Multitasking is one of the key advantages of modern smartphones, and the company Samsung implemented this function at the highest level. The ability to use two apps simultaneously on one display, known as split screen or Split Screen, significantly improves productivity in daily tasks. Instead of constantly switching between the messenger and the browser, users can view content and respond to messages in real time. Split screen The multi-window function is built into the shell, which runs on top of the Android operating system. However, many device owners are not even aware that their phone is capable of this, or do not know how to activate this mode correctly. In this article, we will analyze in detail all the methods for activating, configuring and eliminating typical problems associated with the operation of two windows on the screen of your gadget.
Multi-window function is built into the shell One UI, which runs on top of the Android operating system. However, many device owners are not even aware that their phone is capable of this, or do not know how to activate this mode correctly. In this article, we will analyze in detail all the ways to activate, configure and resolve typical problems associated with the operation of two windows on the screen of your gadget.
It is worth noting that the interface and location of controls may vary slightly depending on the software version and device model. The flagship series Galaxy S and Galaxy Note (as well as the Z Fold series) usually have advanced window management capabilities compared to the budget models of the series Galaxy A.
Preparing the device and checking application compatibility
Before you begin setting up, you need to make sure that your device supports the mode multitasking. Almost all smartphones Samsungreleased over the past 5 years have sufficient power and shell functionality for this task. However, there are technical limitations that may prevent two windows from running simultaneously.
The main limitation is the amount of RAM RAM. If your smartphone has less than 3 GB of RAM, the system may forcefully block the split screen function to ensure stable operation of the main application. In such cases, when you try to activate the mode, you may see a notification that the action cannot be performed.
It is also important to understand that not every application supports working in a reduced window size. app developers can programmatically prohibit the launch of their product in Split Screenmode. Most often this applies to banking applications for security reasons, as well as some games with unique controls.
You can check whether an application supports split-screen mode by trying to run it in a small window. If the application automatically expands to full screen, it means that the developer did not provide this feature.
For the function to work correctly, make sure that your device is updated to the latest available version One UI. Outdated software may contain bugs that prevent the interface from rendering correctly when the display is split.
Basic methods for activating split-screen mode
There are several proven methods for running two applications at the same time. The choice of a specific method depends on your smartphone management habits and the version of the installed shell. Let's look at the most effective activation options.
The most common method involves using the recent applications menu. This method is universal and works on most devices with shell One UI. You need to perform the following steps:
- 📱 Press the "Recent applications" button (square or swipe up from bottom and hold) on the navigation panel.
- 🖼️ Tap the icon of the application that you want to place at the top of the screen.
- ✂️ In the context menu that appears, select the item “Open in split screen mode.”
- 📂 At the bottom of the display, select the second application from the recently used list or find it in the applications menu.
An alternative option is available for users who prefer gesture controls. On some models Samsung you can drag an application from the recent taskbar directly to the top or bottom of the screen. This method requires some skill, but allows you to save time if you use the function frequently.
If you have access to Edge Panel (sidebar), you can set up pairs of apps to launch with one tap. This is the fastest way for those who constantly use the same combinations of apps, for example, YouTube and Telegram.
Managing windows and resizing areas
After successfully launching two applications, a split display will open in front of you, separated by a horizontal line. This bar is not just a visual divider, but an active control that allows you to change the proportions of windows. Dragging the center bar up or down changes the area occupied by each application.
Please note that the minimum window size is limited by the system. You won't be able to shrink the app to a thin strip, as that would make the interface unreadable. If you try to shrink a window below the permissible limit, the system will automatically offer to minimize one of the applications into a floating window.
Between the windows there are special control buttons that appear when you click on the dividing line:
- 🔄 The application swap button allows you to quickly swap the top and bottom application without having to close the mode.
- ⬇️ The minimize button turns the active window into a floating one, allowing you to move it across the screen on top of other apps.
- ❌ The close button ends the work of one of the applications, returning the second to full-screen mode.
In portrait mode (vertically), applications are located on top of each other. If you rotate your smartphone to landscape mode (horizontally), the windows can be located next to each other, which is convenient when working with tables or documents.
The central separator strip is sensitive to touches only in its active zone. If you cannot resize windows, try clicking just above or below the visible delimiter line.
Using the Pop-up View function
In addition to the classic split screen in half, the shell Samsung offers a more flexible mode - Pop-up View. This feature allows you to run an application in a small floating window that can be moved across the entire display on top of any other content.
You can activate a floating window directly from split-screen mode. To do this, click on the central button on the dividing strip and select the collapse icon. The application will turn into a compact window that you can drag with your finger across the screen, changing its position in real time.
Floating windows are ideal for a calculator, notes or instant messengers when you need to quickly view information without interrupting the main task. You can open several of these windows at once, creating a real desktop on your smartphone screen.
⚠️ Attention: Simultaneous operation of more than three floating windows can lead to a noticeable decrease in device performance and rapid battery drain. It is recommended to close unused windows by swiping down.
The size of the floating window is also adjustable. By pulling the lower right corner of the window, you can change its dimensions, making it larger for easy text entry or smaller so that it does not clutter up the view.
Setting up application pairs for quick launch
For users who regularly use the same combinations of apps, Samsung has provided a function for saving “Application Pairs”. This allows you to launch two selected applications in split-screen mode with one touch, bypassing lengthy settings.
This feature is configured through the recent applications menu. Once you have maximized the two desired windows, click on the three dots icon above one of the applications and select “Save in application pairs”. Now these apps will be pinned to the top of the recent tasks list with a special icon.
In addition, pairs of applications can be added to the home screen as a widget. This creates a shortcut that, when clicked, automatically launches both applications and splits the screen between them. This is especially convenient for the “Navigator + Music” or “Browser + Notes” scenarios.
Where are saved pairs stored?
Saved application pairs are displayed at the very top of the list of recent tasks. They are also available through the Edge panel if you add the App Pairs panel there in the sidebar settings.
There is no hard limit on the number of pairs you can save, but the interface can become cluttered if you save too many combinations. It is recommended to save only 3-5 of the most popular links.
Possible problems and ways to solve them
Despite the well-functioning system, users may encounter various failures when using multi-window mode. Most often, problems are associated with incorrect behavior of specific applications or temporary system errors.
One of the common problems is one of the applications automatically closing when switching to another. This usually indicates a lack of RAM. In this case, the system has to “kill” background processes to free up resources for the active window.
There is also a situation where the dividing line disappears or stops responding to touches. In this case, a simple reboot of the interface or the entire device helps. Sometimes the problem is solved by updating the problematic application through the store Galaxy Store or Google Play.
| Problem symptom | Possible cause | Solution method |
|---|---|---|
| The application is minimized when the second one is turned on | Insufficient RAM or developer restriction | Close unnecessary background processes or select another application |
| Black screen in one of the windows | Graphics rendering error | Restart the application or update drivers display |
| Cannot resize windows | Lock screen orientation | Disable auto-rotate or rotate the device horizontally |
| Lags and brakes when using two windows | High load on processor | Reduce the graphics quality in applications or close background tasks |
⚠️ Attention: If you use secure folders (Secure Folder), applications inside them may not support working in split screen with regular applications due to security policies Knox.
In rare cases, the problem may lie in the settings of special opportunities. Check whether you have enabled modes that change the interface scale, as they may conflict with the windowing logic.
☑️ Diagnosing problems with split screen
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to split the screen into three parts at the same time on Samsung?
Standard shell tools One UI cannot divide the screen into exactly three equal parts. However, you can use a combination of one app in split screen mode (top half) and two apps in the form of floating windows (Pop-up View) located in the bottom half.
Why is the split screen button grayed out?
This means that the current application does not support multitasking mode. The developer may have disabled this feature, or the application requires full-screen operation (common in games and video players).
How to exit split-screen mode?
To exit, drag the center dividing line to the very top or to the very bottom of the screen. You can also click on the cross on the dividing bar to close one of the windows, leaving the other active.
Does split screen affect the speed of battery drain?
Yes, running two active applications at the same time consumes more processor resources and RAM, which leads to faster battery drain compared to using a single application.
Is it possible to use split screen in games?
Most modern games block this function. However, some simple games or emulators can run in a window. To force the launch, you can use the Window Size mode in the Application Pairs menu, but stability is not guaranteed.