidden files you never touch could be the culprit.

Tips to exploit the full potential of the USB port on Samsung phones

Tips to exploit the full potential of the USB port on Samsung phones

The USB port on your Samsung phone is for more than just charging. From turning your phone into a desktop computer to powering other devices, these little-known apps will change the way you use your device.

Samsung features to help protect your phone from theft

Samsung features to help protect your phone from theft

The good news is that if you have a Galaxy phone, Samsung includes a number of features that help protect your phone and user data in case the device is stolen.

How to create document signature on iPhone

How to create document signature on iPhone

With Apple's built-in tools and apps, you can sign documents on your iPhone quickly, whether they're PDFs, legal contracts, school forms, or more.

Change These iPhone Settings for All-Day Battery Life!

Change These iPhone Settings for All-Day Battery Life!

With just a few smart tweaks, you can significantly extend your battery life without changing the way you use your phone.

How to AirPlay to Android TV Without Paying a Dime

How to AirPlay to Android TV Without Paying a Dime

Mirroring your Android phone or Windows PC to your Android TV has always been easy, but now iPhone, iPad, and even Mac users can enjoy the same convenience.

How to change the appearance of the Files app

How to change the appearance of the Files app

The built-in Files app lets you access files stored on your iPhone as well as compatible cloud storage services like iCloud Drive.

Instructions to turn off message wallpaper on iPhone

Instructions to turn off message wallpaper on iPhone

Many people do not like to use message wallpaper on iPhone because it is quite confusing. Below are instructions to turn off message wallpaper on iPhone.

7 Samsung Features You May Not Be Using for Better Photos

7 Samsung Features You May Not Be Using for Better Photos

Great photos are more than just a matter of pointing and shooting. If you own a Samsung phone, you have a secret treasure trove of camera tricks waiting to be unlocked for your creativity.

How to hide private photos on Android

How to hide private photos on Android

All the photos you take on your smartphone are saved in your device's photo library so everyone can see them, even your private photos.

How to open ChatGPT with action button on iPhone

How to open ChatGPT with action button on iPhone

Through this action button, you can call ChatGPT whenever you want on your phone. Here is a guide to open ChatGPT using the action button on iPhone.

Funny phone unlock wallpaper, awesome troll unlock wallpaper

Funny phone unlock wallpaper, awesome troll unlock wallpaper

Are you looking for funny phone unlock wallpapers? Check out the wallpapers below and choose a cool phone unlock wallpaper for yourself.

7 Simple Ways to Make Your Samsung Phone Look Less Boring

7 Simple Ways to Make Your Samsung Phone Look Less Boring

Your expensive Samsung Galaxy doesn't have to look exactly like every other phone on the market. With a few tweaks, you can make it more personal, stylish, and unique.

Why do so many people decide to switch to Samsung after years of using iPhone?

Why do so many people decide to switch to Samsung after years of using iPhone?

After getting bored with iOS, they finally switched to Samsung phones, and have no regrets about that decision.

6 disadvantages of buying the Google Pixel flagship phone

6 disadvantages of buying the Google Pixel flagship phone

While Google's mid-range phones are great value, what about its flagship products?

10 Hidden Android Features That Make Everyday Life Easier

10 Hidden Android Features That Make Everyday Life Easier

If you've been using an Android phone for long enough, you probably already know and use many of its features. However, there are likely some hidden features that you don't know about.