Multi Control lets you use one keyboard and mouse to control multiple Samsung devices at once

Multi Control is a Samsung feature that connects your phone, tablet, and computer so you can move your cursor and keyboard between them without unplugging anything or switching apps. You control all three devices from a single keyboard and mouse. Your cursor glides from one screen to the next as if they were one large display.

The feature works best when your devices are on the same Wi-Fi network and close to each other — usually within a few feet. You can drag files between screens, copy text on one device and paste it on another, and switch between devices by moving your mouse to the edge of the screen. It is designed to save time if you work across multiple Samsung gadgets at once.

Key Takeaways

  • Multi Control connects your Samsung phone, tablet, and computer so one keyboard and mouse work on all three devices at the same time.
  • Your cursor moves between screens by sliding to the edge, and you can drag files and copy text across devices without switching inputs.
  • All devices must be on the same Wi-Fi network, signed into the same Samsung account, and support Multi Control for the feature to work.
  • You turn on Multi Control in Settings under Connected Devices or Continuity, depending on your device model and Android version.
  • If devices do not connect, restart them, check your Wi-Fi, and make sure each one has the latest software update installed.

Which Samsung devices support Multi Control

Multi Control works on Samsung phones running Android 12 or newer, Samsung tablets, and Samsung computers or laptops. Not every Samsung phone supports it — the feature is available on Galaxy S21 and newer phone models, though some older flagships may have it depending on their software version. Check your device's Settings to see if the option appears; if it is not there, your phone may not have the feature.

Your computer does not have to be a Samsung device. Multi Control also works with Windows PCs and Mac computers, though the setup process is slightly different. On a Windows PC, you will need to install the Samsung DeX app or use a compatible Samsung keyboard and mouse. On a Mac, the process is similar but requires the right software version.

How to turn on Multi Control on your Samsung phone

Open Settings on your Samsung phone and scroll down to find Connected Devices or Continuity — the exact name depends on your Android version and phone model. Tap that option, then look for Multi Control or Keyboard and Mouse. Toggle it on.

Do the same on your tablet and computer. Make sure all devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network and signed into the same Samsung account. Once all three have Multi Control turned on, they should detect each other automatically within a few seconds. Your cursor will appear on your phone screen, and you can move it to the edge to switch to the next device.

If the devices do not show up as connected, restart each one and check that Wi-Fi is working. You may also need to update your phone, tablet, and computer to the latest software version — Multi Control sometimes requires a recent update to function.

Moving your cursor and files between devices

Once Multi Control is active, move your mouse to the edge of your computer screen in the direction of your phone or tablet. Your cursor will slide onto that device's screen. Move it back to the edge to return to your computer. You can switch between all three devices this way without touching anything.

To move a file, drag it from one screen to another using your mouse. For example, you can drag a photo from your phone to your computer desktop, or drag a document from your computer to your tablet. Not all file types work across all devices — some apps may not support dragging files between them, but text, images, and documents usually transfer without trouble.

To copy text, highlight it on one device with your mouse and keyboard, press Ctrl+C (or Cmd+C on Mac), then click on another device and paste with Ctrl+V (or Cmd+V). The text will appear on the second device even though you only have one keyboard.

Troubleshooting Multi Control connection problems

If your devices are not connecting, the most common cause is that they are not on the same Wi-Fi network. Check that your phone, tablet, and computer are all connected to the same network — not a guest network or a different band of the same router. Some routers separate 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands; if your devices are split between them, they may not see each other.

Restart each device and turn Multi Control off and back on in Settings. Make sure each device is signed into the same Samsung account — if you use different accounts, Multi Control will not work. Check that your phone and computer are within a few feet of each other; the feature works best when devices are close.

If you have recently updated your phone or computer, restart it fully and wait a minute before trying to connect again. Sometimes Multi Control takes a moment to recognize devices after a software update. If the problem continues, uninstall and reinstall any Samsung apps related to Multi Control, or contact Samsung Support with your device model and Android version.

When to use Multi Control and when it might not help

Multi Control is most useful if you regularly work on your computer while checking your phone or tablet — for example, if you write on your computer and want to reference something on your phone without picking it up. It also saves time if you move files between devices often or type long messages on your phone using your computer keyboard.

Multi Control is less useful if you only use one device at a time, or if your devices are far apart. It also does not work if your Wi-Fi is unstable or if you switch between different networks. If you need to use your phone away from your computer, you will have to use your phone's keyboard and touchscreen as normal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Samsung keyboard and mouse for Multi Control to work?

No. Multi Control works with any keyboard and mouse connected to your computer, whether they are Samsung brand or not. You do not need to buy special hardware — any USB or Bluetooth keyboard and mouse will work.

Can I use Multi Control with my phone and computer only, without a tablet?

Yes. Multi Control works with any combination of devices — two devices, three devices, or more. You do not need all three types of hardware; phone and computer alone is enough.

What happens if I move my phone to a different Wi-Fi network?

Multi Control will disconnect. Your phone will no longer respond to your computer's keyboard and mouse. When you reconnect to the same network, the devices should find each other again automatically.

Can I use Multi Control if my computer is Windows instead of Mac?

Yes. Multi Control works on Windows PCs, though the setup may differ slightly from Mac. You may need to install the Samsung DeX app or use a compatible Samsung keyboard and mouse on Windows.

Does Multi Control drain my phone's battery faster?

Multi Control uses a small amount of extra power because your phone is communicating with your computer over Wi-Fi, but the drain is minimal. You will not notice a significant difference in battery life.