Introduction: Use Your Phone As a Second Monitor

By Instructables
About: Let's make..... Arduino, Robotics, Automation, Electronics and stufffff.

We have all had an experience with working from home. It gives us the luxury of completing jobs or assignments from the comfort of our own homes. However, we all want to complete these tasks in the most efficient and productive way possible, so that we could spend the rest of our time at home on other things. A perfect solution is to use your phone as a second monitor for your laptop or computer.

A second monitor boosts productivity because it allows us to spend less time switching tabs, checking new messages, or following that awesome new instructable.

This project works for both Android/IOS and Windows/MacOS platforms.

Step 1: What You'll Need

All that you need for this project are:

  • Phone or Tablet
  • USB Data Cable
  • Phone stand/mount
  • Computer or Laptop

Make sure that your phone, computer, and cable are compatible with each other.

Step 2: Mount Your Phone

You should place your phone where it will be easy and convenient to look at. This will reduce eye movement and strain when looking between two monitors.

Here's the phone stand that I designed in Fusion 360:

I 3D Printed this stand using my Ender 3 Pro with some red and black filament. Stick the two pieces together with some super glue to prevent the phone from tipping over. If you don't have access to a 3D printer, there are plenty of cheap phone holders that could be bought online or at various stores. Also, there are plenty of other instructables that show you how to make a phone holder.

Here are the .stl files:

Attachments

Step 3: Download and Install the Software

The magic that allows you to turn your phone into a display is a software called Splashtop Wired XDisplay. This program will make your computer think that a new display is connected to your computer, even though it's only your phone.

You can download the software on their website: splashtop.com/wiredxdisplay

Download and install the software on your phone and on your computer. Be sure that you install the "Virtual Display Driver" on your computer. You can do this by navigating to Advanced > Virtual Display > Install. Without this driver, your phone will only be able to mirror what is displayed on your primary monitor.

Step 4: Connect Your Phone

Open up the software on both the phone and computer. Once everything is ready, plug in your phone to the computer using the data cable. The Wired XDisplay should automatically sync up your phone and computer.

If the phone is mirroring your primary display, go to Settings > System > Display > Multiple Displays on your computer and select "Extend these Displays". If it still isn't working, make sure that you installed the software correctly and connected the cable firmly.

Step 5: Work Work Work!

You're all set! You can now use your phone as a second monitor for your computer or laptop. You can use it to view references, control your playlist, facilitate online classes, and many more!

I hope you liked this Instructable! Check out my other Instructables here.

If you have any problems or suggestions, leave a comment down below. Good luck on all of your work!

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