Muhammad Furqan
How to use Chromebook as a Mac monitor? The Chromebook is a lightweight device with a small OS footprint. When I’m on my desktop, however, I rarely use a Chromebook because I’m using professional apps like Photoshop, Microsoft Office, or Visual Studio Code. However, with these third-party apps, I can use the Chromebook as a secondary monitor to my main computer. As a result, having a dual monitor setup helps my workflow and productivity without the need to purchase an additional monitor.
If you need more desktop space, a multi-monitor setup is a godsend. The majority of Macs can power one or even two monitors. A good monitor, on the other hand, could eat your wallet. But what if I told you that you can use your old (or even new) Chromebook to replace your Mac monitor? Continue reading to learn more!
How to use Chromebook as a Mac monitor?
Here is the list of 2 methods to use a Chromebook as a Mac monitor:
Method #1. Set up a Chromebook as a secondary monitor
Install and configure Duet display:
First, you must prepare your Mac. Duet Display can be downloaded. Accessibility and Screen access permissions are required for Duet Display. After installation, grant the necessary permissions.
Allow Access: Open System Preferences -> Security & Privacy Privacy → Accessibility. Click the lock icon to make changes.
Allow recording access: Open System Preferences -> Security & Privacy -> Privacy -> Screen recording. Toggle the back lock icon once finished. Launch the Duet Air and sign up now. Select Remote Desktop Sign in.
Finally, you must enable screen sharing on Duet. On the left menu pane, select Profile. Select Enable Screen Sharing.
Add Chromebook as the second monitor:
Duet Display should be installed on your Chromebook. In this step, you must configure a Chromebook as a secondary monitor. Make sure your Chromebook and Mac are both connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
- On Chromebook, launch the Duet app.
- Launch Duet on Mac and choose Android from the menu.
- Click to connect wirelessly under Discovered Devices.
- To switch between displays, click the Duet icon in the menubar.
- Drag an app to the right edge of the screen and drop it on the Chromebook display.
Method #2. Manage Duet Display settings
Resolution and text:
Duet Display allows you to customise several parameters, including framerate and quality. If your job requires extensive reading, choose larger text. A smaller text size allows for more screen elements to be accommodated.
Retina:
The Retina option increases your resolution and thus pixel density. In other words, the setting provides the highest resolution possible while sacrificing battery life.
Frame rate and quality:
The frame rate setting allows you to choose between 60 and 30 frames per second. With a higher frame rate, you will notice less lag and smoother transitions. It does, however, come at the expense of battery life.
When mirroring your Mac display, quality settings are critical. The higher quality setting produces fewer artefacts but consumes more battery power. Meanwhile, the Regular Quality is adequate for general purposes such as web browsing or email checking.
