Samsung has resolved a persistent issue that plagued gamers using its DeX Mode on Galaxy phones. The bug, which prevented analog sticks on wireless controllers from functioning when the phone's screen turned off, has been patched with the rollout of One UI 8.5. This update brings relief to users who rely on DeX Mode for big-screen gaming, as the workaround solutions were inconvenient at best.
The problem was first identified shortly after Samsung launched an overhauled DeX Mode with One UI 8 last year. In that version, the company partnered with Google to rebuild the desktop experience from the ground up. While the new DeX offered improved integration and performance, it inadvertently introduced a significant setback for gamers. When a wireless gamepad, such as an Xbox One or PlayStation controller, was connected via Bluetooth, the analog sticks would cease to respond the moment the connected phone's display turned off. The face buttons, start button, and select key continued to work, but the loss of analog control made many games unplayable in that mode.
Workarounds Were Clunky but Effective
Given that the bug persisted for months before the fix, users had to resort to workarounds. The most commonly recommended solution was to enable Developer Options on the phone, then toggle the "Stay awake" feature, which prevents the screen from sleeping while charging. However, this approach had drawbacks: keeping the screen on for extended periods could lead to burn-in on OLED displays, especially if the screen brightness was not reduced. Another workaround involved installing third-party apps like BleKip, which could keep the screen alive even when the phone was not charging. These methods were functional but far from ideal—they consumed extra power, added unnecessary steps, and did not address the core software bug.
One UI 8.5 Brings the Fix
Samsung has confirmed that the issue is resolved in the One UI 8.5 update. Testing with the May 2026 security patch showed that a wireless controller now works perfectly in DeX Mode, with analog sticks responding correctly even when the phone screen is off. This is a critical improvement for users who prefer to use DeX with a monitor or TV while keeping their phone tucked away or charging with the screen off to save battery and prevent burn-in.
The bug fix is part of a broader set of changes in One UI 8.5. The update also restores the auto-hide taskbar and audio output toggles, both of which were removed in the initial One UI 8 DeX overhaul. These features are welcomed by users who missed the convenience of a clean desktop interface and the ability to switch audio output quickly. Additionally, One UI 8.5 includes performance enhancements and security patches that further refine the Galaxy user experience.
Understanding the DeX Ecosystem
Samsung DeX (short for Desktop eXperience) has been a flagship feature on Galaxy phones since 2017. It allows users to connect their phone to an external monitor, keyboard, and mouse to get a desktop-like interface. Over the years, DeX has evolved from a simple presentation tool into a full-fledged productivity and entertainment platform. The recent partnership with Google in One UI 8 signifies Samsung's commitment to better aligning its software with Android's native desktop capabilities, which are also being enhanced in Android itself.
Gaming on DeX is particularly popular because modern Galaxy phones, especially the S series and Note series, pack powerful processors capable of running demanding games. With the ability to connect wirelessly to a TV or monitor via Miracast, or wired through USB-C to HDMI, users can enjoy a console-like experience. The bug with controller analog sticks was therefore a major frustration for this gaming community.
Impact on the Gaming Community
Reports of the issue surfaced on Reddit and other forums, with multiple users describing identical behavior. Some noted that the problem occurred with various controllers, including the Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation DualShock 4, and even third-party gamepads. This suggested the fault lay in the DeX software layer rather than in the controller drivers.
One Reddit user remarked, "I bought a new monitor specifically for DeX gaming, only to find my analog sticks stop working every time my phone screen turns off. It made playing shooters and racing games impossible." Another user mentioned that the issue was intermittent, sometimes occurring after a few seconds of screen-off, other times after a minute. The unpredictability further worsened the experience.
With the One UI 8.5 update, these frustrations should become a thing of the past. Gamers can now enjoy titles from emulators, cloud gaming services, or native Android games without having to keep the phone screen on.
Update Availability and Rollout
One UI 8.5 is currently rolling out to Samsung's latest flagship devices, including the Galaxy S25 series, Galaxy Z Fold 6, and Galaxy Z Flip 6. Older models that are eligible for the update may receive it later, depending on their regional rollout schedules. Samsung has not yet provided a definitive timeline for all devices, but users with Galaxy S24 series and older flagships are expected to get the update in the coming months.
It's important to note that the bug fix is tied specifically to the software version. Users who are stuck on One UI 8 and cannot upgrade to 8.5 will need to continue using workarounds or consider sideloading the update where possible. However, Samsung's typical update policy ensures that most premium Galaxy phones from the past three years eventually receive major One UI updates.
Technical Analysis of the Bug
From a technical perspective, the root cause of the controller analog stick failure likely involved a power management issue within DeX. When the phone screen turns off, Android often throttles certain processes or changes the way it handles input peripherals to conserve battery. In DeX Mode, the desktop environment is rendered on an external display, but the phone's screen is still considered part of the system. The bug may have occurred because the DeX software failed to properly register analog stick input from the controller after the display turned off, while still processing digital button presses. Samsung's engineers apparently reworked the input handling in One UI 8.5 to decouple it from the phone's screen state.
Another possibility is related to how DeX handles multiple displays. In wired mode, the phone screen might be mirrored or extended, and when it goes to sleep, the input focus could shift incorrectly. The fix likely involved ensuring that the external DeX interface retains full priority over controller input regardless of the phone's screen status.
Broader Improvements in One UI 8.5 Beyond Gaming
While the controller bug is a highlight, One UI 8.5 brings several other improvements worth mentioning. The auto-hide taskbar feature, which many users loved for its clean aesthetic, has returned. In One UI 8, the taskbar was always visible, taking up valuable screen space on the external display. The audio output toggle, which allows users to quickly switch between the phone speaker, Bluetooth headphones, and the monitor's speakers, is also back. This is particularly useful for those who connect their phone to a TV or monitor without integrated audio, as they can easily direct sound to external speakers.
Samsung has also fine-tuned the animation smoothness and app compatibility in DeX Mode. Some apps that previously displayed incorrectly or did not scale properly to the desktop layout now work better. These refinements make One UI 8.5 one of the most polished DeX experiences to date.
Additionally, the update includes the May 2026 Android security patch, addressing vulnerabilities that could affect user data and system stability. As always, Samsung encourages users to update as soon as the OTA notification appears on their devices.
In summary, the fix for the controller analog stick bug in DeX Mode is a significant quality-of-life improvement for Galaxy users who enjoy gaming on a big screen. Combined with the restoration of beloved features and enhanced security, One UI 8.5 is a compelling upgrade. Users still on One UI 8 who have not yet received the update can look forward to a smoother, more reliable DeX experience once it arrives.
Source: Android Authority News