PC mode on Xiaomi Pad 5: how to turn on and configure to work with the monitor

The Xiaomi Pad 5 is a powerful device that can replace not only a smartphone, but also a full-fledged computer. One of the key features that turn it into a multifunctional gadget is the PC mode (or Desktop Mode), which allows you to connect the tablet to an external monitor, keyboard and mouse, turning it into an analogue of a desktop with a full desktop, application windows and multitasking.

However, many users have difficulty trying to activate this mode (MIUI The process of turning on may be different, or HyperOS, tablet models and even region of purchase. In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to enable PC mode on the Xiaomi Pad 5, as well as the nuances of customization, peripheral compatibility and solving typical problems.

Whether you want to use a tablet as your main working device, connect it to your TV for presentations, or just try out new features, this guide will help you get it right the first time.

What is the PC mode on Xiaomi Pad 5 and why you need it?

PC Mode (or Desktop Mode) is a special interface that transforms the mobile shell. MIUI/HyperOS Adapted for the big screen version with support:

• 🖥️ Windows multitasking – the ability to open multiple apps at the same time, like on Windows or macOS.
• 🖱️ Full support for mouse and keyboard – cursor, hot keys, context menus.
• 📁 File Manager in the style of PC – two-panel mode, drag and drop files, work with archives.
• 🎮 Games and apps in window mode – for example, launching Genshin Impact in the window next to the chat in Telegram.

The main advantage of PC mode is its versatility. You can:

• 💼 Use Xiaomi Pad 5 as a workstation with a connected monitor, keyboard and mouse.
• 🎓 Prepare presentations or training materials by displaying the image on the big screen.
• 🎬 Edit videos or photos in specialized applications with easy management.
• 🕹️ Play mobile games with a keyboard and mouse (for example, in Call of Duty Mobile or in the game). PUBG).

It's important to understand that the PC mode on the Xiaomi Pad 5 is not a full replacement for Windows or Linux. It still runs on Android, so some apps may not support window mode or proper mouse operation, but for most everyday tasks, it's more than enough.

⚠️ Note: Some firmware versions may call PC mode DeX Mode (similar to Samsung DeX) or Second Space. If you don't find PC Mode option, check out these alternative titles.

Requirements for PC mode activation

Before you go to setup, make sure your Xiaomi Pad 5 meets the following requirements:

If your tablet doesn’t meet the minimum requirements, your PC mode can:

• 🐢 Working with lags and braking.
• 🖼️ Do not maintain high resolution on an external monitor.
• 🔌 Incorrectly identify the connected periphery.

And you should pay special attention to the adapter for connecting to the monitor. USB-C → HDMI Often do not support video transfer in PC mode.We recommend using certified hubs from Xiaomi, Baseus or Anker with DisplayPort Alt Mode support.

Method 1: Enabling PC mode through settings (official method)

This is the easiest and most recommended way to activate PC mode, which works on most versions. MIUI and HyperOS. Follow the step-by-step instructions:

1. Open the settings on your Xiaomi Pad 5.
2. Go to Connections and Sharing (or Additional Settings) → PC mode on some firmware).
3. Select PC Mode (can be called DeX Mode or Desktop).
4. Activate the switch Enable PC mode.
5. Connect the tablet to a monitor or TV via an adapter USB-C → HDMI.
6. Wait for the automatic interface switch (it can take up to 10 seconds).

If, after connecting to the monitor, the PC mode is not activated automatically:

• 🔄 Reboot the tablet.
• 🔌 Try another cable or adapter.
• 📱 Check if the power saving mode blocks the connection of external devices (in Settings) → Battery).

Note: On some firmware, the PC Mode option may be hidden, in which case try the alternative methods described below.

Method 2: Developer-Activated (for hidden options)

If you don't have PC Mode in your settings, you can turn it on through the developer menu. MIUI 13/14 and some HyperOS builds.

Steps for activation:

1. Open the Settings. → About the tablet.
2. Press 7 times in a row on the item Version MIUI (Version of HyperOS until you become a developer!.
3. Go back to the main settings menu and open a new section for developers.
4. Find the option Forced to Enable PC Mode (or Force Desktop Mode) and activate it.
5. Connect the tablet to the monitor - the mode should start automatically.

On some firmware, the option may be called force_desktop_mode and require manual command input through ADB. If you don’t find it on the menu, try the following method.

Alternatively, through ADB:

adb shell settings put global force_desktop_mode 1


adb reboot

After executing these commands and restarting, the tablet should automatically switch to PC mode when connected to the monitor.

⚠️ Note: Enabling PC mode through the developer menu may cause some applications to run unstable. If you have lags or errors after activation, return the settings to their original state or follow the command: adb shell settings put global settings force_desktop_mode 0

Method 3: Use of third-party applications (if the official method does not work)

If none of the above methods worked, you can try to activate the PC mode using third-party utilities.

• 📱 Second Screen – a screen duplication application with window mode support.
• 🖥️ Sentio Desktop – an alternative shell with an interface similar to Windows.
• 🔧 Taskbar – Adds Taskbar and Window Mode for any application.

Instructions for setting up through Second Screen:

1. Download and install the app from Google Play.
2. Connect the tablet to the monitor via the adapter.
3. Run Second Screen and select Desktop Mode.
4. Set up screen resolution and zoom under your monitor.

Advantages of third-party solutions:

• ✅ Works on any firmware, including outdated versions MIUI.
• ✅ More opportunities for customization of the interface.
• ✅ Support for additional features (for example, virtual desktops).

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Maybe you should. ROOT-full-time.
• ❌ Not all applications work properly in window mode.
• ❌ Possible delays and lags at high load.

💡

If you use Second Screen, enable Hardware Acceleration in your application settings – this will significantly reduce the delays when displaying an image to an external monitor.

Setting up PC mode: optimization for your tasks

Once you have successfully activated your PC mode, you need to customize it to suit your needs, and here are the key parameters to look out for:

1. Resolution and scaling

By default, the PC mode may use a suboptimal resolution to change it:

1. Connect the tablet to the monitor.
2. Open the Settings → Display → Screen resolution.
3. Select the maximum supported resolution (for example, 1920×1080 or 2560×1440).
4. Adjust the interface scale in Settings → Special facilities → Size of text.

2. Connecting peripherals

For full work in PC mode will require:

• 🖱️ Mouse – both wired and wireless models are supported (via Bluetooth or other devices). USB).
• ⌨️ Keyboard – it is better to use models with a full-size layout (for example, Xiaomi Bluetooth Keyboard).
• 💾 External storage device - flash drive or SSD Expanding memory (connects via hub) USB-C).

To connect the devices:

1. Use the hub. USB-C with multiple ports (recommended by Baseus) 16-in-1 Anker 565).
2. For wireless devices, turn on Bluetooth and perform pairing.
3. Check the operation of hot keys (for example, Alt)+Tab for switching windows).

3. Optimization of productivity

The PC mode can consume more resources than the normal interface, so you can avoid the brakes.

• 🔋 Close the background applications in Settings → Annexes → Launched.
• 🔄 Enable Performance Mode in Settings → Battery → Performance mode.
• 🗑️ Clear the cache in Settings → Warehouse → Cleanup.

• The scale of window animation → Animation disabled
• Scale of transition animation → Animation disabled
• The duration of the animator → Animation disabled

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Typical problems and their solutions

When using the PC mode on the Xiaomi Pad 5, users often encounter typical errors, let’s analyze the most common ones and how to fix them.

If none of the solutions worked, try:

• 🔄 Reset the tablet settings to factory (Settings) → About the tablet → Resetting settings).
• 📥 Install custom firmware with PC mode support (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience).
• 📧 Contact Xiaomi with the tablet model and firmware version.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions