Split screen lets you run two apps side by side on your Samsung tablet

Samsung tablets running Android 5.0 and later have a built-in split-screen feature that divides your display between two apps. You can open your email on one side and a web browser on the other, or watch a video while taking notes. The feature works on most Samsung Galaxy Tab models, though the exact steps vary slightly depending on your Android version and tablet model.

Split screen is different from picture-in-picture mode, which floats a smaller window over your main app. Split screen gives each app equal space and lets you interact with both at the same time. You can resize the dividing line between them to give more space to whichever app you need.

Key Takeaways

  • Open the first app, then swipe up from the bottom and hold to open the app switcher, then tap the app icon and select "Open in split screen view."
  • On some Samsung tablets, you can also long-press the back button or use the recent apps button to access split-screen options directly.
  • Drag the dividing line between the two apps left or right to adjust how much screen space each one gets.
  • Not all apps support split screen — Samsung's own apps and most major apps do, but some third-party apps may not work in this mode.

The standard method: using the app switcher

Start by opening the first app you want to use. This could be Gmail, Chrome, Notes, or any other app on your tablet. Once that app is open and running, swipe up from the bottom of the screen and hold your finger there for a moment. This opens the app switcher, which shows all your recently used apps as cards.

Look at the app card for the app you want to open in split screen. Tap and hold on that card, or look for a three-dot menu icon on the card itself. A menu will appear with options including "Open in split screen view" or "Split screen." Tap that option. The screen will divide, with your first app on one side and the second app on the other.

Using the recent apps button on older tablets

If your Samsung tablet is running an older version of Android (typically Android 8 or earlier), the process is slightly different. Open your first app, then tap the recent apps button — this is usually a square icon at the bottom right of the screen, or sometimes a button with three vertical lines.

The recent apps screen will show cards of your open apps. Find the app you want to open in split screen and tap and hold on its card. A menu will appear with options including "Open in split screen" or "Split screen view." Tap that option and the screen will divide between the two apps.

Adjusting the split between your two apps

Once split screen is active, you will see a dividing line running horizontally or vertically across your screen, depending on your tablet's orientation. This line separates the two apps. To resize the space each app gets, tap and drag that dividing line in either direction.

Drag the line toward the app you want to shrink, and it will take up less space. Drag it toward the other app, and that one will shrink instead. You can position the line anywhere along the screen. If you want to close one of the apps and return to full-screen mode, swipe the dividing line all the way to the edge of the screen.

Apps that may not work in split screen

Most Samsung apps and major apps like Gmail, Chrome, YouTube, and Microsoft Office support split screen. However, some third-party apps, games, and streaming services do not allow split-screen mode. If you try to open an app in split screen and nothing happens, or if the option does not appear, that app likely does not support the feature.

You can still use those apps in full-screen mode. If you need to switch between them and another app, you can use the app switcher to jump back and forth, or use the recent apps button to open a different app in split screen instead.

Switching apps or closing split screen

While in split screen, you can tap on either app to make it active — the active app will respond to your touches and gestures. To switch which app is active, straightforward tap on the other one. Both apps continue running in the background even if you are not actively using them.

To close split screen and return to full-screen mode, swipe the dividing line all the way to the left or right edge of the screen. The app on that side will close, and the other app will expand to fill the entire screen. You can also use the back button or home button to exit split screen, though the exact behavior depends on your tablet model and Android version.

Troubleshooting split screen problems

If split screen is not working, first check that your tablet is running Android 5.0 or later. You can find your Android version in Settings > About tablet > Android version. If you are on an older version, split screen may not be available.

If split screen is available but not working for a specific app, try closing that app completely and reopening it. If the app still will not open in split screen, the app itself may not support the feature. Restart your tablet if split screen stops responding or behaves unexpectedly. If you have recently installed a system update, restart your tablet to may support all features are working correctly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use split screen with any two apps?

Most apps support split screen, but not all. Samsung apps, Google apps, and major third-party apps usually work. Games and some streaming services often do not. If an app does not appear in the split-screen menu or the option is grayed out, that app does not support the feature.

Can I have more than two apps open in split screen?

No, split screen divides your display between exactly two apps. You can switch between different pairs of apps, but you cannot have three or more apps visible at the same time in split-screen mode. Picture-in-picture mode lets you float a small window over your main app, which is another way to view multiple apps.

Does split screen use more battery?

Running two apps at once does use more processing power and battery than running one app alone. If battery life is a concern, close one of the apps when you are done using it, or return to full-screen mode. The difference is usually small unless both apps are very demanding, like games or video streaming.

Why does the dividing line keep moving back to the center?

Some apps are designed to work best at a certain size and will automatically resize themselves. If you drag the dividing line and it snaps back to the center, that app is resizing itself to its preferred width. You can try dragging it again, but if it keeps moving, the app may not support custom sizing in split-screen mode.

Can I save a split-screen setup so it opens automatically?

Samsung tablets do not have a built-in feature to save and restore split-screen layouts automatically. Each time you want to use split screen, you will need to open the first app and then use the app switcher to open the second app in split-screen mode. Some Samsung tablets have a "Dual DAR" or "Multi Window" feature that may offer more options — check your Settings menu under Advanced features.