I turned an old Android tablet into a usable, portable second monitor with nothing more than a free app, a short setup routine, and a willingness to accept a few practical trade-offs—what started as a quick experiment to avoid buying an extra screen became one of the most useful travel productivity tricks I’ve used in months. Repurposing a tablet like the Huawei Honor Pad 8 or any recent 10–12-inch slate gives you a bright, touch-capable display, independent battery power, and genuinely fluid touchscreen input for side panels, chat windows, and reference material. The free ASUS GlideX utility makes the connection surprisingly simple and delivers a usable 1080p at 60 Hz extended display over Wi‑Fi or a lower-latency USB link, with a small set of limits and caveats that every user should understand before relying on it full-time.
Background / Overview
Tablets as portable monitors are an idea that keeps resurfacing because they hit a sweet spot: most midrange and better tablets already ship with FHD or higher screens, they’re lightweight, and they include touch input that many portable monitors lack. Recent software efforts—both proprietary and open source—have turned these screens into genuine second displays by streaming content from a PC to the tablet, allowing you to extend your desktop without HDMI or bulky hardware.
One of the most convenient options right now is
ASUS GlideX, a cross-device screen mirroring and extending tool that runs on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. GlideX’s general (free) mode supports a full HD (1080p) extended display at up to 60 frames per second, and it can work wirelessly over the same local network or by wired USB using Android’s USB debugging interface to eliminate network latency. An “ASUS Exclusive” edition unlocks higher resolutions and more features for certain ASUS-branded device pairings, but for most spreadsheet, chat, and productivity scenarios the free tier is more than adequate.
This article walks through why a tablet can be a better-than-expected second monitor, how to set one up with GlideX (including a USB option for the smoothest experience), practical performance and security trade-offs, alternatives and comparisons, and recommendations for making the most of a repurposed tablet screen.
Why an Android tablet makes sense as a second monitor
The core advantages
- Touch-enabled second screen: Tablets are designed for touch. That means pinch-to-zoom, two-finger scrolling, and direct tap interactions on the extended display—functions that most budget portable monitors don’t provide.
- Independent power: A tablet runs on its own battery, so you don’t have to draw power from your laptop or carry an extra power brick like some portable monitors require.
- High pixel density and color tuning: Even midrange tablets often deliver better pixel density and multimedia tuning than inexpensive portable monitors. For reference material, document reading, and dashboards, the display is often more than sufficient.
- Cost-free reuse: If you already have an old tablet, the incremental cost is zero—this makes trying the idea low-risk compared with buying a dedicated portable display.
When a tablet is not sufficient
- Color-critical work: If you do professional photo or video editing, color accuracy, calibration options, and wide gamut support on stand-alone monitors are superior.
- High-refresh needs: Although some apps and accessories allow higher refresh rates, most tablet-as-monitor setups are capped to 60 Hz by software or connection limits. Fast-paced gaming or motion-critical work will still be better on a purpose-built monitor.
- Plug-and-play simplicity: Dedicated portable monitors are still the simplest “plug HDMI/USB-C and go” option. A tablet requires a software pair and, if you want wired operation, a short sequence of developer-enabled steps.
How GlideX turns your tablet into a second display (step-by-step)
Setting up GlideX is straightforward. The following step-by-step sequence is the practical route that balances speed and reliability.
- Install GlideX on your Windows PC from the Microsoft Store.
- Install the GlideX companion app on your Android tablet (or iOS device) from Google Play or the App Store.
- Decide whether you want Wi‑Fi or USB:
- Wi‑Fi: Make sure both devices are on the same local network (preferably a 5 GHz SSID for bandwidth and latency).
- USB: On Android, enable Developer Options and turn on USB debugging (tap Build Number seven times in Settings > About, then enable USB debugging in Developer Options). This step is required to allow the PC to access the tablet over the cable safely.
- Launch GlideX on both devices. On Windows, open the Cross‑device operation tab, select Extend, and click Search for device.
- Accept the connection prompt on the tablet and authorize any USB debugging trust prompts if using a cable.
- Configure display behavior in GlideX Preferences:
- Choose Dynamic mode to let GlideX adapt quality to network conditions.
- Choose Manual mode to lock resolution and frame rate when your connection is stable.
- Set resolution/frame rate (free general mode supports up to 1080p at 60 FPS).
- Drag windows to the tablet from Windows Display settings or by simply moving an app window off your primary screen to the right/left, depending on your layout.
A few practical tips during setup:
- Use a high-quality USB-C data cable (power-only cables won’t work for USB link mode).
- If you have firewall software, allow GlideX to communicate on private networks so the app can discover devices.
- Disable auto-lock on the tablet or set the display sleep timeout longer while you are using it as a monitor.
Performance, latency, and display quality — what to expect
Wired vs wireless
- USB (wired) mode offers the smoothest, lowest-latency experience because the data path bypasses local Wi‑Fi. For tasks that require responsive interactions—dragging windows, scrolling large documents, drawing with a stylus—USB is the recommended method.
- Wi‑Fi mode is convenient and cable-free. On a capable 5 GHz network and with GlideX’s Dynamic mode enabled, you’ll see perfectly usable performance for typical productivity tasks. Expect occasional dropped frames or micro-stutter on congested networks.
Resolution and refresh caps
- The free GlideX (general) mode reliably supports 1080p at 60 FPS, which covers most productivity use cases. If your tablet actually has a higher native resolution (2K/1440p or 2K+), the app may still limit output to 1080p in the free configuration.
- An ASUS Exclusive plan unlocks higher streaming quality—up to 2K at 60 Hz—but that premium capability is normally tied to specific ASUS device combinations, so it’s not universally available to all users.
Battery and thermal considerations
- Using your tablet as a monitor for extended periods will accelerate battery drain and can raise device temperature, especially under sustained streaming. Keep an eye on battery levels and, if possible, keep a short charging cable handy for long sessions.
Security, privacy, and safety considerations
Turning on features like USB debugging or allowing network screen streaming carries risk if applied without caution. Follow these safety guidelines:
- Only enable USB debugging when needed. USB debugging is a powerful tool that exposes device internals to a connected PC. Turn it off when you’re done, and only accept “Always allow” from computers you truly trust.
- Authorize connections carefully. When GlideX asks for permission on the tablet, verify that the PC name displayed matches the device you’re connecting from.
- Consider network trust level. Avoid using GlideX over public or untrusted Wi‑Fi. If your setup must run over networked Wi‑Fi, prefer a secure, private network or use a wired USB link.
- Be mindful of sensitive windows. Streamed displays mirror whatever you extend—keep secure documents or authentication prompts on your primary screen if risk is a concern.
- Review app permissions and vendor privacy statements. If you plan to rely on any cross-device utility daily, take time to review what device data it may access and store.
If you’re uncomfortable with enabling developer-level features or exposing device content on a LAN, consider dedicated hardware solutions instead.
Troubleshooting: common problems and fixes
- Tablet not found in GlideX:
- Ensure both devices are on the same local network and GlideX is running in the foreground on the tablet (some Android versions restrict background discovery).
- Temporarily disable firewall or create a rule allowing GlideX on private networks.
- USB connection fails:
- Confirm the cable supports data (not all USB-C cables do).
- Make sure USB debugging is enabled and that you accepted the trust prompt on the tablet.
- Install or update PC drivers for your tablet line if Windows doesn’t recognize it as a device.
- Lag or stutter:
- Switch to wired USB mode if possible.
- Move both devices to a 5 GHz Wi‑Fi network and minimize congestion.
- Close background apps on both devices, especially those using CPU or network.
- Display resolution or refresh rate locked:
- Accept the reality of the free tier’s limits (1080p/60Hz). If you need higher fidelity, consider an ASUS-exclusive combination or a different app/paid option that supports higher rates.
- Touch input not working as expected:
- Make sure GlideX’s settings for touch control are enabled and test with different applications—some apps don’t handle external touch inputs identically.
Alternatives to GlideX: options and trade-offs
There are several competing apps and approaches to turning a tablet or smartphone into a second monitor. Each has strengths and weaknesses:
- Spacedesk
- Pros: Free, widely used, supports Windows servers and Android clients.
- Cons: Historically limited to 60Hz and some users report network oddities or changes in licensing behavior; performance depends heavily on local network and device drivers.
- Duet Display
- Pros: Known for polished wired performance and multi-platform support; can offer higher refresh rates on modern hardware.
- Cons: Has moved toward subscription/licensing; some users report reliability or customer/support complaints.
- Deskreen
- Pros: Open-source, browser-based; turns any browser into a viewer; works off-grid.
- Cons: Requires an additional virtual display adapter for a true extended desktop; performance depends on WebRTC and may be less snappy than native apps.
- Splashtop Wired XDisplay / SuperDisplay
- Pros: Focused on wired low-latency connections, decent performance for drawing/sketching.
- Cons: Price and compatibility vary; some cost for advanced features.
Choosing an alternative depends on whether you prioritize free usage, the smoothest wired performance, open-source flexibility, or premium features such as ultra-high refresh rates and professional-grade touch/stylus integration.
Practical advice: getting the best experience
- Use a short, high-quality USB-C cable for wired mode to minimize latency and battery impact.
- Prefer 5 GHz Wi‑Fi for wireless operation and place both devices close to the router for best throughput.
- Disable auto-lock and set the tablet display to remain on while it’s used as a monitor.
- Use a lightweight, foldable tablet stand to set the tablet at eye level and preserve neck posture.
- If you’ll be using the tablet as a touch input frequently, enable a keyboard/mouse unified control option so you can move seamlessly between devices.
- Turn off battery-saving modes on the tablet; they often throttle CPU and network performance.
- Test your favorite workflow (e.g., code + reference docs, image editor + palette, video timeline + comments) to identify which apps feel smooth and which don’t—this will guide whether wired mode or a dedicated monitor is necessary.
Ergonomics, form factor, and real-world use cases
A 10–12-inch tablet is near the sweet spot for a portable second monitor: large enough to show a column of code, a chat and email stack, or reference materials, but small and light enough to slip into a laptop bag. Typical use cases where a tablet second screen excels:
- Reference material — Keep PDFs, chat, documentation, or note apps on the tablet while working full-screen on the main display.
- Chat and comms — Slack, Teams, Discord, and other messaging apps are ideal candidates to move to the tablet.
- Monitoring and dashboards — System monitors, social feeds, or quick-visibility widgets behave well on a tablet.
- Light sketching and markups — If you have a stylus-supported tablet and GlideX’s touch response is low-latency enough, quick markups and annotations work well.
When the tablet is being used as a temporary travel screen, the energy and space trade-offs can be compelling: a compact 10–12" tablet often weighs far less than a similarly sized standalone portable monitor and requires no extra charger in many itineraries.
Cost comparison: DIY tablet vs dedicated portable monitor
- Repurposing an old tablet: free if you already own the device; the only cost is time and, occasionally, a short USB cable or stand.
- Budget portable monitors: current entry-level prices typically run from about $60 to $150 depending on brand, size, and feature set.
- Touch-capable portable monitors: significantly more expensive than non-touch models. Tablets win on touch quality and fluidity for a given price point, especially with midrange or better tablets where touch drivers and displays are optimized.
If you don’t already own a tablet, buying a low-cost dedicated portable monitor might make more sense. But when you do own a tablet, trying this approach first is a no-regret experiment.
When to buy a dedicated portable monitor instead
- You require true color accuracy and hardware calibration for professional graphics work.
- You need higher-than-60Hz refresh for gaming or motion-critical workflows.
- You want guaranteed plug-and-play reliability without the need to pair apps or enable developer settings.
- You need a larger screen area than typical tablets offer or multiple simultaneous external displays.
Dedicated monitors are purpose-built for these needs; tablets are best seen as flexible, low-cost supplements for productivity and travel.
Final verdict: a practical, low-cost productivity boost with manageable trade-offs
Turning an Android tablet into a second monitor is an excellent, low-risk way to extend desktop real estate—particularly for travelers, students, and professionals who need quick access to reference material, chat windows, or monitoring panels. With a free tool like GlideX, you can get a
1080p 60 Hz extended display that supports touch input and works over Wi‑Fi or via a wired USB connection for the smoothest results.
The approach isn’t perfect: you’ll trade off the highest color fidelity, possible native resolution, and the longest battery life. There are also modest security considerations around enabling developer features and streaming across a network. But for the majority of everyday productivity tasks—documents, spreadsheets, messaging, and basic creative work—the tablet-as-monitor solution is compelling, budget-friendly, and extremely portable.
If you already have a tablet collecting dust, try this setup before you spend on a purpose-built portable monitor. Use wired USB mode when you need snappy, reliable behavior, keep an eye on power and temperatures for long sessions, and switch to a dedicated display only when your workflow demands color or refresh rate that the tablet setup can’t provide. The payoff is a smarter, lighter travel kit and a second screen that feels surprisingly natural thanks to the tactile advantage of touch.
Source: MakeUseOf
I turned my old Android tablet into a second monitor for free