what you need to know
- While competing options exist, such as Samsung’s DeX, Google Pixel phones have always lacked display output support.
- Not only does the Pixel Launcher lack a desktop environment for end users, but Pixel phones don’t support DisplayPort Alternate Mode.
- With the release of Android 14 QPR3 Beta 2, Google enables DP Alt mode and allows users to connect the Pixel to an external display.
Pixel users were excited to learn that Google is supporting DisplayPort Alternate Mode at the hardware level in the Pixel 8 series. However, Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro users were quickly disappointed to discover that Google was still blocking external display connections via USB-C via software. Now, a few months after the launch of the Pixel 8 series, Google appears to have changed its mind and plans to support display mirroring over a cable.
Mishaal Rahman revealed on Android Authority that with the release of Android 14 QPR3 Beta 2, Google has added software support for DP Alt mode. When you connect your Pixel 8 or Pixel 8 Pro to an external display, the Mirror Display option appears. If you click to enable it, your Android operating system will appear on the connected monitor or TV. It’s worth noting that you’ll only be able to use Android 14’s regular view unless you manually enable desktop mode in the developer options.
Even so, Rahman noted that Android’s desktop mode, which can be enabled in developer options, is an older, built-in version that’s been around since Android 10. An overhauled version is said to be coming soon, but it requires multiple Android flags to launch. Enable before access is available. Rahman said that Google may be preparing to launch a DeX competitor on the Pixel 9 series, but this has not been confirmed yet.
Finally: Google enables display output on Pixel phones for the first time! With Android 14 QPR3 Beta 2, you can mirror your Pixel 8’s screen to an external display, as Google has finally enabled DisplayPort Alternate Mode. More details below 👇 https://t.co/ah13vOX9obMarch 11, 2024
For those unfamiliar, a USB-C port that supports DP Alt mode can itself support display output via a USB-C cable or adapter. Pixel phones have had USB-C ports with DP Alt mode before, but Google only enabled DP Alt mode at the hardware level this year. So far, there is no software support for DP Alt mode on the Pixel 8 series. This means that if you try to connect your Pixel 8 or Pixel 8 Pro to a display, nothing will happen.
There are some workarounds available, such as using Google Cast for wireless mirroring or purchasing a DisplayLink adapter. DP Alt mode can also be enabled with root access. However, this means that the Pixel’s display output options are more limited than other Android phones and even the iPhone.
The addition of native display output support in Android 14 QPR3 Beta 2 could mean it will make its full debut this summer with the release of a public update. Alternatively, Google might roll back the changes before a stable version is released. However, it does seem to indicate that Google is working on better display output support, which is good news for Pixel users.
Google’s flagship phones keep getting better and better
Google released the Pixel 8 Pro late last year, and it’s become one of the best Android phones you can buy right now. The company has continued to add features to the phone since its launch, and it looks like display mirroring support is coming too.