How to make two screens on Samsung Galaxy

Modern smartphones Samsung Galaxy have such powerful processors and large displays that using them for only one application seems ineffective. The ability to run simultaneously, or, as the manufacturer correctly calls it, mode, turns the phone into a full-fledged working tool. You can reply to messages in the messenger while watching a video, or drag and drop files from the gallery directly into a text document. two screens simultaneously, or, as the manufacturer correctly calls it, mode Multi Window, turns your phone into a full-fledged working tool. You can reply to messages in Messenger while watching a video, or drag and drop files from the gallery directly into a text document.

Activation of this function does not require complex manipulations or installation of third-party software, since it is built into the shell One UI at the system level. However, many users simply do not know where the necessary switches are hidden or what gestures need to be used to correctly divide the space. In this article, we will analyze in detail all the ways to activate split screen, adjust window sizes and solve typical problems.

It is worth noting that the quality of multitasking directly depends on the volume RAM of your device. If you have an entry-level model with 3-4 GB of RAM, the system can automatically unload one of the applications when switching, while flagship models with 8-12 GB of memory keep both processes active without delay.

Preparing the device for multitasking

Before you start splitting the display, you need to make sure that your smartphone is technically ready for such a load. First of all, check whether the latest firmware version is installed, since in older builds Android multitasking functionality could be limited or unstable. Go to Settings → Software Update and run the scan.

It is also important to understand that not every application supports split-screen work. Social networks, browsers and office suites are usually perfectly adapted, but some games or specific utilities may be forced to run in full screen. To check compatibility, you can try running the desired apps individually and evaluate their behavior.

⚠️ Warning: Split screen mode consumes significantly more power than normal use. If the battery charge is below 20%, the system may offer to turn off one of the windows to save battery.

Make sure that the optimal resolution is selected in the display settings. Sometimes users deliberately lower the resolution to save battery, but when working with two windows, this can make the text in each of them too small to read comfortably. You can return the standard values ​​in the menu Settings → Display → Screen resolution.

Activating split screen through the recent applications menu

The most common and reliable way to launch two applications at the same time is to use the recent tasks menu. This method works on all current models, regardless of whether you use navigation buttons or gestures. First, open the first app you want to pin to the top or left side of the screen. Samsung, whether you use navigation buttons or gestures. First, open the first app you want to pin to the top or left of your screen.

Then bring up the recent apps menu. If you have navigation buttons enabled, tap the three-bar (menu) button at the bottom left of the screen. If you're using gestures, swipe up from the bottom of the screen and hold your finger in the center for a split second. You will see cards of all running apps.

Find a special symbol on the icon of the desired application at the top of the card. By clicking on it, you will see a drop-down menu where you should select Open in split screen mode. After this, the selected application will occupy the upper half of the display, and a menu for selecting the second app will appear at the bottom.

Now you can select the second application from the list of recently used ones or find it in the list of all apps. Once you launch it, the screen will be divided into two active zones. You can move the border between them by holding the gray bar in the middle and dragging it up or down, changing the proportions of the content.

Using gestures and the Edge panel for quick access

Owners of devices with curved display edges or those who have enabled software edge emulation have access to an even faster method of multitasking. The panel Edge allows you to launch applications in a floating window or immediately in split-screen mode by simply dragging an icon.

First you need to configure the panel. Go to Settings → Display → Edge panels and make sure the switch is active. In the menu Panels select the categories of applications that you use most often, for example, “Applications” or “Contacts”. Now, when you swipe from the edge of the screen, you will have quick access to the necessary shortcuts.

To create two screens, simply drag the first application icon from the edge of the panel and release it at the top of the display. Then repeat the action with the second application, releasing it at the bottom. The system automatically recognizes the intention to divide the space and activates the mode Multi Window.

Activation method	Access speed	Ease of setup	Model support
Recents menu	Medium	High	All models
Edge panel	High	Medium	S-series, Note, A-flagships
Navigation gestures	High	Low	Android 10+
S Pen (for Note/Ultra)	Instant	High	Only with stylus

This method is especially convenient for those who need to frequently switch between the same pairs of applications, for example, between a calculator and tables, or between a browser and notes. You can create a habit and open work tools in a matter of seconds without unnecessary menu navigation.

Customizing window sizes and managing the divider

Once you have two apps running, managing the space between them becomes critical. By default, the system splits the screen roughly in half, but this ratio is rarely ideal for specific tasks. To change the proportions, find the thin gray stripe with three dots that separates the windows.

Tap and hold this stripe, then drag it in the desired direction. You can give one application 70% or even 80% of the screen, leaving the second only a narrow strip for notifications or quick control. This is useful, for example, when you are watching a video in high quality, and just keep the chat open in a small window.

In the center of the dividing bar there is a special button in the form of an arrow or dot. Clicking on it brings up an additional window management menu. Here you can quickly swap applications, minimize one of them into a floating window, or close a second application by expanding the first one to full screen.

⚠️ Attention: When you drag the separator, some applications may automatically reload if they do not support dynamic window resizing. Save important data before scaling.

Also worth mentioning is the orientation lock feature. If you turn the phone over, both windows will try to rotate with the device. If you need to lock one app in portrait mode and another in landscape mode, this can cause discomfort. In the settings of each specific window, you can sometimes find restrictions on rotation.

Advanced functions: floating windows and application pairs

The shell One UI offers functions that go beyond simply splitting the screen in half. Floating window mode allows you to run an application on top of other apps in a small mobile window that can be moved across the entire display. This actually creates a “third screen” effect.

To activate a floating window, open the application in split-screen mode, click on the central separator button and select the icon in the form of two rectangles with arrows (collapse into a floating window). Now you can work with this application on top of any other content, changing its size and position.

Even more powerful tools are App Pairs. This feature allows you to save a configuration of two running apps and a shortcut to launch them instantly. You don't have to open the recent tasks menu every time and select apps individually.

How to create an app pair?

Open two apps in split screen mode. Click on the center separator button. Select the "Save Pair" option. A new shortcut will appear on the home screen; when you click on it, both applications will open simultaneously in the saved configuration.

To access the saved pairs, you need to go to the recent applications menu and click on the icon with three dots at the top of the list, where the “Open application pairs” item will appear. This is a significant time saver for users who perform the same multitasking scenarios every day, such as broadcasting and reading chat.

Troubleshooting problems and limitations of Multi Window mode

Despite the convenience, users may encounter situations where split screen does not work or does not work correctly. Most often the problem lies in the application itself. Developers can programmatically prevent their software from working in multi-window mode due to interface features or content protection.

If you notice that the application closes immediately after trying to split the screen, check its settings. In some cases, clearing the application cache via Settings → Applicationshelps. Also make sure that the option to force windows to resize is enabled in the developer menu on your device, although this can lead to visual bugs.

Another common problem is low RAM. When you launch two “heavy” applications, for example, a game and a navigator, the system may begin to aggressively unload background processes. In this case, one of the windows may simply turn black or restart the application when you try to switch to it.

⚠️ Attention: The interface and names of menu items may vary slightly depending on the version of Android and modification of the One UI shell. If you do not find the described button, look for a similar icon or check for system updates.

In rare cases, a system process may cause a failure. System UI. If split screen suddenly stops working on all apps, try restarting your device. This will clear temporary files and restart services responsible for managing windows and the display.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Is it possible to run three applications simultaneously on one screen?

Using standard system tools, you can divide the screen only into two active zones. However, using a combination of split screen and floating window, you can actually use three applications: two take up the main parts of the screen, and the third hangs on top of them in a small mobile window.

Why is the split screen button grayed out?

This means that a particular application does not support multitasking. The app developer has disabled this feature. Try replacing it with an analogue one or using the floating window mode, which sometimes bypasses this limitation.

How to close both applications at once in split screen mode?

Drag the center dividing bar to the very top or to the very bottom of the screen. When one of the windows takes up 100% of the space, the second one will automatically close. Then you can close the remaining application in the standard way.

Does dual screen mode affect the speed of battery drain?

Yes, it does significantly. Running two active processes at the same time, especially if they use the Internet or GPS, increases the load on the processor and display. Expect a 20-30% reduction in battery life compared to normal use.

Can you drag and drop text or pictures from one window to another?

Yes, this feature is supported in most cases. You can long-press the text or image in the top window and drag it into the input field of the bottom window. This works in the gallery, browser and many instant messengers, making it easier to copy data.