An additional screen on the left Android is a convenient way to quickly access your favorite applications, widgets or tools without cluttering the home screen. This feature is especially useful on smartphones with large displays (from 6.5"), where a swipe to the right opens a hidden panel with frequently used elements. Depending on the version Android and the manufacturer's shell (for example, MIUI, One UI or ColorOS), the implementation may differ - from built-in options to third-party launchers.

In this article we will analyze all the current methods of adding a side screen, including hidden settings, gestures and applications from third-party developers. Please note: on some devices (for example, Google Pixel with clean Android) the function may not be available out of the box - you will need to install additional software. We'll also look at how to customize the side screen content and avoid common mistakes when activating it.

1. Built-in Side Screen function in MIUI (Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco) data-i="45">). To activate it:

Smartphone manufacturers Xiaomi, Redmi And Poco integrated side screen support directly into the shell MIUI (starting from version MIUI 12). To activate it:

  1. Open Settings → Home screen.
  2. Select item Side screen (or Additional screen in new versions).
  3. Activate the switch and customize the content: add applications, widgets or contacts.

Once turned on, swipe right to left from the edge of the screen to open the side panel. In MIUI 14+ quick actions are also available here (for example, turning on the flashlight or launching Google Assistant).

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If the side screen does not open, check whether it conflicts with navigation gestures. In Settings → System → Gestures disable the conflicting options.

⚠️ Attention: On some models Xiaomi (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro) the side screen is the default disabled in regional firmware. To activate, you may need to change the region to India or China (risky for the guarantee!).

2. Using the "Edge Screen" gesture on Samsung (One UI). It allows you to add up to

Smartphone owners Samsung Galaxy (series S, Note, A And Fold) can use the function Edge Panels (Sidebars). It allows you to add up to 10 panels with quick access to applications, contacts, tools or even notes. Activated like this:

  • 📱 Go to Settings → Features → Side panels.
  • 🔧 Turn on the switch and select Panels for settings.
  • ➕ Click Add panel and select a type (for example, Applications, Tools or Contact).
  • 🎨 Adjust the transparency, size and position of the panel.

To open the panel, swipe from the right or left edge of the screen (depending on the settings). on the internal display. Galaxy Z Fold And Flip Sidebars work on both the external and internal display.

Samsung model Edge Panels support Max. number of panels
Galaxy S23 Ultra Yes (One UI 5.1+) 10
Galaxy A54 Yes (One UI 5.0) 7
Galaxy Z Fold 5 Yes (with multi-window support) 12
Galaxy M33 Limited (basic panels only) 5
📊 What launcher do you use on Android?
Standard (from the manufacturer)
Nova Launcher
Microsoft Launcher
Action Launcher
Other

3. Third-party launchers with side screen support

If your device does not support the side screen natively, you can install an alternative launcher. Best options:

  • 🚀 Nova Launcher (paid version Prime): supports gestures and side panels via a plugin TeslaUnread.
  • 🔄 Microsoft Launcher: built-in panel Feed opens with a swipe on the right.
  • 🎯 Action Launcher: function Quickpage allows you to customize a side screen with widgets.
  • 📱 Apex Launcher: supports gestures and hidden panels (requires manual configuration).

To configure in Nova Launcher:

  1. Install the launcher and activate it as the main one.
  2. Go to Nova Settings → Gestures and controls.
  3. Select Swipe up/down or Swipe from edge and assign an action Open panel.
  4. Install plugin TeslaUnread to display notifications in the sidebar.
How to return the standard launcher?

To roll back to the native launcher, go to Settings → Applications → Default → Launcher and select the standard option.

4. Applications for creating a side screen

If launchers are not suitable, you can use specialized utilities:

  • 📌 Side Screen (from Good Mood Studio): creates a sliding panel with applications and shortcuts.
  • 🔧 Edge Gestures: emulates side gestures and panels on any device.
  • 🌐 Swiftly Switch: adds a side menu with quick switching between applications.

Setting example Side Screen:

  1. Download the application from Google Play and provide permissions Overlay on top of other applications.
  2. In the settings, select Panel position (left or right).
  3. Add applications or widgets to the panel through the menu Edit.
  4. Adjust the transparency and width of the panel.
⚠️ Attention: Some applications for the side screen (for example, Edge Gestures) require permission Special featuresThis may conflict with banking applications or security systems. (for example, Knox on Samsung).

5. Manual addition via ADB (for advanced users)

On devices with Android 10+ and root access (or unlocked bootloader) you can activate hidden side screen functions via ADB. This method is suitable for Google Pixel, OnePlus and other smartphones with “pure” Android.

Instructions:

  1. Connect the phone to the PC and activate USB Debugging in Settings → For Developers.
  2. Open the command line and enter: 
    adb shell settings put secure sysui_qqs_panel_left 1
  3. Reboot the device.

After executing this command, an additional tab will appear in the notification panel on the left, which can be configured via Settings → Control Panel. Please Please note: not all manufacturers support this feature, and it may be unstable on some devices.

Install ADB drivers on PC|Enable USB debugging on your phone|Download the platform SDK Tools|Make a backup copy of your data-->

6. Customizing the contents of the side screen

After adding the side screen, you can customize it to suit your needs. Basic options:

  • 📱 Applications: add 5-10 most used ones (for example, Telegram, Camera, Google Pay).
  • 📝 Widgets: weather, calendar, notes or player (for example, Spotify).
  • 🔗 Quick actions: switch on Bluetooth, Airplane mode or Flashlight.
  • 👥 Contact: frequently dialed numbers for a quick call.

On Samsung i Xiaomi can be configured panel transparency (from 20% to 100%) and width (from 1/4 to 1/2 screen on some). in launchers (for example, Nova) the option Auto-hidewhen the panel appears only when you swipe.

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The narrower the side panel, the less it interferes when accidentally touching the edge of the screen. The optimal width is 1/3 of the display width.

7. Troubleshooting problems with the side screen

If the side screen does not work or opens incorrectly, check the following points:

Problem Possible cause Solution
The panel does not opens Conflict with navigation gestures Disable gestures in Settings → System → Gestures
Lags when swiping Too much widgets Reduce the number of elements on the panel
The panel disappears after updating Reset launcher settings Reinstall the launcher or restore settings from a backup copy
Not displayed notifications Missing overlay permission Grant permission in Settings → Accessibility

On devices with Android 13+ additional permission may be required for applications that control the side screen. If the panel stops working after updating the system, check your privacy settings in Settings → Applications → Permissions.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the side screen on Android

Is it possible to add a side screen on Android without root?

Yes, On most devices this is possible without root access. Use built-in functions (for example, Edge Panels on Samsung or Side screen on MIUI) or third-party launchers (Nova Launcher, Microsoft Launcher). Root is only required to activate hidden functions via ADB on some firmware.

Why does the side screen open by itself?

This happens due to accidental touches to the edge of the screen. Solutions:

  • Reduce the panel width in the settings.
  • Disable swipe sensitivity in Settings → System → Gestures.
  • Use a case with protruding edges.
How to move the side screen to the left side?

In most launchers and system settings, you can select the side of the panel opening. For example:

  • V MIUI: Settings → Home screen → Side screen → Position.
  • V Nova Launcher: Settings → Gestures → Swipe position.
  • Q Edge Screen (Samsung): Settings → Sidebars → Position.
Is it possible to add widgets from third-party applications to the side screen?

Yes, but support depends on the launcher or application for the side screen. For example:

  • Nova Launcher + TeslaUnread: supports widgets Spotify, Google Keep.
  • Microsoft Launcher: limited to a set of built-in widgets.
  • Side Screen: allows you to add only basic widgets (weather, time).

For full-fledged widgets (for example, from Twitter or Yandex.Weather) you will need to use a launcher that supports Android Widget API.

Will the side screen work in horizontal mode?

It depends on the implementation:

  • On Samsung s One UI side panels also work in landscape orientation.
  • In MIUI the panel can disappear when you rotate the screen (set in Settings → Screen → Auto-rotate).
  • Third-party launchers (for example Nova) usually support horizontal mode, but may require additional settings.