How to Use Split Screen on Samsung Galaxy

Ever tried watching a video while replying to messages, or checking a map while taking notes, and wished your Samsung Galaxy could do both at once? That’s where split screen Samsung features come in handy. With this feature, you can run two apps at the same time, resizing them as needed, saving time and improving productivity.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through every way to use split screen on Galaxy phones and tablets—from the Recents menu to Edge Panels and App pairs—so you can multitask like a pro without struggling with menus or hidden settings.

What Is Split Screen on Samsung Galaxy?

Split screen Samsung is essentially Samsung’s way of letting you open two apps simultaneously. One app takes the top (or left) portion of your screen, while the other occupies the bottom (or right) portion. On larger devices, like Galaxy Tabs and Foldables, split screen offers a near-desktop experience, giving more room to type, browse, and compare apps side by side. Some apps even support pop-up view, letting one app float over another for extra flexibility.

Key Facts About Split Screen

Feature	Details
Layout	Top/Bottom in portrait, Side-by-side in landscape
Supported Devices	Most Galaxy phones, Galaxy Tabs, Z Fold/Flip
App Support	Most productivity, social, browser, media apps
Additional Options	Pop-up view, App pairs, Edge Panel shortcuts

Why Use Split Screen on Samsung?

Multitasking on your phone doesn’t have to be a hassle. Split screen Samsung allows you to do more without constantly switching apps. Whether it’s work, study, or entertainment, the feature can save time and boost productivity.

Common Everyday Uses

• Watch YouTube while replying to messages.
• Browse Chrome while jotting notes in Samsung Notes.
• Compare prices between shopping apps.
• Keep Maps open while checking bookings.
• Read an article while drafting social media posts.

Who Benefits Most

• Students needing references while taking notes.
• Remote workers handling email and documents simultaneously.
• Content creators managing social media and assets.
• Shoppers comparing deals.
• Travelers navigating maps while messaging companions.

Use Case Table

Scenario	App Combination	Benefit
Work	Gmail + Calendar	Efficient scheduling
Study	YouTube + Samsung Notes	Learn while taking notes
Travel	Maps + WhatsApp	Navigation & communication
Shopping	Chrome + Amazon	Price comparison
Entertainment	YouTube + Messages	Watch while chatting

Before You Start: Things to Check First

Device and Software Compatibility

Split screen availability depends on your Galaxy model, One UI version, and Android update. Some carriers may tweak settings too. Tablets and Foldables often have larger screens that make multitasking smoother.

App Support

Not all apps allow split screen. For example, some banking, camera, or video streaming apps may block it. Test common apps like Chrome, YouTube, Gmail, or Samsung Notes first.

Software Updates

Keep your apps and system updated. Many glitches, like missing split screen options, can be resolved by updating through Google Play Store, Galaxy Store, or System Settings.

Step	Action
1	Check One UI version in Settings > About Phone
2	Update apps from Play Store / Galaxy Store
3	Restart phone after updates

How to Use Split Screen Samsung From Recent Apps

The simplest way to start split screen is via the Recent Apps menu.

Step-by-Step

1. Open the first app you want.
2. Open Recent Apps: Tap Recents button or swipe up (gesture navigation).
3. Tap the app icon above the app preview.
4. Select Open in split screen view.
5. Choose the second app from Recents or app list.
6. Drag the divider to adjust screen space.

Step	Action	Tip
1	Open first app	Any productivity or media app works
2	Open Recents	Tap or swipe depending on navigation
3	Tap app icon	Top of app preview
4	Open in split screen view	Moves app to top/side
5	Select second app	Any supported app
6	Adjust divider	Customize screen ratio

Using Edge Panel for Split Screen

Samsung Edge Panel offers quick multitasking shortcuts.

Read Also: How to Block Spam Calls on Samsung Galaxy

Enable Edge Panel

1. Go to Settings > Display > Edge Panels.
2. Turn it on and choose apps to include.

Open Split Screen From Edge Panel

1. Open first app.
2. Swipe Edge Panel handle.
3. Press and hold the second app.
4. Drag to top/bottom of screen and release.

Feature	Benefit
Edge Panel	Fast access to favorite apps
Drag & Drop	Instant split screen
App Combos	Frequent workflows saved

Creating App Pairs on Samsung Galaxy

App Pairs save two apps together for one-tap split screen access.

Creating an App Pair

1. Open two apps in split screen.
2. Tap the divider or menu.
3. Save as App Pair to Home or Edge Panel.

Best App Pair Ideas

• Notes + Browser
• Gmail + Calendar
• YouTube + Messages
• Maps + Booking app
• Gallery + Instagram

App Pair	Use Case
Notes + Browser	Research & note-taking
Gmail + Calendar	Scheduling & email
YouTube + Messages	Entertainment + chat
Maps + Booking	Travel planning
Gallery + Instagram	Content posting

Resizing Apps in Split Screen

Drag the divider to give one app more space. Useful for watching video while typing, taking notes beside a reference, or using Maps with another app.

Action	Example
Drag divider	Give Notes 70%, Chrome 30%
Landscape mode	More room side-by-side
Resize on tablets	Both apps fully visible

Switching Apps While in Split Screen

Replace one app without closing split screen.

Action	Example
Open Recents	Keep Chrome open, switch WhatsApp to Gmail
Tap new app	Replace existing app instantly
Maintain layout	Continue multitasking efficiently

Exiting Split Screen

• Drag the divider fully up/down.
• Tap Home to return to a single app.
• Close one app via window controls.

Method	Outcome
Drag divider	Exit split screen
Tap Home	Close split view
Window controls	Close one app only

Using Pop-Up View Instead

Pop-up view allows floating apps over other apps.

Feature	When to Use
Pop-Up View	Quick calculator, message reply, video floating
Split Screen	Equal focus on two apps
App Pair	Repeat workflow with one tap

Split Screen on Tablets

Tablets give more space for productive multitasking.

App Combo	Benefit
Notes + Browser	Research
Word + PDF reader	Document editing
YouTube + Notes	Study while watching
Email + Calendar	Work scheduling
Google Meet + Doc viewer	Video calls

Split Screen on Galaxy Z Fold and Flip

Foldable phones offer unique layouts. Z Fold has large inner display, perfect for side-by-side apps. Z Flip may feel cramped; use landscape mode or pop-up view for flexibility.

Common Issues and Fixes

Problem	Solution
App doesn’t support split screen	Try a supported app
Missing menu	Check One UI / software updates
Divider stuck	Restart phone
Edge Panel off	Enable Edge Panel
Small screen issues	Use pop-up view

Tips for Better Multitasking

• Use landscape mode.
• Save frequent workflows as App pairs.
• Keep one reference app open.
• Avoid two keyboard-heavy apps.
• Prefer larger screens for multitasking.

Privacy & Security Tips

• Sensitive apps may block split screen.
• Avoid split screen during screen sharing.
• Use Secure Folder for private apps.

Final Thoughts

Split screen Samsung features are practical for anyone juggling apps, from students and remote workers to travelers and content creators. With Recents, Edge Panels, App pairs, resizing, and pop-up view, multitasking becomes simple and efficient. Learn how to combine apps wisely, adjust layouts, and use larger devices to get the most out of your Galaxy.

FAQs

Can I use split screen on any Samsung phone?

Most modern Galaxy devices support it; app support may vary.

Why is “Open in Split Screen View” missing?

App restrictions, device version, or navigation method changes.

Can I use three apps at once?

Rarely, only on large tablets or foldables with Multi window.

Does split screen affect battery?

Using two apps may increase battery use, especially media apps.

Can I use split screen with banking apps?

Some restrict it for security; it may not be available.