SecondScreen

Change your device's resolution & density when connected to an external display

SecondScreen

App stats

Version: 2.9.4 (Last updated: 2024-09-14)
Creation date: 2014-07-14
Permissions
Wi-Fi connection information: view Wi-Fi connections
Other:
  • modify secure system settings
  • pair with Bluetooth devices
  • access Bluetooth settings
  • connect and disconnect from Wi-Fi
  • close other apps
  • run at startup
  • draw over other apps
  • modify system settings

Other platforms

Not available on Chrome
Not available on Firefox
Not available on Edge
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App summary

SecondScreen is an application designed for power users that frequently connect their Android devices to external displays. It works with your existing screen mirroring solution to give you the best experience possible. With SecondScreen, you can change your device's resolution and density to fit your TV or monitor, enable always-on desktop mode in Chrome, and even turn your device's backlight off, among several other features.

Featured on Pocketables, XDA-Developers, Android Police, AndroidHeadlines, Android Community, and Android Beat!

PLEASE READ BEFORE DOWNLOADING:
• This app REQUIRES elevated permissions, granted via root access or adb shell commands. The app will do nothing if you do not have a rooted device or access to adb.
• This app is ONLY for devices with AOSP / Google experience ROMs. It is not guaranteed to function properly on devices with manufacturer-skinned ROMs.
• This app does not provide screen mirroring capabilities on its own. Screen mirroring may require either an MHL/SlimPort adapter or a wireless solution such as Miracast or Chromecast.
• A Bluetooth keyboard and mouse is strongly recommended as the app can make UI elements smaller and harder to press on the device itself.


Features:
• Easily change resolution and density (DPI) - take full advantage of the resolution of your external display, and show the Android tablet interface if you're using a phone
• Simple profile-based interface - easy to enable/disable different profiles for different types of displays
• Many configurable options, including:
 • Automatically enable Bluetooth and Wi-Fi - quickly connect a keyboard, mouse, and/or game controller
 • Automatically enable Daydreams
 • Show desktop sites in Chrome by default - browse the real Web, on your TV!
 • Lock screen orientation to landscape
 • Overscan support for older TVs (Android 4.3+)
 • System-wide immersive mode (Android 5.0+)
 • Disable device backlight and/or vibration - save battery while your device is connected (not compatible with all devices)
• Full integration with Tasker
• Load profiles automatically when a display is connected
• Quick Actions - quickly and easily run SecondScreen features without creating or editing profiles
• Homescreen shortcuts - launch a profile with one tap, without entering the app

Explanation of permissions:
• root access or adb shell commands required to change resolution/DPI, disable backlight/vibration, enable desktop-only mode in Chrome
• "connect and disconnect from Wi-Fi", "view Wi-Fi connections" - required for profiles to enable Wi-Fi
• "access Bluetooth settings", "pair with Bluetooth devices" - required for profiles to enable Bluetooth
• "close other apps" - required to refresh the user interface after a resolution/DPI change. Ensure all data is saved before launching a profile.
• "run at startup" - required to show SecondScreen profile notification after a (soft/hard) reboot
• "modify system settings" - required for profiles to lock rotation and set brightness

This app uses the Device Administrator permission.

User reviews

These summaries are automatically generated weekly using AI based on recent user reviews. Google Play Store does not verify user reviews, so some user reviews may be inaccurate, spammy, or outdated.
Pros
  • Allows for flexible display resolution settings.
  • Works well for creating a desktop-like environment on Android.
  • Enables support for external displays and monitors.
  • Useful for gaming and remote work setups.
  • Non-root installation is a significant advantage.
Cons
  • Issues with reverting settings after disconnecting displays.
  • Inconsistent application of settings across devices.
  • Problems with DPI and display size restoration.
  • Bugs associated with the notch compatibility mode.
  • Occasional deadlocks or crashes when used with other features.
Most mentioned
  • Difficulty reverting to original display settings.
  • Need for manual adjustments after disconnecting devices.
  • Notch compatibility issues causing functionality problems.
  • Issues with DPI settings not reverting correctly.
  • Overall satisfaction with the app's ability to enhance device usage.
User reviews
Worst app ever I tried in a while. Even though this is one of the app which was about to accomplish what I wanted. Any changes made by the app should be reverted on disabling profile or uninstalling. I had to reset the phone completely because none of the solutions could revert my display to initial state properly.
by Prabhjeet Deol, 2024-10-03

Amazing app. There is nothing out there like this. Thanks to this app, I can use shadow PC on my android phone connected to my TV or monitor and avoid having a computer entirely. Bluetooth keyboard, mouse, display adapter, plus this app means your android phone is essentially a light desktop computer.
by Robert Pakko, 2024-07-17

Nice app, but is there any way you could add an option to change screen refresh rate? My usb c to hdmi adapter goes up to 4k 30 hz, but i would imagine i could get 60hz if i were to drop the resolution to 1080/1440p, but even on those resolutions i get 30hz. Manual refresh setting for lower resolutions would be useful for those stuck on a lower end usb c dock. Thank you. :)
by Alexander Kouzov, 2024-01-06
View all user reviews

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