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DEX | S10

DeX | S10

We understand the desire to replicate the sophisticated desktop experience of Samsung DeX on a Galaxy S10 running a custom ROM like Evolution X. The Samsung Galaxy S10 series was a flagship device renowned for its hardware capabilities, and Samsung DeX was one of its most powerful productivity features. However, once you step away from the stock Samsung firmware and the Knox security framework, the native DeX functionality becomes inaccessible. The user in the provided context is specifically asking about Wireless DeX and whether the Knox restriction applies to it as well. We will provide a comprehensive guide on how to restore a desktop-like experience, the limitations you will face without Knox, and the specific tools available within the Android modding community to bridge this gap. Our focus is on delivering a functional, high-performance alternative that leverages the raw power of your Galaxy S10, even without the official Samsung ecosystem.

Understanding the Samsung DeX Architecture and Knox Dependency

To effectively replace Samsung DeX, we must first understand why it fails to function on a custom ROM installation like Evolution X. The Samsung DeX system is not merely an application; it is a deeply integrated system-level feature that relies on specific proprietary libraries, kernel drivers, and the Samsung Knox security platform.

The Role of Samsung Knox

Samsung Knox is a security framework built into the hardware and software of Samsung devices. It creates a secure environment that separates personal data from work data and ensures the integrity of the boot process. When you install a custom ROM, you typically flash a custom recovery like TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project), which voids the Knox warranty bit (e.g., Knox Warranty Void: 0x1).

This tripping of Knox is irreversible on the device’s hardware fuse. More importantly, many Samsung proprietary apps and features, including DeX, perform a check for a valid Knox environment. If the check fails—because you are running a custom kernel or lack the proprietary system files—the DeX service will not initialize. This applies to both Wired DeX and Wireless DeX. The user’s assumption is correct: the Knox requirement is a prerequisite for the official DeX protocol to function, regardless of the connection method.

Hardware vs. Software Requirements

The Galaxy S10 (specifically the models G973, G975, and G977 for the 5G variant) possesses the necessary hardware to output video via USB-C Alt Mode and Wi-Fi Direct. The hardware is capable. The barrier is entirely software-based. The Samsung DeX application and the associated system services (com.sec.android.app.dex) are missing or non-functional in AOSP-based ROMs like Evolution X. Therefore, we must look for third-party solutions that can emulate this behavior using the underlying Android Display APIs.

Wireless DeX on Custom ROMs: The Reality

The user specifically asked about Wireless DeX: “with the cable you have to have the Knox security, but i don’t know about the Wireless DeX?”

We must clarify that Wireless DeX is equally dependent on the Knox ecosystem as Wired DeX. The protocol used to establish a secure connection between the phone and the display (often a Samsung Smart TV) relies on DRM and security handshake certificates signed by Samsung. Without the stock Samsung framework, the phone cannot initiate a Miracast session with the specific DeX interface optimizations.

Why Native Wireless DeX Fails

When attempting to launch Wireless DeX on Evolution X, the system will either crash, display a “DeX is not available” error, or simply fail to connect. This is because the necessary system permissions and background services are not present. Evolution X is an AOSP (Android Open Source Project) based ROM. It strips away proprietary Samsung code to ensure stability and performance in the AOSP environment. Consequently, there is no built-in mechanism to support the Samsung DeX protocol.

The Alternative: General Screen Casting

While native DeX is unavailable, you can still utilize standard Android screen mirroring. This is often found in the “Cast” or “Screen Cast” menu in the Quick Settings panel. This uses the standard Miracast protocol supported by Android. However, this is not DeX. It simply mirrors your phone’s screen to the TV. You cannot use a mouse and keyboard to control a desktop interface, and the aspect ratio will be that of your phone, not a desktop environment. To get a true desktop experience, we must use third-party applications that construct a desktop environment locally or cast it differently.

The Best Software Alternatives for DeX on Evolution X

Since official DeX is impossible without reverting to stock firmware, we must rely on third-party applications available in the Magisk Modules Repository or the Google Play Store. These apps function by creating a virtual “Desktop Mode” within the Android OS.

1. Samsungflow (Limited Functionality)

Samsungflow is a proprietary Samsung app designed to bridge the gap between devices. It can project the phone screen to a Windows PC. However, on a custom ROM, it requires significant modifications to work, and it does not output directly to a monitor or TV without a PC as an intermediary. It is generally not a viable solution for a direct desktop replacement on a custom S10.

2. Third-Party Desktop Mode Apps (The Solution)

The most effective method to restore a desktop environment on the Galaxy S10 is to use apps designed to emulate the DeX interface. The two most prominent contenders in the Android modding community are Taskbar and Desktop Mode (by Dots).

Taskbar

Taskbar is a launcher that brings a Windows 11-style taskbar to your Android device. When connected to an external display via a USB-C hub or wirelessly via Miracast, it can transform the output into a desktop interface.

Desktop Mode (by Dots)

This is a newer, more aggressive attempt to clone the Samsung DeX experience. It is designed to look and feel almost identical to the official DeX.

3. Using ADB to Enable System-Level Desktop Mode

Android has a hidden, native desktop mode feature that has been present since Android 10. It is unfinished and not user-friendly, but it can be enabled via ADB commands. Since you are rooted, you can use a terminal emulator on the phone to enable this.

Command to enable native desktop shell: adb shell settings put global enable_multi_window 1

However, this is highly experimental and often results in a buggy interface. We recommend using Taskbar or Desktop Mode (by Dots) for a polished experience.

Hardware Requirements: Unlocking the Galaxy S10’s Potential

Software is only half the battle. To use any of the alternatives mentioned above, you need the correct hardware setup to connect your Galaxy S10 to an external monitor or TV.

USB-C to HDMI (Wired Connection)

This is the most reliable method for a desktop experience. The Galaxy S10 supports USB 3.1 Gen 1 with DisplayPort Alt Mode over USB-C. This means it can natively output a video signal.

Wireless Display (Miracast)

If you prefer a wireless setup (as the original user asked about), you can use a wireless display adapter.

Restoring Samsung DeX Icons and UI Elements (Magisk Modules)

Many users running Evolution X on the S10 miss the specific visual flair of Samsung DeX, not just the functionality. While we cannot run the official backend, we can visually replicate the look using Magisk Modules.

We host a variety of modules on our Magisk Module Repository that can help with this.

Samsung Experience / One UI Ports

Look for modules that port the Samsung SystemUI or Launcher (OneUI Home) to AOSP ROMs. These modules often include:

By combining a visual overlay with a functional app like Taskbar, you can get a user experience that is 95% identical to the original Samsung DeX.

Native Bridge for Samsung Hardware

Some advanced Magisk modules attempt to bridge the gap between AOSP and Samsung’s hardware drivers. For the S10, this might include modules to fix the UWB (Ultra-Wideband) chip or the Samsung Health monitor. While these do not directly enable DeX, they restore core device functionality that custom ROMs often break.

Step-by-Step Implementation Guide

To ensure you can replicate this successfully, follow this logical flow:

  1. Verify Root and Magisk: Ensure your Galaxy S10 is rooted with Magisk. If not, you must unlock the bootloader (which trips Knox) and flash Magisk via the boot image patching method.
  2. Choose Your Interface: Download Taskbar from the Play Store or F-Droid.
  3. Connect Hardware:
    • Wired: Plug the USB-C Hub (with HDMI and Power) into the phone. Connect the HDMI to your monitor.
    • Wireless: Connect your phone to the same Wi-Fi network as your Smart TV or Chromecast. Use the native Cast feature or the Wireless display option within Taskbar.
  4. Configure Taskbar:
    • Open Taskbar settings.
    • Enable “Start Menu.”
    • Enable “Freeform window support” (this requires ADB or root, which you have).
    • Set the “Launch on Boot” option if you want a kiosk-like setup.
  5. Enhance with Modules: Visit our Magisk Modules repository. Search for “Samsung SystemUI” or “One UI Port” overlays to apply the visual style.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Why Evolution X is a Good Choice for This Setup

Evolution X is actually one of the better custom ROMs for a desktop setup. It is known for its stability, battery optimization, and inclusion of useful features.

Conclusion

While you cannot use the official Samsung DeX on a Galaxy S10 running Evolution X due to the Knox security framework being absent, you are far from being without options. The combination of the S10’s capable hardware, the Android OS’s hidden desktop capabilities, and third-party apps like Taskbar allows you to build a desktop experience that rivals the original. By utilizing a USB-C to HDMI adapter with pass-through charging, or a wireless casting solution, you can unlock the full potential of your device.

We encourage all users in our community to explore the Magisk Modules available on our site to further refine the visual and functional aspects of their setup. The S10 remains a powerhouse, and with the right configuration, it serves as an excellent pocket computer.

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