One UI 8.5 Brings Back a Fan-Favorite DeX Feature Users Missed

Samsung DeX has long stood out as one of the most practical productivity tools. With recent updates, particularly in One UI 8.5, it brings new features like partial screen recording, along with a refreshed interface. Now, it’s also bringing back one feature that long-time users have relied on.

Samsung restores auto-hide taskbar in DeX with One UI 8.5

With a recent One UI 8.5 update on the Galaxy S26 series, Samsung has reintroduced the ability to auto-hide the DeX taskbar (via Android Authority). The feature is accessible via Settings under Connected Devices and then the DeX connected display options.

This change directly addresses one of the more noticeable omissions from the revamped Samsung DeX experience. Previously, users had to rely on an “immersive mode” hidden behind a press-and-hold action on the maximize button, making it less intuitive for everyday use.

The restored toggle simplifies full-screen workflows by automatically removing the taskbar when not needed. For users working across larger displays, this small adjustment improves usability and screen space management without requiring repeated manual interaction.

Samsung has been gradually restoring other legacy DeX capabilities as well. Features such as flexible on-screen keyboard positioning and the option to route audio through an external display have already made a comeback in earlier updates.

The return of these features suggests Samsung is trying to balance new ideas with what long-time DeX users actually want, especially after rebuilding the experience with Google. The cleaner interface is a step forward, but it’s clear user feedback is shaping how things evolve.

The auto-hide taskbar might seem like a small tweak, but it’s a practical one. More importantly, it shows Samsung is paying attention and willing to adjust when changes don’t quite land.