Modern smartphones Samsung have sufficient computing power to cope with several tasks at the same time. The split-screen function, or Split Screen, turns your device into a mini-tablet, allowing you to watch videos and chat in instant messenger without constantly switching between applications. This significantly saves time and increases productivity in everyday use.
Activation of this mode does not require obtaining root access or installing complex third-party software, since it is built into the shell One UI. However, many users are not aware of hidden gestures or special settings that allow you to manage windows more flexibly. In this article we will analyze in detail all the ways to activate multitasking on smartphones Samsung.
The standard method through the recent applications menu
The simplest and most accessible method, which works on all modern models Galaxy, involves using the menu of running apps. You need to first open the app that you want to pin to the top of the display. After this, you should switch to the review mode of open tasks by pressing the corresponding navigation button or swiping from bottom to top with a delay.
In the list that opens, find the icon of the desired application. Above the window preview is usually the name of the app, and below it is a row of action icons. Click on the application symbol at the top of the card to bring up the context menu. In the list of options, select Open in split screen mode. The interface will instantly change, dividing the space in half.
Now the system will prompt you to select a second application for the lower half of the display. You can select it from the list of recently used ones or open the full list of installed apps via the Home button or swipe. As soon as you launch the second software, both windows will become active and available for interaction.
⚠️ Attention: Some applications, especially DRM-protected games and video players, may not support split-screen mode. In this case, the option in the menu will be inactive or missing.
Using gestures and the Edge panel
Owners of the flagship models of the series Note and S Ultra, as well as some devices of the series A, have access to advanced multitasking tools through the panel Edge Panel. This tool allows you to create pairs of apps that launch with one touch. To activate the panel, you need to go to the settings and enable the display of the side curtain.
To create a ready-made combination, open the Edge panel and go to the “App Pairs” section. Click the plus sign and select two apps that you often use together, such as the browser and notes. After saving, the icon will appear in the sidebar. When you click on it, both applications will automatically open in split-screen mode.
There is also an alternative method using gestures if you have gestures instead of buttons enabled. Swipe up from the bottom of the screen and hold your finger in the center to open the recent apps menu. Next, follow the standard procedure: click on the application icon and select the separation mode. This method requires some skill, but frees the screen from unnecessary buttons.
Pin frequently used pairs of applications to the Edge panel - this will reduce the time you launch work tools to one touch.
Adjusting window sizes and pinning applications
After activating the dual-screen mode, the user has the opportunity to flexibly adjust the display proportions. There is a thin dividing strip between the two windows. By pressing and holding it, you can drag the border up or down, changing the area each app takes up. This is useful if one window needs more space to read text.
One of the most useful features in the ecosystem Samsung is the ability to pin an application. If you want the top window to remain the same when switching other tasks, click on the three dots in the center of the dividing bar. In the menu that appears, select the option Pin the application. Now, even if you minimize the bottom window, the top one will remain in place.
To exit split-screen mode, just drag the dividing bar to the very top or bottom edge of the display. An alternative option is to click on the arrow in the center of the divider, which will collapse one of the windows into a floating one. This allows you to quickly return to full-screen mode for working with one app.
| Action | Control | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Resize | Drag the center bar | Changing the proportion of windows 50/50, 70/30, etc. |
| Minimizing the window | Clicking on the arrow in the center of the bar | Transferring the application to a floating window |
| Closing mode | Drag the bar to the edge | Full screen mode of the remaining application |
| Options menu | Click on the three dots on the bar | Access to pinning and replacing applications |
Floating window mode as an alternative
Sometimes dividing the screen strictly in half or in specified proportions turns out to be inconvenient, especially on small diagonals. In such cases, the mode Pop-up view or floating windows comes to the rescue. This solution allows you to run applications in small windows that can be freely moved across the screen on top of other apps.
To activate a floating window from split screen mode, click on the arrow in the center of the dividing line. The application will collapse into a compact view that you can move with your finger anywhere on the display. You can simultaneously have one application on the entire screen, a second in split-screen mode and a third as a floating window.
Managing a floating window is intuitive: the top bar of the window is used for moving, and the lower right corner is for resizing. Double-clicking on the top bar automatically expands the application to the full screen or minimizes it to a small icon in the corner without closing the app completely.
The secret of minimizing to an icon
If you double-click on the top bar of a floating window, it will turn into a round icon that can be dragged to the edge of the screen. Pressing it again will restore the window.
Troubleshooting and application compatibility
Despite the versatility of the function, users may encounter a situation where the split screen button is inactive. This is often due to limitations of the application developers themselves. Social networks, banking clients and some games block multitasking for security reasons or due to interface features.
If you are faced with the fact that the application does not want to open in a second window, try updating it via Galaxy Store or Google Play. Developers often add support for new Android features in updates. It's also worth checking your accessibility settings, where you can sometimes force scaling to be enabled for incompatible apps.
In rare cases, the problem may lie in a system glitch in the shell. One UI. Rebooting the device often resolves temporary process conflicts. If the problem persists with only one specific application, clear its cache through the phone settings without deleting your account data.
⚠️ Attention: The interface and button layout may vary slightly depending on the version of Android and the specific model of your Samsung smartphone.
☑️ Diagnosing problems with Split Screen
Impact on performance and battery
Using two active applications at the same time creates an increased load on RAM and the processor. On budget models with less than 4 GB of RAM, this can lead to noticeable slowdowns in the interface or automatic closure of background processes. The system strives to free up resources by sacrificing lower-priority tasks.
Power consumption in split-screen mode also increases, since the display is constantly in active mode, and two processes process data in parallel. If you use heavy applications, such as navigation and video streaming, the charge level will decrease faster than usual. It is recommended to have a charger on hand when working in this mode for a long time.
To optimize performance, you can use the function Game Booster or built-in battery optimization tools to limit the background activity of other apps that are not involved in the current task. This will help balance performance and battery life.
Split screen mode works most stably on devices with 6 GB of RAM and above, providing smooth switching without unloading applications.
Frequently asked questions
Can three applications be opened simultaneously on the screen?
Standard Split Screen mode supports only two applications. However, you can run a third application in a pop-up view on top of the split screen, which effectively gives you access to three apps at the same time.
Why is the split screen button gray and unclickable?
This means that the selected application does not support multitasking. The developer may have blocked this feature. Try choosing a different app for the top window.
How can I save a couple of apps for quick launch in the future?
Use the Edge panel. Go to the panel settings, select “Application Pairs” and add the desired combination there. In the future, the pair will be launched with one touch on the icon on the side curtain.
Is it possible to use split screen in games?
Most games do not support this mode, as they require full focus and device resources. However, some simple games or emulators can run in a window if their settings allow this.
Will progress in the application disappear when you minimize the window?
No, the application remains active in the background. However, if the system runs out of RAM, it may reload the application and you will lose your unsaved data. Save your progress regularly.