Need more screen space on your MacBook but don’t want to spend money on an expensive portable monitor?

If you’re looking for the easiest way to use Android as a second screen for Mac, you’re in the right place. Many Mac users want extra screen space without purchasing an expensive monitor. Fortunately, you can use Android as a second screen for Mac using free tools like Deskreen and DeskPad. Whether you want to use Android as a second screen for Mac with a phone or tablet, this guide will walk you through every step.

If you own an Android phone or tablet, you already have a potential second display sitting right beside you.

Using free open-source tools like Deskreen and DeskPad, you can easily use Android as a second screen for Mac and significantly improve your productivity. Whether you’re a content creator, developer, student, trader, designer, or remote worker, having an additional display can make multitasking much easier.

The best part is that this solution works with both Android phones and Android tablets, requires no subscriptions, and can be set up in just a few minutes.

If you’re building the ultimate Android and macOS workflow, you may also want to check out our guide on Best Android File Transfer Apps for Mac:

Let’s get started.

Table of Contents

Why Use Android as a Second Screen for Mac?

One of the biggest productivity upgrades you can make is adding a second display.

A second screen allows you to:

Keep chat applications visible
Monitor emails
View documentation while coding
Watch tutorials while working
Manage social media dashboards
Track analytics
Reference research materials
Improve multitasking

While dedicated portable monitors are great, they can cost thousands of rupees.

Your Android device can provide many of the same benefits at no additional cost.

Can You Really Use Android as a Second Screen for Mac?

Yes.

Many Mac users assume only iPads can function as secondary displays because of Apple’s Sidecar feature.

Fortunately, Android devices can achieve a very similar experience using third-party software.

With DeskPad creating a virtual monitor and Deskreen streaming that monitor to your Android device, macOS treats your Android phone or tablet as a genuine extended display.

This means you can:

Drag windows onto Android
Move your mouse between screens
Use separate applications
Extend your workspace
Increase productivity

This is much more useful than basic screen mirroring.

What Is Deskreen?

Deskreen is a free and open-source application that allows any device with a web browser to become a secondary screen.

GitHub:

https://github.com/pavlobu/deskreen

Deskreen Features

Open source
Completely free
Browser-based
Wireless connection
Low latency WebRTC streaming
Supports Android phones
Supports Android tablets
Supports macOS

Unlike many paid alternatives, Deskreen does not require subscriptions or accounts.

What Is DeskPad?

DeskPad creates virtual monitors on macOS.

GitHub:

https://github.com/Stengo/DeskPad

DeskPad Features

Creates virtual displays
Lightweight
Free
Open source
Works alongside Deskreen
Enables extended display mode

Without DeskPad, macOS does not have an extra monitor available for Deskreen to stream.

DeskPad solves this problem by creating a virtual monitor that macOS recognizes as a real display.

How Deskreen and DeskPad Work Together

The setup works like this:

Step 1

DeskPad creates a virtual monitor.

Step 2

macOS recognizes the virtual monitor.

Step 3

Deskreen detects the monitor.

Step 4

Deskreen streams the display over Wi-Fi.

Step 5

Your Android device receives the display.

Step 6

You now have a fully functional second screen.

The experience is surprisingly close to Apple’s Sidecar feature.

Android Phone vs Android Tablet as a Second Screen

Both devices work well.

However, each has different strengths.

Android Phone

Perfect for:

WhatsApp Web
Slack
Discord
Spotify
Calendar
Email
ChatGPT
Notes

Even older Android phones can be repurposed into useful productivity displays.

If you frequently share your Android display with your Mac, you may also enjoy our guide on:

How to Mirror Android to Mac

Android Tablet

Perfect for:

Research
Coding documentation
Browsers
Video editing assets
Analytics dashboards
Design references

A tablet feels much closer to a traditional monitor and is generally the better option.

System Requirements

Mac Requirements

macOS Monterey or newer
Stable Wi-Fi connection
Administrator access

Android Requirements

Android 8.0 or newer
Chrome or modern browser
Same Wi-Fi network as Mac

How to Use Android as a Second Screen for Mac

Step 1: Install DeskPad

Download DeskPad from GitHub.

Install the application and launch it.

Create a virtual monitor.

To confirm it is working:

System Settings → Displays

You should now see an additional monitor.

Step 2: Configure Display Position

Inside macOS Display Settings:

Arrange the monitor:

Right
Left
Above
Below

Most users prefer placing it on the right side.

Step 3: Install Deskreen

Download Deskreen from GitHub.

Launch the application.

You will see:

QR code
Local network URL

Keep this screen open.

Step 4: Connect Your Android Device

Open Chrome on Android.

Scan the QR code.

Or enter the local URL manually.

The device should connect immediately.

Step 5: Approve the Connection

Deskreen will display a confirmation request.

Click Allow.

Step 6: Select the Virtual Display

Choose:

Entire Screen

Select the virtual monitor created by DeskPad.

Do not select your primary Mac display.

Step 7: Start Using Android as a Second Monitor

The display should now appear on Android.

You can drag windows to the Android screen exactly as you would with a physical monitor.

Congratulations.

You are now successfully using Android as a second screen for Mac.

Best Productivity Uses for Android as a Second Screen

Content Writing

Keep research tabs on Android while writing on Mac.

Content creators may also enjoy our article on:

Best Android Apps for Mac Users

Programming

Place documentation, GitHub repositories, and Stack Overflow on the Android display.

Video Editing

Keep assets and references visible while editing.

Social Media Management

Monitor messages and analytics without cluttering your main display.

Stock Trading

Track charts and market data on Android while executing trades on Mac.

Performance Optimization Tips

For the smoothest experience:

Use 5GHz Wi-Fi

This reduces latency and improves responsiveness.

Stay Close to the Router

Signal quality directly impacts performance.

Lower Display Resolution

Useful on slower networks.

Close Unnecessary Applications

Reduces CPU usage.

Keep Software Updated

Always install the latest versions.

Common Problems and Fixes

Android Device Not Connecting

Check:

Same Wi-Fi network
Browser compatibility
Firewall settings
VPN interference

Black Screen

Usually caused by:

Wrong monitor selected
DeskPad not running

Restart both applications.

High Latency

Try:

Switching to 5GHz Wi-Fi
Moving closer to router
Reducing display resolution

Cursor Won’t Move to Android Screen

Adjust display arrangement inside macOS settings.

Deskreen vs Duet Display

Feature	Deskreen	Duet Display
Free	Yes	No
Open Source	Yes	No
Subscription Required	No	Yes
Android Support	Yes	Yes
Wireless Support	Yes	Yes
Community Driven	Yes	No

Looking for additional Android-Mac tools?

Why This Is One of the Best Free Mac Productivity Hacks

Most people already own an Android device.

Instead of spending money on another display, you can repurpose hardware you already have.

This setup is especially useful for:

Students
Digital nomads
Bloggers
Developers
Remote workers
Entrepreneurs
Content creators

For occasional productivity needs, Deskreen and DeskPad provide exceptional value.

Final Verdict

If you’re searching for the easiest way to use Android as a second screen for Mac, the combination of Deskreen and DeskPad is currently one of the best free solutions available.

After testing multiple solutions, we found that the most reliable way to use Android as a second screen for Mac is by combining DeskPad and Deskreen. This setup allows you to use Android as a second screen for Mac wirelessly while maintaining excellent performance. Whether you want to use Android as a second screen for Mac using a Samsung phone, Google Pixel, OnePlus device, or Android tablet, the process remains largely the same.

DeskPad creates a virtual monitor that macOS treats as a physical display, while Deskreen streams that monitor to your Android phone or tablet through your browser.

The setup is:

Free
Open source
Wireless
Easy to configure
Compatible with Android phones
Compatible with Android tablets

Whether you’re writing content, coding applications, editing videos, managing social media, or simply looking for more workspace, this setup can dramatically improve your productivity without costing anything.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an Android phone as a second screen for Mac?

Yes. Deskreen and DeskPad allow Android phones to function as secondary displays for macOS.

Can I use an Android tablet as a second monitor?

Yes. Tablets generally provide the best experience because of their larger screens.

Is Deskreen free?

Yes. Deskreen is completely free and open source.

Is DeskPad free?

Yes. DeskPad is also free and open source.

Does this work wirelessly?

Yes. Both devices only need to be connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

Is this better than a portable monitor?

For occasional use and travel, yes. For professional daily use, a dedicated monitor may still provide the best experience.