Help

Getting started

1. Install the PC app from the download page and keep Install the virtual display driver checked. pixiq starts and appears in the system tray.
2. Install the tablet app from Google Play (Android 8.0 or later).
3. Connect over USB or Wi-Fi (below). The tablet becomes a new monitor; arrange it in Windows Settings → System → Display.

To disconnect, use Settings → Disconnect in the floating menu on the tablet, press Back twice, or click Disconnect in the PC app.

USB

The fastest and most reliable connection. Once per tablet: open Settings → About tablet → Software information, tap Build number 7 times, then turn on Developer options → USB debugging. Plug in the cable, tap Allow on the tablet, then tap Connect under USB cable in the app.

Wi-Fi

Both devices must be on the same network. Scan the Connect over Wi-Fi QR code shown by the PC app, or open pixiq on the tablet, tap your PC and enter the 6-digit PIN. You pair each device only once; after that it connects without the PIN. 5 GHz Wi-Fi works much better than 2.4 GHz.

From anywhere (pixiq Connect)

1. On the PC: Settings → Remote access → Allow connections from anywhere.
2. Connect the tablet once over USB or the same Wi-Fi, so it learns how to reach the PC.
3. Away from home, open pixiq on the tablet and tap Connect from anywhere.

The devices connect directly when they can, and through the pixiq relay when a network doesn't allow that (some mobile networks, hotel and company Wi-Fi). The connection is encrypted end to end either way, and new devices can't be paired over it. Over the internet pixiq automatically uses a lower resolution and adapts the quality to the connection.

You can also use your own VPN (for example Tailscale) for free: add the PC's VPN address in the app.

Unlock the PC from the tablet

When the PC locks, the tablet shows the Windows lock screen and you can type your PIN or password on it. This needs the installer option Allow unlocking this PC from the tablet (a small Windows service, which also installs updates without a Windows prompt).

Drawing apps

pixiq sends the pen through Windows Ink: pressure, tilt, hover and the eraser end.

• Photoshop: pressure works through Windows Ink. If it doesn't, check that PSUserConfig.txt doesn't contain UseSystemStylus 0.
• Krita: Settings → Configure Krita → Tablet settings → Windows 8+ Pointer Input.
• Clip Studio Paint: File → Preferences → Tablet → TabletPC.
• Apps that only support Wintab get mouse input without pressure.

On the tablet, Settings → Pen input sets the pressure curve, minimum pressure and what the side buttons do (right click, eraser, pan, Ctrl). Pen only ignores finger touches; palm rejection ignores touches while the pen is near.

Tips

• Scrolling with one finger doesn't work in some apps? Choose Settings → Finger input → Phone-style on the tablet: drag scrolls everywhere, long press then drag selects text.
• Text too small or too big? Change the resolution or the scale on the PC in the app's settings.
• Choppy over Wi-Fi? Lower Video quality or Frame rate from the floating menu.
• Several tablets: up to four can be extra monitors at the same time.
• Use only this device: the PC's own screens switch off while you're connected; handy for remote use.

Updates

The PC app checks for updates by itself and shows Update when a new version is out (on the home page and in Settings → About). Nothing installs until you click it; it takes a few seconds and pixiq restarts. Updates are signed: pixiq refuses anything else. The Android app updates through Google Play.

Troubleshooting

Problem	Fix
The tablet doesn't list the PC	Both devices must be on the same network and pixiq must run on the PC (tray icon). If Windows marks your Wi-Fi as Public, reinstall and tick Allow Wi-Fi connections on networks marked as Public, or switch the network to Private.
"Wrong PIN"	Use the PIN shown in the PC app (or your authenticator app's current code, if the PC uses one). Several wrong attempts lock pairing for a while.
"Open pixiq on the PC to pair with its PIN"	For security the PIN only works while the pixiq window is open on the PC. Open it from the tray icon, or pair with an authenticator app.
"PC identity changed"	pixiq was reinstalled for another Windows user or Windows' key store was reset: pair again. If nothing like that happened, don't connect: someone may be pretending to be your PC.
USB: nothing happens	Check that USB debugging is on and that you allowed this PC on the tablet; the tablet must not be in USB tethering mode.
"Extend mode unavailable"	The display driver isn't installed: run the installer again with the driver option, or use mirror mode.
"Couldn't reach your PC"	For Connect, the PC must be on, online, with pixiq running and Allow connections from anywhere on. Networks that block UDP entirely can't be crossed; try another network.
No sound on the tablet	Turn on Settings → Audio on the tablet. Antivirus apps with audio protection can block pixiq: allow pixiq.exe.
Notifications don't show	In the PC app, Settings → Notifications must say access is allowed; on the tablet allow pixiq's notifications.
The connection drops when the tablet is locked	Some phones stop background apps to save battery: set pixiq's battery usage to Unrestricted in Android's app settings.
The PC's screens stay off	They come back when the tablet disconnects; or press Win+P and choose Extend.
Something else	In the PC app, Settings → Open log folder, and send us host.log.

Contact

Write to [email protected]. Please mention your Windows version, your tablet model and what happened, and attach host.log if you can.