This clever app lets you use Samsung DeX locally on your Galaxy Z Fold

Aug 11, 2026 — 1:59 PM ET

• A new app lets you run Samsung DeX locally on the Galaxy Z Fold without requiring a monitor.
• The app works with Z Fold models running One UI 8 or newer versions, according to the developer.
• It is currently available to try via an APK download, but a Play Store version could land soon.

Samsung DeX is a useful utility that has been around for nearly a decade, letting you turn your Galaxy smartphone into a desktop for the big screen. While this has been its core purpose, there’s no denying that some users, especially those with foldables like one of the Galaxy Z Fold devices, may also enjoy a desktop-like experience directly on their phones. A developer has devised a solution to this with an app that runs DeX locally on Galaxy foldables.

In a post on X, Japanese app developer Nobu has shared a minute-long video of their under-development app, known as DeX Inner Tester, that effectively turns your Galaxy Z Fold into a mini computer. The developer said a Play Store version will be landing soon, with the app currently available through an APK download (Thanks: Dylan H).

【朗報】Galaxy単体でSamsung DeXを起動できるアプリ、作りました！モニター接続不要で、スマホ画面のままDeX環境が使えます。

近日中にPlay Storeへリリース申請予定！

Per users who have tried DeX Inner Tester, it gets some things right but has a few glitches. So far, they’ve discovered that the minimize and close buttons don’t work as they should, which are essential functions for any desktop-related task. With this in mind, this app is probably not suited for everyday use. Moreover, it requires shell access via wireless debugging and accessibility permissions.

Despite some of the shortcomings, this is a solid first attempt at an app that aims to add more utility to your expensive foldable. Testers who are aware of the risks and still curious can check it out right now by downloading the APK file.

The developer has revealed a version of this app for the Galaxy S26, though the instructions in the Discord channel explicitly state that the Galaxy Z Fold is the only compatible device. Hopefully, we’ll hear more about the developer’s plans for Samsung’s slab phones in the not-so-distant future.

It will be interesting to see whether Samsung will come up with ways to limit or block this particular app or build its own version of a locally functioning DeX to render this and any other third-party solutions obsolete.