Modern smartphones Samsung have powerful enough processors and large displays to comfortably perform multiple tasks simultaneously. The split screen (Split Screen) function significantly increases productivity by allowing you to work with two applications in one window. This is especially true for owners of flagship series models Galaxy S and tablets Tab, where the display area allows you to place full-fledged app interfaces.
Many users mistakenly believe that activating this function requires complex developer settings or third-party software. In fact, Samsung's shell has built-in multitasking tools available out of the box. However, activation paths may differ depending on the version of the operating system One UI Samsung has built-in multitasking tools available out of the box. However, activation paths may differ depending on the operating system version Android and the specific device model. Below we will analyze in detail all the available methods.
The key advantage of this technology is the ability not only to switch between tabs, but to see the content of both applications at once. You can watch videos from YouTube and at the same time correspond in the messenger or copy text from the browser into notes. Important: some applications, especially banking or protected by DRM content, may block work in split-screen mode for security purposes.
Enable the function in the system settings
Before you try to launch two applications, you need to make sure that multitasking is activated in the system menu. In the latest versions of the shell One UI this option is enabled by default, but on older firmware or after resetting the settings it is worth checking manually. To do this, open Settings your device and find the section responsible for advanced functions.
In the list of parameters, select Additional functions. All the tools that expand the standard capabilities of a smartphone are concentrated here. Find the subsection Multitasking Lab or simply Multitasking. If you are using a tablet, this section may be called Multi Window. Make sure that the switch opposite the function Split screen is in the active position.
⚠️ Attention: If you do not see the “Additional functions” item in the main settings menu, try searching for settings by entering the query “multitasking”. In some regions, the interface may be slightly modified by the manufacturer.
Also, this menu often contains an option Open applications in split screen mode. Activating it allows you to launch the two most recently used applications at once when minimizing the current one. This saves time and eliminates the need to manually configure windows each time. Don't forget to save changes if you made changes to this section.
☑️ Checking system readiness
Launch through the recent applications menu
The most common and intuitive way to activate a dual screen is to use the menu of recently launched apps. This method works on the vast majority of devices Samsung running Android 7.0 and higher. To begin, open the desired application, which should occupy the top or left side of the screen.
Then call up the recent applications menu. Depending on the selected type of navigation, the action may differ:
- 📱 When using navigation buttons: press the button
Menu(square or three bars) at the bottom of the screen. - 👆 When using gestures: swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen and hold your finger in the center for a second.
In the list that opens, find the card of the running application. Above the app icon you will see three vertical dots or the icon of the application itself. Click on it to bring up the context menu. In the list of actions, select Open in split screen mode. Sometimes this item may be called Launch in pop-up view, be careful and choose the split.
After selecting an action, the current application will occupy the upper half of the display, and a list of other apps will appear at the bottom. Select the second application from the list or find it through search. The screen will split into two equal parts. You can change the aspect ratio by dragging the split bar to give more space to one of the apps.
If the application does not support split screen, the menu item will be grayed out or absent altogether. Try replacing it with another analogue.
Using the Edge sidebar
Owners of smartphones with curved screens or simply users who have enabled the function Edge Panelhave access to an even faster way to organize their workspace. The sidebar allows you to launch applications in split-screen mode with literally one touch, without going to the recent tasks menu.
To activate, go to Settings → Display → Panel Edge. Make sure the panel is enabled and select the panel type Applications. In the settings of this panel, you can choose which shortcuts will be displayed. When the panel is configured, swipe from the edge of the screen to open it.
To create a dual screen, follow these steps:
- 🖱️ Open the first application in the usual way fully screen.
- 📲 Swipe from the edge to bring up the Edge panel.
- 🚀 Tap on the second application icon and, without releasing your finger, drag it to a free area of the screen (up or down).
As soon as you release your finger, the system will automatically split the display. This method is especially convenient for frequently used pairs of apps, for example, Calculator and Notes, or Browser and Translator. You can pin the panel on the screen so that it does not disappear, which will speed up access to multitasking tools.
| Method activation | Access speed | Ease of setup | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recents menu | Medium | High | All models |
| Edge Panel | High | Medium | Customizable |
| Application folders | High | Low | One UI 4+ |
Launch from folders on the desktop
Starting with the shell version One UI 4, the company Samsung has introduced the ability to launch pairs of applications directly from folders on the home screen. This is a unique method that allows you to create ready-made work scenarios. If you have a folder with two or more applications, you can run them simultaneously in split screen mode.
Open the folder on your desktop. At the top of the folder window you will see a button with an icon that resembles two rectangles (or an icon Split screen). Clicking this button will instantly launch the first two applications from the folder in multitasking mode. This eliminates the need to search for apps in the menu every time.
You can also configure this feature. Go to the folder settings (click on the three dots inside the open folder) and select Folder options. Here you can enable the option Open in split screen mode. If this feature is active, simply pressing the launch button in a folder will initiate split screen without additional confirmation.
⚠️ Attention: The launch from folders feature is only available if the folder contains at least two applications that support the mode multitasking. If one of the applications blocks this function, the mode is not activated.
Window management and resizing
Once you have launched two applications, the system provides flexible tools for managing space. The border between windows is not fixed. You can change the aspect ratio by clicking on the gray separator bar and dragging it up or down (in portrait) or left and right (in landscape).
Three dots or special control icons appear at the top of each window in split screen mode. By clicking on them, you will get access to additional options:
- 🔄 Swap applications: the top will become the bottom and vice versa.
- ❌ Close application: closes the app in this window.
- ⤢ Expand to full screen: exits split mode and expands the application.
There is also a function Pop-up window (Pop-up view). If you tap an app icon in split screen mode and select it, the app will collapse into a small floating window that you can move around the screen on top of other apps. This creates a “triple screen” effect, when two applications are divided, and the third hangs on top.
Secret aspect ratio setting
In developer mode, you can enable forced resizing of applications, which allows you to run in a split screen even those apps that do not officially support this function, although their display may be incorrect.
Possible problems and solutions
Despite the convenience, users may encounter situations where the dual screen does not turn on or does not work correctly. Most often, the problem lies in the limitations of the application developers themselves. Social networks, banking clients and streaming services often block work in the background or in split mode to protect user data.
If the function is not activated, check for updates for the shell One UI. Go to Settings → Software update → Download and installation. Outdated software may contain bugs that prevent multitasking from working correctly. Also try clearing the cache of the problematic application through the settings menu.
In rare cases, resetting accessibility settings helps. Go to Settings → Accessibility → Installed services and disable all third-party services that may intercept screen control. Sometimes a driver or launcher conflict prevents the correct split screen.
If an application categorically refuses to work in split-screen mode, most likely this is a limitation at the app code level, which cannot be circumvented using standard means without obtaining root access.
Is it possible to change the size of windows in a non-standard way?
With standard tools you can change the size only by dragging the separator. However, you can find tools for more fine-tuning in the accessibility menu or through third-party launchers, but this can lead to system instability.
Why does the sound disappear in one of the applications?
The system Android usually allows you to play sound from only one active media application. If you play two videos, one of them will be automatically muted. This is a limitation of the smartphone's audio driver.
Does split screen affect battery consumption?
Yes, the simultaneous operation of two active applications significantly increases the load on the processor and display, which leads to accelerated battery drain. It is recommended to use this mode only when necessary.
How to exit split-screen mode?
To exit, simply drag the dividing bar to the very edge of the screen so that one of the applications takes up 100% of the area. You can also press the Home button or use a swipe gesture to minimize both applications.