Last updated: October 6th, 2026 at 16:00 UTC+02:00


You can now use Apple keyboard Cmd shortcuts in Samsung DeX

Apple keyboards meet Samsung DeX productivity.

Mihai Matei

Reading time: 2 minutes

Samsung Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra Keyboard Cover DeX Button

Max Jambor / SamMobile

General

DeX button on the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra's keyboard cover

TL;DR

  • Samsung DeX now supports Apple keyboard Cmd+arrow shortcuts for snapping windows on connected displays.
  • The feature can be enabled in DeX settings on Galaxy devices running One UI 8.5 or later, and Windows-key shortcuts still work for Windows keyboards.
  • Using Cmd+arrow disables Cmd+left arrow as a back shortcut, and some DeX UI options only appear in One UI 9.0.

Samsung DeX has remained one of the most unique features in the company's tool belt, and it's been getting better with each One UI release.

More recently, Samsung DeX finally started recognizing Apple's keyboard layout. As a result, Galaxy phone users who want to fire up DeX and use an Apple keyboard now have an easier time.

Apple keyboards and DeX get along better than ever

Samsung DeX gained a new feature, which allows Apple keyboard users to snap windows to the edges of the connected TV or monitor via Cmd + arrow key shortcuts.

This addition can also assist Samsung Keyboard users. Samsung's multi-platform Smart Keyboard Trio 500 also has a Cmd button, similar to Apple's.

Meanwhile, Windows keyboard users can snap windows the same way they did before: by pressing the Windows + arrow keys.

Otherwise, if you want to enable this Cmd + arrow snap window function on your Galaxy phone or tablet, go to: Settings > Connected devices > Samsung DeX > turn Cmd + arrows to move windows ON. It's off by default.

This option is available only on Samsung Galaxy devices running One UI 8.5 or later.

A small caveat: If you choose to use Cmd + arrow key shortcuts, you will no longer be able to navigate “back” using the Cmd + left arrow combo.

Samsung DeX keyboard shortcut settings

Mihai Matei / SamMobile

Samsung DeX keyboard shortcut settings

Samsung DeX keyboard shortcut settings

Mihai Matei / SamMobile

Samsung DeX keyboard shortcut settings

On a final note, if you navigate to the Samsung DeX menu and don't see the Auto hide status bar and taskbar option on your Galaxy phone, it's probably because it's running One UI 8.5 instead of One UI 9.0. The option to hide those UI elements in Samsung DeX was added with One UI 9.