Modern Samsung smartphones are equipped with powerful processors and large displays, which allows you to effectively use multitasking capabilities. Users often wonder how to make 2 screens on Samsung on Android in order to simultaneously chat in messenger and watch videos or work with documents. The Split Screen function is built into the One UI shell and does not require the installation of third-party apps, however, it has its own activation nuances.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the ways to activate the two-window mode on various Galaxy models. You will learn how to adjust the size of applications, save frequently used pairs of apps as shortcuts, and what to do if a function does not work. Multitasking Significantly increases productivity, turning your smartphone into a full-fledged work tool.
Preparing the device and checking compatibility
Before Before you start setting up, make sure that your device supports split-screen functionality. Almost all modern Samsung smartphones of the Galaxy S, A and Note series run on the Android operating system with the One UI shell, which has built-in support Split View. However, on very old models or budget versions with minimal RAM, this option may be limited or absent.
It is also critical to check the operating system version. For correct operation of all functions, it is desirable that the current version of the software is installed on the device. Interface may differ slightly on different versions of Android, but the basic principles remain the same. If the menu looks different, the manufacturer may have made changes to the logical structure of the settings.
⚠️ Attention: On some modifications of smartphones intended for certain regions or telecom operators, the multitasking functionality may be software limited by the manufacturer.
It is recommended to free up some RAM before launching heavy applications in split mode. This will ensure smooth operation of both windows without delays or slowdowns. Optimization systems before starting work is the key to stable functioning of the interface.
Basic activation method through the recent applications menu
The most common and universal method that allows you to make 2 screens on Samsung involves using the menu of running applications. This method works on most devices with the One UI shell and does not require a deep dive into the system settings. To begin, open the application that you want to place at the top of the screen.
After launching the app, press the "Recent Apps" navigation button (usually three vertical bars or a swipe from bottom to top with a delay, depending on the type of navigation). You will see cards of all open apps. Click on application iconlocated at the top of the card.
In the context menu that opens, select "Open in split screen mode". After this, the selected application will move to the upper half of the display, and a list of frequently used apps or an application selection menu will appear at the bottom. Select the second application from the list.
☑️ Split screen algorithm
The border between windows can be moved by dragging the blue or gray separator bar. This allows you to change the display proportions, giving more space to one of the applications. This flexibility makes working with documents or tables much more convenient.
Using the sidebar for quick access
For those who are used to active multitasking mode, Samsung offers a convenient tool - the sidebar. To activate it, go to Settings → Display → Sidebar and turn on the switch. This tool allows you to launch a second application on top of the current one or in split-screen mode with one touch.
Once activated, a transparent strip will appear on the side of the screen. A swipe from it will open a panel with application shortcuts. You can add frequently used apps there by dragging them from the general list. This significantly speeds up the process of creating a workspace workspace.
To launch two windows, open any application, then call the sidebar and drag the second application icon onto the screen. The system will automatically offer placement options: top, bottom or as a floating window. The choice of mode depends on your current tasks.
⚠️ Attention: The sidebar may overlap interface elements in games or applications with a non-standard aspect ratio. In such cases, you can temporarily disable it in the settings.
Using the sidebar is especially convenient on models with curved screen edges, where accidental touches may interfere. Setting touch sensitivity is also available in the menu Settings → Display, which eliminates false positives.
How to add widgets to the sidebar?
You can add not only applications, but also widgets to the sidebar. To do this, click 'Edit' in the sidebar menu and select the widgets section. This allows you to display a calculator, voice recorder or notes on top of any application.
Setting up application pairs and saving scripts
One UI has an advanced function for saving application pairs. If you regularly use a certain bunch of apps (for example, YouTube and Telegram, or Maps and Notes), you can save this script for quick launch. This eliminates the need to manually configure each time. split screen manually.
When two applications are open in split mode, pay attention to the central slider button between the windows. By clicking on it, you will see the option to save the pair. The system will prompt you to create a shortcut on the main screen or in the widget panel. The shortcut name can be changed for convenience.
Saved application pairs are displayed as separate icons. When you launch such a shortcut, the system automatically opens both applications in the saved configuration and proportions. This is especially useful for Streamersbloggers or traders who need instant access to a specific set of tools.
| Action | Result | Where to find |
|---|---|---|
| Saving a pair | Creating a shortcut to quickly launch two windows | Central slider between windows |
| Resizing | Adjusting display proportions | Drag the separator bars |
| Close mode | Return to one full screen | Drag the bar to the end or the 'X' button |
| Floating window | Launch an application on top of others | Recent applications menu or sidebar |
It is important to note that saved scripts are associated with specific applications. If one of the applications is removed or updated with a package change, the shortcut may no longer work correctly. In this case, the scenario will need to be created anew.
Save pairs of applications for frequently repeated tasks, such as 'Navigation + Music' or 'Social networks + Browser', to save time on switching.
Working with floating windows and Pop-up View
In addition to the classic split screen in half, Samsung offers a floating window mode (Pop-up View). This allows you to run an application in a small window that can be moved around the screen on top of other apps. This mode is ideal for video calls or watching short videos while working.
To activate this mode, open the application from the sidebar and select the appropriate icon, or launch the application in split screen mode and click on the central button, selecting "Open in pop-up window". The window can be scaled, minimized to a sidebar, or expanded to fill the entire screen.
In floating window mode, it is possible to transparency control and dock the window on top of all other interfaces. This is a unique feature of the Samsung ecosystem that gives the user complete control over the visual space. You can use up to three floating windows at the same time, although this may overload the processor.
⚠️ Warning: Some applications (especially banking or those protected by DRM content) may block operation in floating or split-screen mode for security reasons.
Switching between modes (split screen, floating window, full screen) happens instantly. This allows you to adapt the interface to the current task without closing applications. For example, you can watch a video in a small window while you respond to messages in full screen.
Solution and troubleshooting
Despite the well-functioning system, users may encounter situations where they cannot create 2 screens on Samsung. Often the problem lies in the fact that a particular application does not support multitasking. Developers can forcefully limit functionality for their apps.
If the split-screen function does not activate, try restarting the device. It is also worth checking the settings in the Settings → Applications → Select an application → Multi-window modesection. Make sure that the "Allow split screen" switch is activated for the desired app.
In rare cases, crashes can be caused by cache files or conflicts after a system update. Clearing the system interface cache (One UI Home) may help restore the functionality of the function. To do this, go to Settings → Applications → One UI Home → Storage → Clear cache.
If the application does not support split screen, try running it in floating window mode - this often bypasses software limitations.
It is also worth considering that horizontal orientation screen may affect Split Screen performance in different ways. In landscape mode, windows can be positioned side by side rather than on top of each other, depending on the version of One UI and the type of device (tablet or smartphone).
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to run three applications simultaneously on the screen?
Yes, this is possible on Samsung smartphones. You can use split-screen mode for two applications, and launch the third as a floating window (Pop-up) on top of them. However, it is worth considering that three active applications can drain battery power faster.
Why does the split screen button not appear in the recent applications menu?
This means that the selected application does not support multitasking. Some games and heavy apps only work in full screen mode. Try choosing a different, lighter app to test.
How do I close dual-screen mode?
To exit split-screen mode, drag the center dividing bar all the way up or down to the edge of the display. You can also click on the cross in the center of the divider or minimize one of the applications through the recent tasks menu.
Does splitting the screen affect the performance of a smartphone?
Yes, simultaneous operation of two active applications requires more processor resources and RAM. On older models, this may cause the frame rate to drop or the device to heat up. On modern Samsung flagships, this influence is almost unnoticeable.
Is it possible to use split screen in games?
Most games do not support this mode and are forced to fill the entire screen. However, there are special tools like Game Plugins from Samsung that allow you to emulate multitasking, but this requires separate setup and does not guarantee stable operation.