Old Tablet as Monitor? Free Apps That Work

Updated 6 November 2026 · Standard formula, shown below

Yes, free apps can turn an old tablet into a portable monitor for a laptop or desktop computer. These apps use a network connection (Wi-Fi or USB) to send the computer’s display to the tablet, and the tablet acts as a second screen. The most reliable free options are Spacedesk (Windows only), and for broader compatibility, Duet Display and Twomon SE offer limited free trials, while a few open-source tools like Deskreen work over a web browser.

What These Apps Actually Do

These apps turn your tablet into a second display by creating a virtual monitor on your computer. The app on the PC renders a virtual display, then streams that video data to the tablet app over your local network. The tablet shows the stream and sends back touch input (if the app supports it). The result is a functional second screen, not just a remote desktop session.

The key difference from remote-desktop tools like TeamViewer or Chrome Remote Desktop is that these apps are designed for low-latency, high-frame-rate display extension. They treat the tablet as a true monitor, so you can drag windows across, watch video, or use drawing apps with a stylus.

How to Set It Up (General Steps)

Install the server app on your computer – for Spacedesk, download the Windows driver from the official site. For Deskreen, install the desktop app (Windows, macOS, Linux).
Install the client app on your tablet – search the app store for the matching client (Spacedesk Viewer is on Android and iOS; Deskreen uses a web browser).
Connect both devices to the same Wi-Fi network – a 5 GHz network is best for lower latency.
Launch the server, then open the client – the tablet should detect the computer automatically. Tap the connection.
Adjust display settings – on Windows, go to Display Settings and arrange the monitors to match the physical position of your tablet.
For lower latency, use a USB cable – Spacedesk supports USB tethering on Android (enable USB debugging and select “USB tethering� in the app).

Choosing the Right App for Your Setup

Your choice depends on your devices and what you need:

Spacedesk – Free, works with Windows PCs and Android/iOS tablets. It supports both Wi-Fi and USB. The free version has no time limit, but it shows ads on the tablet and lacks some advanced features like 120 Hz refresh on non-Pro versions.
Deskreen – Open-source and free, works with any device that has a web browser (including tablets, phones, and even other computers). It can share the whole screen or a specific window. Latency is higher than Spacedesk.
Duet Display – Paid (around $10), but offers a free trial. It works with Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, and is known for very low latency over USB. The trial is limited in time, not features.
Twomon SE – Paid, but has a free trial. Primarily for iOS and Android with Windows/macOS. It supports USB and Wi-Fi.
SuperDisplay – Paid (around $10), Android only, but excellent for drawing with a stylus due to very low latency. No free version.

For a purely free, no-frills solution, Spacedesk is the best choice for Windows users. If you need macOS support or a cross-platform option, Deskreen is the only free one that works with any OS.

Common Problems and How to Fix Them

Tablet not detecting the PC – Ensure both devices are on the same network. Disable any VPN or firewall that might block local traffic. Try restarting both apps.
High latency or lag – Use a 5 GHz Wi-Fi network, or better, connect via USB. Close other bandwidth-hogging apps. Lower the resolution on the tablet app (e.g., 720p instead of 1080p).
Display is stretched or wrong resolution – In Windows Display Settings, set the resolution to match the tablet’s native resolution (e.g., 1920×1080 for a 10-inch tablet).
Touch input not working – Check the app settings – some apps require you to enable “touch input� or “pen input� in the server settings. Also, ensure the tablet’s screen is not locked.
Audio not playing through tablet – Most of these apps do NOT transmit audio. You’ll need a separate audio solution (e.g., Bluetooth speakers or a headphone jack).
Battery drain – The tablet will drain quickly. Keep it plugged in during use.

Performance and Limitations

Latency is the biggest factor. Over Wi-Fi, you can expect 30-60 ms of delay, which is fine for productivity but not for fast-paced gaming. Over USB, latency drops to 10-20 ms, making it usable for drawing or even light gaming. Frame rate is typically capped at 30 or 60 fps, depending on the app and your network.

These apps do not transmit audio. They only send video and touch input. For audio, you’ll need a separate solution like Bluetooth or a cable.

Also, the tablet must be powered on and the app running. You cannot use the tablet’s own apps while it’s acting as a monitor – it becomes a dedicated display.

Alternatives to Free Apps

If you find the free options lacking, consider these alternatives:

Paid apps – Duet Display, SuperDisplay, and Twomon SE offer lower latency and more features for a one-time fee (typically $10). They are worth it if you need reliable performance for professional work.
Hardware solutions – A dedicated portable monitor (like a 15.6-inch USB-C monitor) costs around $100-$200 but offers zero latency, better resolution, and no software dependencies.
Use the tablet as a standalone device – Instead of a second monitor, use the tablet for email, notes, or media while you work on the PC. This is free and often more practical.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to use these apps?

Yes, generally. The apps are widely used and do not require root or jailbreak. However, they do receive and send data over your network. For security, use a trusted app like Spacedesk, and avoid using them on public Wi-Fi. The apps do not transmit your data to external servers; the connection is direct between your devices.

Can I use an iPad as a monitor for a Windows PC?

Yes. Spacedesk has an iOS client, and Duet Display also works with iPad. However, the iPad version of Spacedesk is not as feature-rich as the Android version (e.g., no USB tethering on iOS). Duet Display is generally better for iPad.

Do these apps work with macOS?

Yes, but with limitations. Spacedesk does not have a macOS server (only Windows). For macOS, you can use Deskreen (which runs on macOS) or paid apps like Duet Display and Twomon SE. Deskreen works via a web browser on the tablet, so it is compatible with any tablet.

Will these apps work if my tablet is old or has a low-resolution screen?

Yes, they will work, but the experience may be poor. An old tablet with a low-resolution screen (e.g., 1024×768) will show a blurry image when used as a 1080p monitor. Also, older tablets may have slower Wi-Fi chips, leading to higher latency. It’s best to use a tablet from the last 5 years.

Can I use the tablet as a monitor for a gaming console?

No, these apps only work with computers (Windows, macOS, Linux). They cannot receive video from a gaming console like a PS5 or Xbox. For that, you would need a capture card or a dedicated portable monitor.

Is there a way to get audio through the tablet?

No, not with these apps. They are designed for video and touch input only. You can use the tablet’s speakers for other purposes (like music), but the computer’s audio will not play through the tablet unless you use a separate audio streaming app like SoundWire.

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