Use Your Tablet as an Extended Monitor for Ubuntu

This guide explains how to turn your tablet into an extended monitor for your Ubuntu using Remote Desktop (RDP). Just follow these easy steps to set it up!

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Step 1: Enable Remote Desktop on Ubuntu

The steps to enable Remote Desktop depend on your Ubuntu version:

For versions <= 22.04:

1. Open Settings from the menu.
2. Go to the Sharing section.
3. Turn on the Sharing switch.
4. Click on Screen Sharing and enable it.
5. Set a password for security.

For version >= 22.04:

1. Open Settings from the menu.
2. Go to System > Remote Desktop.
3. You will see two tabs: Remote Login and Desktop Sharing.
4. Under Desktop Sharing,** toggle Desktop Sharing to enable it**.
5. Set or update the username and password for security.

Step 2: Enable Extend Mode for Your Tablet

By default, Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) will mirror your Ubuntu desktop to your tablet, showing the same content on both screens. To use your tablet as a true extended display where you can have different windows and content, we need to change the screen sharing mode to "extend". Open the terminal on your Ubuntu computer and type this command:

gsettings set org.gnome.desktop.remote-desktop.rdp screen-share-mode extend

This command configures RDP to treat your tablet as an extended display rather than a mirrored one, allowing you to drag windows and apps to your tablet just like a second monitor. Without this setting, you would only see a copy of your main screen on your tablet, which limits the productivity benefits of having an additional display.

Step 3: Log Out and Log Back In

After enabling Remote Desktop and running the command above, log out of your Ubuntu session and log back in. This step ensures that all the changes are applied correctly.

Step 4: Find Your Computer's Local IP Address

To connect your tablet, you need your computer's local IP address. The easiest way to find it is:

1. Open the terminal on your Ubuntu computer.
2. Type this command:

   hostname -I

1. The output will show your local IP address (e.g., 192.168.x.x). Write it down, as you'll need it to connect your tablet.

Step 5: Connect Your Tablet Using a Remote Desktop App

Now that Remote Desktop is ready, you can connect your tablet. You'll need a Remote Desktop app:

• For Android: Download the Microsoft Remote Desktop app from the Google Play Store.
• For iPhone/iPad: Download the Microsoft Remote Desktop app from the App Store.

Step 6: Set Up the Remote Desktop App

1. Open the Microsoft Remote Desktop app on your tablet.
2. Tap Add PC or the + button to create a new connection.
3. In the PC Name or Hostname field, type your computer's local IP address (the one you found earlier).
4. When asked, enter the username and password you set in the Remote Desktop settings on Ubuntu.
5. Save the connection and tap to connect.

Step 7: Use Your Tablet as an Extended Monitor

Once connected, your tablet will work as an extra screen for your Ubuntu computer. You can now move windows and apps to your tablet, just like using a second monitor. This is a simple and effective way to boost your productivity!