Wiki/Help
FAQ
Basics
Section titled “Basics”What does PixelBridge do?
Section titled “What does PixelBridge do?”It turns an Android tablet or phone into a second monitor for a Windows PC or a Mac. Your computer sees a new display; you extend your desktop onto it or duplicate it, and use touch or a pen on it.
What do I need?
Section titled “What do I need?”A Windows 11 PC or a Mac with macOS 13 or later, and an Android tablet or phone with Android 11 or later. For USB, a data cable; for Wi-Fi, both on the same network. See Getting started.
Is it a real monitor or a screen share?
Section titled “Is it a real monitor or a screen share?”A real monitor. On Windows, PixelBridge’s own display driver adds a monitor that you arrange in Display settings. On a Mac it uses the virtual display support built into macOS.
Is there an iPhone, iPad or TV app?
Section titled “Is there an iPhone, iPad or TV app?”Not yet. See iPhone, iPad, TV and Linux.
Does it work on Linux, Windows 10 or Windows on ARM?
Section titled “Does it work on Linux, Windows 10 or Windows on ARM?”No. The computer program runs on Windows 11 (64-bit, x64) and macOS 13 or later.
Connecting
Section titled “Connecting”Do I need USB debugging or developer mode?
Section titled “Do I need USB debugging or developer mode?”No. Plug in and PixelBridge takes it from there. On a Windows PC, set the phone’s USB mode to File transfer if it is on charge only.
Cable or Wi-Fi?
Section titled “Cable or Wi-Fi?”The cable when you can: no network setup and no pairing. Wi-Fi when you want the tablet free to move. See USB or Wi-Fi.
Why can’t my tablet see my computer over Wi-Fi?
Section titled “Why can’t my tablet see my computer over Wi-Fi?”Usually because they’re on different networks. They must be on the same Wi-Fi. On Windows, also check that Wi-Fi is turned on in PixelBridge and that the network is Private. See Troubleshooting.
Do I pair every time?
Section titled “Do I pair every time?”No. Pair once over Wi-Fi; after that the device reconnects by itself. Over a cable there’s no pairing at all.
Using it
Section titled “Using it”Does the pen have pressure?
Section titled “Does the pen have pressure?”Yes. A pressure pen such as the Samsung S Pen draws with pressure in Krita and other drawing apps, on Windows and on a Mac. See Pen and pressure.
Can I scroll and pinch with my fingers?
Section titled “Can I scroll and pinch with my fingers?”On Windows, yes. On a Mac, your finger works as the mouse pointer: tap to click and drag to move, but scrolling and pinching aren’t available.
Does sound play on the tablet?
Section titled “Does sound play on the tablet?”No. Sound keeps playing from your computer.
Can I use it in portrait?
Section titled “Can I use it in portrait?”Yes. Turn the device and the desktop turns with it. You can also lock the orientation. See Rotation.
Paying
Section titled “Paying”What does it cost?
Section titled “What does it cost?”The computer programs are free. The Android app gives you an hour of connected time free, then a plan: $1.99 a month, $9.99 a year, or $14.99 once (US prices; Google Play shows yours). See Free trial and plans.
Do the plans unlock different features?
Section titled “Do the plans unlock different features?”No. Every plan unlocks the same thing: unlimited use of everything.
Do I pay again for a second tablet or a second computer?
Section titled “Do I pay again for a second tablet or a second computer?”No. One purchase covers every Android device on your Google account, with any number of computers.
Do I need an account?
Section titled “Do I need an account?”No. Your purchase lives with your Google Play account, and your computer checks it itself.
Privacy
Section titled “Privacy”Does my screen go through your servers?
Section titled “Does my screen go through your servers?”No. It goes from your computer to your device over the cable or your own network, and nowhere else. See Privacy.
Does PixelBridge collect anything?
Section titled “Does PixelBridge collect anything?”No analytics, no ads, no account. The app talks to Google Play to show prices and check your purchase, and the computer program checks once a day for a new version, sending nothing about you.
Still stuck? Write to support@bytehavenstudios.com and a person will answer.
PixelBridge, from ByteHaven Studios