# GrapheneOS Desktop Mode **URL:** https://discuss.privacyguides.net/t/grapheneos-desktop-mode/28826 **Category:** Tool Suggestions **Tags:** waiting **Created:** 2025-07-02T19:21:42Z **Posts:** 57 ## Post 1 by @anonymous261 — 2025-07-02T19:21:42Z ### Website > **[GrapheneOS: the private and secure mobile OS](https://grapheneos.org)** > > GrapheneOS is a security and privacy focused mobile OS with Android app compatibility. ### Short description You can display GrapheneOS phones that are Pixel 8 and later, onto an external monitor. It will have a desktop-like view, and you can use GrapheneOS like a desktop operating system. ### Why I think this tool should be added I don’t think this should be recommended right now due to current GrapheneOS and AOSP uncertainties; also, Linux VMs are still experimental. However, I think this could be a really good option once those uncertainties are cleared up and Linux VMs have reached an adequate state. Desktop Mode brings mobile OS security for desktop use, and once Linux VMs are ready, Desktop Mode will have nearly every feature you need from a desktop OS. It can also help for those on a budget, because you don’t need to buy an extra laptop or PC. Instead, you can just use your GOS phone with something like a NexDock. ### Section on Privacy Guides Desktop Operating Systems --- ## Post 2 by @micdan — 2025-07-02T19:36:07Z But GrapheneOS isn’t a desktop OS, it’s desktop functionality is just a feature. --- ## Post 3 by @CarefulMouse — 2025-07-02T20:55:39Z Is this a relatively new addition? I haven’t heard about it until today. What do you think of it so far? --- ## Post 4 by @anonymous261 — 2025-07-02T21:13:12Z It’s not a dedicated desktop OS, but it may soon be suited to replace desktop OSs. But I understand that it would still be important to emphasize that GrapheneOS desktop mode is vastly different from traditional PC setups --- ## Post 5 by @anonfox — 2025-07-02T21:33:44Z How will a desktop linux VM in GrapheneOS be more secure than a desktop linux distro on bare metal? Will it benefit from MTE, PAC, IBT, etc? --- ## Post 6 by @anonymous261 — 2025-07-02T21:42:30Z I would think the VM would be sandboxed, sort of like ChromeOS’s Crostini. Running on an Android phone, it would also have a more secure bootloader and hardware. Still, you could just use Android apps instead of Linux apps, like Feeder instead of NewsFlash. --- ## Post 7 by @thewanderer — 2025-07-03T00:24:54Z I’m looking forward to developments here also. For those wanting to know more. Here[1] is the android AVF spec, and here[2] is a blog post talking about the security of pKVM within the AVF framework. [1] [Android Virtualization Framework (AVF) overview  |  Android Open Source Project](https://source.android.com/docs/core/virtualization) [2] [Why AVF? - by Dave Kleidermacher - DaveK's Newsletter](https://davek.substack.com/p/why-avf) --- ## Post 8 by @thewanderer — 2025-07-03T00:27:48Z On a side note, not really privacy related, but you could incorporate it with a XReal[3] and BT keyboard and not even need a monitor. [3] [Coding Without a Laptop - Two Weeks with AR Glasses and Linux on Android | Hold The Robot](https://holdtherobot.com/blog/2025/05/11/linux-on-android-with-ar-glasses/) --- ## Post 9 by @iluvprivacy — 2025-07-03T04:20:14Z If it’s actually usable and can replace a PC then that would be amazing. I can do most of everything on the web and there are some great FOSS out there. Android and Graphene just need to implement it well. --- ## Post 10 by @anonymous363 — 2025-07-03T14:15:15Z > [@micdan](#): > > But GrapheneOS isn’t a desktop OS This. As a tool suggestion this should be rejected. Might be nice to move the thread to general as the feature is an interesting topic. --- ## Post 11 by @anon42475305 — 2025-07-03T16:40:55Z I personally think this should probably be marked as #waiting for the time being. These features are still fairly far from being mature. We should at least wait until Android 16 QPR1 arrives with the overhauled desktop mode. --- ## Post 12 by @KevPham — 2025-07-03T17:00:23Z > [@phnx](#): > > Android 16 QPR1 Agreed. Even when this overhaul comes out, I would want to at least have someone test out a sample setup and attempt everyday tasks with it. --- ## Post 13 by @anonymous261 — 2025-07-04T02:36:42Z If and when Desktop Mode gets added, I believe it could be suitable to be one of the recommended OSs for beginners. Android is easier to use than GNU/Linux, and using a typical distro in GrapheneOS involves VMs, making it harder for beginners to mess up their system. Fedora Workstation is accessible on far more devices, so it would still have its place. --- ## Post 14 by @anon39279085 — 2025-07-04T08:15:54Z It is really nice but one thing to keep in mind is that it still will not replace something like my x86 desktop due to gaming Yes, it can play some of the mobile games but not it will not play steam games properly yet, not to mention mobile counterparts being different from desktop (eg. Zenless has unlimited framerate, set that with V-sync and it’s smooth, High Global Illumination, etc. Things that are not present on the Mobile version). I am not saying it can’t replace it nor is it viable but unless something happens we should be mindful of that. --- ## Post 15 by @anon42475305 — 2025-07-04T20:58:44Z I don’t agree that gaming should be a consideration, that being said it’s already possible to run desktop Minecraft within the new terminal app. Desktop games are often extremely invasive and platform specific so you should either use a console or a dedicated Windows PC. --- ## Post 16 by @imstupid — 2025-11-04T15:06:07Z I have no competence in the matter but just want to add a late user perspective. We have decided microsoft can no longer be trusted. We need security for our patents, development and documentation. Right now Im writing this from a android desktop and it works great. We have isolated internet access to only phones and have removed all wireless networks and external access points as hackers now are using ai tools no one will be able keeping up with. Only a few wired core networks are left. While samsung dex works good we still dont trust them because of samsungs associations and incorporations with microsoft and google. Graphene is highly interesting if it develops to units with memory cards and desktop function for external displays (usb 3.1) but needs to be completed with a informative opensnitch/network sniffer. We have learned the hard way sd cards always survives whatever happens to the phone as long as the phone is retrivable and not completely molten or sunk in great depths. Retrieving data from a smashed phone is time consuming compared to just moving the memory card to the new phone(yes we have backup regime for several reasons) and saving our data to a cloud is not a safe option. Soo… desktop function would make graphene interesting for consumers outside your niche but it dont need the bling samsung added to it, a windows 3.11/aosp base desktop experience is sufficient as this is a work tool I never want to see on my free time. As comparison this forum is decorated close to the limit of trustworthiness(camouflaging incompetence with makeup). As I now made you very upset I propose before you catched your breath it is a good idea making a graphene version for x64 as the plethora of user apps easily outcompetes microsoft. Now let the hrumpfs hail down on me. In all kindness. // I. Stupid. --- ## Post 17 by @Libre_Software_Enjoyer — 2025-11-04T17:20:57Z Their would be any enhancements needed to make this a usable experience. --- ## Post 18 by @Encounter5729 — 2025-11-04T21:45:08Z It make sense as Google hasn’t released the code source of QPR1 yet, which is the Android update which contains the new Desktop Mode. --- ## Post 19 by @jonah — 2025-11-04T23:32:53Z > [@imstupid](#): > > As I now made you very upset I propose before you catched your breath it is a good idea making a graphene version for x64 as the plethora of user apps easily outcompetes microsoft. This is not a GrapheneOS forum, just to be clear. You probably want to request new features at [https://discuss.grapheneos.org/](https://discuss.grapheneos.org/) --- ## Post 20 by @imstupid — 2025-11-05T11:00:12Z Thank you Jonah for message. My apologies for my mistake, your site came up in my search engine while looking for other topics. Please delete my irrelevant post. --- ## Post 21 by @Libre_Software_Enjoyer — 2025-11-06T19:54:34Z > [@Encounter5729](#): > > It make sense as Google hasn’t released the code source of QPR1 yet, which is the Android update which contains the new Desktop Mode. Thank you for pointing this out. --- ## Post 22 by @anon36227541 — 2025-11-06T21:31:40Z Do you know when they will release it? --- ## Post 23 by @tauiode — 2025-11-06T22:16:04Z Hell no! Can you imagine having the situation we have now with android on your desktop as well? It’s bad enough having the big G holding the gun to our heads as it is. Also android was designed with mobiles and spyware in mind, just take a look at the apps list if you don’t believe me. There is very little in the way of commercial, engineering or scientific software of the kind most people need a desktop for in the way of solving the kind of tasks that ultimately pay the bills. Sure…. if you only need a desktop for surfing, chatting or playing games on then go ahead knock yourself out, but be prepared for the stress of knowing that screwgle can pull the plug on you any time they please. --- ## Post 24 by @anon36227541 — 2025-11-07T04:04:58Z Bit hard to read this, but are you talking about DIY-ness of desktop computers vs smartphone hardware? --- ## Post 25 by @tauiode — 2025-11-07T06:46:27Z It’s the inherent ‘DIY-ness’ of the Linux desktop that makes it what it is. As for mobile hardware you’re just as likely to find a Snapdragon on the space station as you are on the street. Only major difference is the one on the street was designed with everything from the kernel up that you are likely to need when you’re away from your desktop. Hence the reason as to why linux phones are way behind android in terms of tractability. The same applies to android when you reverse the situation in that linux has already established itself as not only the king of desktop, but also a whole myriad of other specialist devices. Everything from ATM’s to missile control systems. Even more importantly no one large corporate holds the keys to that kingdom giving them the power with which to coerce and blackmail you into using their products and services. I don’t give a damn as to whether screwgle release desktop android, I already know where my bread is best buttered. Android in its original form was innovative linux at its best but it has been hijacked by the bad guys. Get used to it. --- ## Post 26 by @Encounter5729 — 2025-11-07T08:16:06Z > [@anon36227541](#): > > Do you know when they will release it? They will release QPR2 in early December. So if Google doesn’t release QPR1 by then, it would be pretty much dead. So I would except it before, if Google is still commited to AOSP. --- ## Post 27 by @KevPham — 2025-11-12T22:30:48Z With the release of [QPR1](https://discuss.privacyguides.net/t/android-16-qpr1-source-released/32742) and pending GOS support, it might be worthwhile to revisit Desktop mode and see how the new features are implemented. Also, good news for Android and ARM-based Linux distributions as apparently Valve [got SteamOS working on the Snapdragon](https://www.theverge.com/news/818698/valve-steamos-arm-potential-handhelds-laptops)gen 3 via an emulator called [Fex](https://www.tomshardware.com/peripherals/gaming-headsets/hands-on-with-valves-new-steam-frame-headset-arm-powered-mixed-mode-device-uses-new-fex-translation-layer-for-traditional-x86-games). This is all speculation of course, but we may see increased support for x86 native apps on Android…specifically on the supposed new OEM device that GOS plans to support. That may take years of development though, so I don’t expect a future Snapdragon-based GOS phone to reach feature parity anytime soon. --- ## Post 28 by @anon39279085 — 2025-11-13T16:39:02Z Correction Valve’s Steam Frame actually uses An 8 Gen 3 **NOT an 8 Elite** and is a vr headset making it a kind of unique SteamOS. And it is confirmed valve uses FEX for the emulation layer for x86 windows code/native apps to Linux ARM and Valve has contributed significantly to the FEX Project. Overall if it means for the possibility to Play games and run desktop software (like Zen Browser to put one example since this one doesn’t even have a mobile browser) like how Proton is for x86 PCs, I’m in, that assumes though that Google’s Tensor chips performance matched with the big players (Mediatek Dimensity 9000 series, Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 series) but they do not unfortunately. But what valve is doing has potential for average use but also gaming phones/flagships to finally get the shine they needed. On the subject of QPR1 Source Code: Finally! --- ## Post 29 by @KevPham — 2025-11-13T17:07:35Z Oh thanks for the correction. I sometimes make weird typos here so appreciate the heads up! > [@anon39279085](#): > > Overall if it means for the possibility to Play games and run desktop software (like Zen Browser to put one example since this one doesn’t even have a mobile browser) like how Proton is for x86 PCs, Not sure how FEX will work on current GOS Pixel models. Is it possible to install it and test it out? Or would the OEM need to enable it on the device itself and configure it? We may need to wait until FEX becomes a standard and every single Android OEM decides to compete with the desktop/laptop market lol. --- ## Post 30 by @Encounter5729 — 2025-11-17T11:29:07Z I am testing it right now. Definitely beta feeling. -If you take a screenshot with the keyboard key, but the screenshot pop up on the phone, so any modification like cropping or drawring will need to be done on the phone. -When you select an input field. a virtual keyboard will appear even if you have a keyboard connected. It goes away when you start typing -No way to lower the screen brigthness. It’s way too bright for my taste, especially when viewing documents with a white background. I also can’t seem to be able to access my notifications, and there is no way to see all my open apps except in the taskbar (no overview). Still a huge improvement compared to before, but not ready to recommend it. Still in developper options for a reason. --- ## Post 31 by @anon39279085 — 2025-11-17T11:40:52Z > [@Encounter5729](#): > > -When you select an input field. a virtual keyboard will appear even if you have a keyboard connected. It goes away when you start typing That’s not a bug or glitch, that’s intentional. Even with Samsung DeX or not and iOS/iPadOS does this --- ## Post 32 by @user1 — 2025-11-17T12:00:07Z > [@Encounter5729](#): > > I am testing it right now. Definitely beta feeling. How are you testing it? GOS QPR1 is not out yet. edit: nevermind, I just saw GOS announcement > **[GrapheneOS (@grapheneos.org)](https://bsky.app/profile/grapheneos.org/post/3m5svozasds2x)** > > Releases of GrapheneOS based on Android 16 QPR1 are available for public testing. These are highly experimental and aren't being pushed out via the Alpha channel yet. Join our testing chat room if you have a spare device you can use to help with... --- ## Post 33 by @Encounter5729 — 2025-11-17T15:17:34Z > [@anon39279085](#): > > That’s not a bug or glitch, that’s intentional. This doesn’t make sense if there is a keyboard connected. It could popup on the phone if you use the two silmutaneously, but not on the external screen. --- ## Post 34 by @anon39279085 — 2025-11-17T16:25:41Z if it pops up on the external screen that is considered a bug, if its on the internal screen it isn’t yes. And it makes sense as I have personally even if not often needed the virtual keyboard over the physical. --- ## Post 35 by @Encounter5729 — 2025-11-17T19:10:31Z It does pop up on the external screen, meaning on the big screen, not on the phone screen. --- ## Post 36 by @anon39279085 — 2025-11-17T19:11:10Z Gotcha, thanks for clarifying. Yes I can very much consider this a bug that the keyboard appears on the external screen --- ## Post 37 by @TinFoilHat — 2025-11-17T22:26:49Z > [@anon39279085](#): > > Yes I can very much consider this a bug that the keyboard appears on the external screen IIRC there is a toggles somewhere to change the behaviour. > **[How to Hide Android On-Screen Keyboard When Using External Keyboard](https://www.guidingtech.com/19202/hide-on-screen-keyboard-android-external/)** > > Here's how you can easily hide the on-screen keyboard on your Android device when you're using an external keyboard with it. --- ## Post 38 by @Encounter5729 — 2025-11-18T10:45:25Z This doesn’t appear on Pixel. Maybe for Samsung phones? --- ## Post 39 by @TinFoilHat — 2025-11-18T10:55:44Z Just noticed [GOS Team released A16 QPR1 builds](https://grapheneos.org/releases#2025111800), will look into the keyboard toggle when the build reaches stable channel. --- ## Post 40 by @anon73250778 — 2025-11-23T11:52:02Z Graphene just updated on my phone and the UI changed completely. Checking out if this is has the GOS Desktop mode now. --- ## Post 41 by @TinFoilHat — 2025-11-23T16:54:53Z Did a quick test after updating to [GOS 2025112100](https://grapheneos.org/releases#2025112100), here are my first impressions: The Goods: 1. Second screen does appear to be more desktop-like, at least you have a proper task bar 2. App drawers, navigation keys, opened apps, app window sizing, screen spliting improved a lot. 3. Some apps works quite nicely on desktop mode. Like molly, newpipe, forkgram The mah: 1. Phone screen still has to be on in order to use second screen 2. External keyboard and mouses can’t move freely between phone and second screen, many time I “acidentally” “moved” my keyboard to phone screen and never “move” it back to second screen, you have to unplug and replug to “move” them back. 3. Keyboard shortcuts are unreilable: I am not sure if it is related to what apps in in foreground (some apps might restrict screenshots, yeah, but then why “windows key” stopped working as well?). In my quick test, alt-tab mostly works, windows key works 10% of the time, screenshot depends on your foreground apps, volume control works, “copy and paste” and “cut” mostly works. “Task-kill i.e. alt+F4” does not work, “Close tab i.e. CTRL+W” does not work. I might need to look for sources about what shortkeys works on android. (Update: under system-\>keyboard-\>physical keyboard, you can see available keyboard shortcuts.) 4. Phone screen is stuck on vertical when second screen is active, even with auto-rotate enabled. 5. All external keyboard keys only affects / works on the screen it is registered to, for instance, if your keyboard is interacting with second screen, when you press printscreen key, it will only capture second screen, no options. 6. When interacting with apps on second screen, the 3 navigation buttons doesn’t seem to work, I don’t even know how to go back to previous page. I tried different ways, ended up just close the app and restart it. 7. My second screen background is solidfilled with light grey, not sure how I could change that yet. 8. I have no clue how I could trigger quick tiles from second screen. 9. Some of my PWAs does not scale properly, like PG forum, everything just looks huge, font size is like 48, I have no idea how to adjust that. 10. If your keyboard has volume control and you use it, the volume slider will only appear on phone screen. 11. Sometimes keyboard imput just randomly jumps to other location, couldn’t figure out why. 12. Minor UI defects like the numbers in bettery icon gets overlapped, the interacting with 3 navigation buttons (which does not work), they whole taskbar flashes, overall UI and app scaleing is werid and non-adjustable. 13. Notifications seems not poping up on second screen. 14. My primary input method does not blend well with physical keyboard, nor second scren. If you pick the default keyboard, it does not seems to pop up with you select text box on second screen though) 15. Desktop mode is still hidden in developer menu, also you need to relax your USB protection in order to use it. (It makes sense though, but I would really love if ther is a way we could get around the USB protection settings.) For this single reason, I don’t think I would use it if I a) use public USB charging port a lot, or b) I have a higher threat model. * * * Overall, improvement is quite huge as it becomes much more usable than before, still it is very unreliable and raw, I would say it is still on POC stage. TBH I am quite disappointed with AOSP’s progress on desktop mode. Anyone who wants to get rid of Smasung Dex and jump to AOSP desktop mode, sorry you need to wait “quite a bit” longer. --- ## Post 42 by @user1 — 2025-11-23T19:12:29Z > [@TinFoilHat](#): > > Desktop mode is still hidden in developer menu, also you need to relax your USB protection in order to use it I didn’t have to touch USB settings to use Desktop mode, are you sure? --- ## Post 43 by @anon42475305 — 2025-11-23T19:16:20Z Some users (like myself) set the USB port to charging-only or disable it entirely since we don’t have a use case requiring it. I assume this is what they are referring to. --- ## Post 44 by @user1 — 2025-11-23T19:19:59Z Mmm, I have it set to charging-only when locked, except bfu --- ## Post 45 by @TinFoilHat — 2025-11-23T19:21:44Z same here, sorry I should have been more specific --- ## Post 46 by @Encounter5729 — 2025-11-23T19:34:39Z > [@TinFoilHat](#): > > Some of my PWAs does not scale properly, like PG forum, everything just looks huge, font size is like 48, I have no idea how to adjust that. Try enabling Desktop Site on your browser. Hopefully in the future this is automatic. --- ## Post 47 by @anon42475305 — 2025-11-23T21:30:50Z That’s less secure than the default, may I ask why? --- ## Post 48 by @user1 — 2025-11-24T07:46:39Z I think it was the default setting when the feature was introduced and then later it was hardened, I’ll have to consider to change it. My only concern is what if my screen get damaged and I can’t access the phone without and external mouse/keyboard/pc? :thinking: I also use an audio dongle to connect my headphone but that is not a great deal. --- ## Post 49 by @TinFoilHat — 2025-11-24T08:00:01Z /s pay for a screen replacement. /s. Joking aside, IIRC if you enable desktop experience, currently you cannot unlock the device by “typing” your password / pin. Maybe it is different if you simply mirror the screen. --- ## Post 50 by @Encounter5729 — 2026-03-19T16:01:33Z Just tested it on Graphene OS latest. Here are things that are still annoying/buggy. Summary is that so many small things just kill the workflow. - Still need to enable developer options and reboot after. - Web Apps still are nowhere to be seen - UI on IronFox (likely Firefox as well) is still horrendous. When you type a new URL, suggestions take the entire screen. - Brave is better, suggestions take perhaps 1/3-1/4 of screen, similar to desktop. -After exiting Desktop mode, I can’t type on Brave URL bar anymore. Keyboard doesn’t pop when I click on the URL bar. Edit: Solved by closing the app. Wifi issues: Context: I have a Pixel 9. Place with “1 bar” 5ghz wifi reception. Android still does this weird behavior: - When looking for Wi-Fi,it will give full power to chip, and detect the wifi and connect. But then, it decides : no, less power is fine. And therefore the phone is disconnected from Wi-Fi. (Could be wrong on the reasons behind the issue, but the result is the same : My laptop with older hardware has more stable connection) --- ## Post 51 by @dadnerd — 2026-03-19T16:10:09Z I use web apps in GOS desktop mode on Pixel 9. I’ve moved almost all my computing to desktop mode. The only stuff I do on a laptop still are stuff like streaming, gaming, and casual web browsing. It actually feels like a rally good segregation of my “riskier" tasks. I’m curious to see if they’ll fix the major bugs in the Android 17 release. If so, this is totally ready to recommend. --- ## Post 52 by @Encounter5729 — 2026-03-19T19:28:49Z > [@dadnerd](#): > > web apps in GOS desktop mode on Pixel 9 The one I have do not show up on the screen. --- ## Post 53 by @dadnerd — 2026-03-19T19:53:51Z It treats them as an instance of Vanadium, so when you click to open it thinks it’s already open. This is definitely a glitch they need to fix. I pin them to my task bar, and then right click and select open new window (I forget the exact wording) and they open as they should. --- ## Post 54 by @TinFoilHat — 2026-03-19T20:25:09Z GrapheneOS is not QPR3 yet, so i would not assume there is big improvement over the initial qpr2 release. --- ## Post 55 by @anon42475305 — 2026-03-19T20:26:30Z QPR1 and QPR3 are Pixel exclusive now, so we will have to wait for Android 17. --- ## Post 56 by @Encounter5729 — 2026-03-19T20:38:32Z Are they ? QPR1 was open-sourced. Have I missed an announcement? --- ## Post 57 by @user1 — 2026-03-19T20:56:45Z Yep, [here](https://source.android.com/docs).