New updates aim to make Android-to-desktop pairing smoother and bring Samsung Galaxy devices into the fold.
Googlebook is making it easier to connect Android phones with a desktop, and Samsung Galaxy devices are joining the supported lineup as OS updates land.
To get the best results, update Google Play Services and Cross‑device Services, then confirm Continue activity is enabled. A restart after updating helps finalize the changes. Samsung users may need to wait for the One UI 9 update on their model for full compatibility.
Googlebook, the desktop companion platform that links your Android phone to a computer, is getting a set of updates designed to speed up setup and broaden device support. Google says users should notice a smoother first-time configuration for its cross‑device features, and Samsung Galaxy devices are now entering the supported list as updates land.
When Googlebook first launched, its strong points, app streaming, notification sync and the ability to continue tasks across devices, were offset by setup friction and uneven performance on different phones. The current updates aim to fix those snags, including a bug where the pairing QR code could keep reappearing after pairing was finished.
What you’ll want to check to get the most from Googlebook right away
Make sure your Android phone runs Android 17. You can confirm this in Settings > About phone > Android version. Googlebook’s cross-device features are designed to work with Pixel phones and a growing list of compatible Android 17 devices from various brands including Samsung with One UI 9.0 or newer.
Update Google Play Services to a recent patch. In Settings > Apps (or Apps & notifications) > See all apps > Google Play services, look for updates. If Google Play services isn’t visible, use the “Show system apps” option and check again.
Keep Cross‑device Services current. The same Settings path applies to Cross‑device Services; update if an update is available. After updating, a restart of both your phone and Googlebook helps finalize the changes.
Verify the Continue activity switches. On your phone, open Cross‑device services > Continue activity and ensure that Tasks, Apps, Notifications, and Files & media sharing are all turned On. A quick reboot after changes can help them take effect.
Samsung devices are joining in. Some Galaxy users have already reported that Better Together features work once updates land, though not all Galaxy models have One UI 9 yet. If your model hasn’t received the OS update, you may need to wait a bit longer for full compatibility.
The goal is to make it easier to move between phone and desktop without chasing settings every time you pair a new device. If you rely on receiving phone alerts on your computer, streaming apps from your phone, or picking up a task on one device and finishing it on another, these changes should reduce the setup headache and speed things up.
Expect features to appear in a staggered fashion. Not every capability will become available for every device at once, and performance will still vary based on model and network conditions as Google and manufacturers continue to refine compatibility.
Google says it plans to keep adding devices beyond Pixel and the current Android partners. There isn’t a precise timeline for when Samsung models will reach full compatibility across all variants, but the company indicates that ongoing OS updates will improve support over time.
If you want to try the updated setup, start by updating Google Play Services and Cross‑device Services to the latest versions available on your phone. If you don’t yet see the expected features, check for a phone and Googlebook software update, then restart both devices and try pairing again.
Samsung Galaxy devices are being added to the supported list as updates arrive; full compatibility depends on your model receiving the latest OS update.
Update Google Play Services to the latest version and Cross‑device Services to the latest available version, then verify the Continue activity toggles are On.
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