Samsung’s multi-window feature lets you multitask with a split screen, open apps in a floating window, and save frequently used split-screen apps as app pairs for quick access—removing the need to switch between apps as often.
How to Split Screen on a Samsung Phone
Imagine being able to take quick notes when browsing the internet or texting your friend while watching a YouTube video—all without having to switch between apps frequently. Samsung’s Multi-Window is a great Android feature for seamless multitasking, allowing you to have two or more apps on the screen simultaneously.
On a Samsung phone running One UI you can use the Recent apps menu to enable split-screen view and start multitasking more easily.
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6 Multitasking Tips to Help You Use Your Samsung Phone Like a Pro
Samsung Galaxy phones offer several tools to help you multitask, making it easy to get more done in less time.
First, tap the Recents button to view minimized apps. Then, tap the first app’s icon and select Open in split screen view. Now select the second app you want to open in split-screen view. You can choose from an already open app or one from the app drawer.
To swap the app’s position, tap the three-dot menu on the split line between them, then tap the swap icon (two arrows). You can also adjust each app’s split screen area by dragging the split-line up/down as needed.
Open Apps in Pop-Up View
If you want more flexibility, Pop-up view lets you open more than two apps simultaneously. Unlike split-screen mode, which takes up your entire screen, Pop-up view lets you open an app in a resizable floating window. It’s similar to Android’s built-in Picture-in-Picture mode but works with all apps. This is especially useful when you want to keep an app accessible no matter what other app you’re using.
To open an app in Pop-Up view, tap the Recent button, then tap the app icon and choose Open in Pop-Up view. Hold and drag the blue bar at the top of the app to move the window around, or tap it once to view more options, such as adjusting the app’s transparency or switching to full screen.
For even quicker access, you can turn the app into a floating bubble that stays on top of other apps. To do this, first open the app in Pop-Up view. Then, tap the blue bar at the top and select the diagonal arrow icon to minimize the app into a floating bubble.
Save App Pairs for Easy Access
You can take this all a step further by using App Pairs, which lets you save frequently used split-screen combinations for quick access. For instance, if you often take notes during calls, you can create an app pair with Contact + Notes and save it to the Edge Panel or Home screen to quickly launch both apps in Multi-Window mode.
To create an app pair, first open two apps in a split screen. Then, tap the three-dots menu in the middle and select the App pair icon (a star with a plus sign). In the Add app pair menu, choose Apps edge panel to add it to the Edge Panel. Alternatively, select Home screen to save the app pair to your home screen.
Not sure what app to pair? Here are a few combinations I like to use:
- YouTube/Spotify + Stopwatch – For workout and gym sessions.
- Slack + Asana – For productivity.
- Contacts + Notes – To jot down notes when on a call.
- Spotify/YT Music + Maps – Keeps music controls and navigation accessible while driving.
Whether you’re looking for Android features to boost productivity or want to keep essential apps easily accessible while watching your favorite show, Samsung’s Multi-Window mode makes multitasking effortless. While these features work well on all Samsung devices, you’ll undoubtedly like them more if you use a Galaxy Z Fold series as a daily driver, making the most of the available screen real estate.
