Samsung tablets let you run two apps side by side using split screen

Split screen on a Samsung tablet divides your display into two sections so you can use two apps at the same time. One app takes up the left half of the screen, the other takes the right half, and you can adjust the dividing line to give more space to whichever app you need. This feature works on most Samsung tablets running Android 5.0 and newer, though the exact steps vary slightly depending on your tablet model and Android version.

The most common way to open split screen is through the Recent Apps menu, which stores the apps you have used recently. You can also drag an app from the home screen directly into split screen mode on some models. Once both apps are open side by side, you can switch between them, resize the dividing line, or close one app to return to full screen.

Key Takeaways

  • Open split screen by swiping up from the bottom of the screen to show Recent Apps, then long-pressing an app and selecting "Open in split screen view."
  • You can resize the dividing line between the two apps by dragging it left or right to give one app more screen space.
  • Some Samsung tablets let you drag an app from the home screen directly onto the edge of an open app to start split screen without using Recent Apps.
  • Close split screen by dragging the dividing line all the way to the edge of the screen, or by swiping up and closing one of the apps.
  • Split screen works with most apps, but some apps designed for phones or older versions of Android may not support it.

Open split screen from the Recent Apps menu

The quickest way to split your screen is through the Recent Apps menu. Swipe up from the bottom of the screen and hold for a moment until the Recent Apps panel appears. This shows thumbnails of the apps you have used recently, usually arranged in a grid or list depending on your tablet model.

Find the app you want to use in the second half of the screen, then press and hold on its thumbnail. A menu will pop up with several options. Look for "Open in split screen view" or "Split screen" (the exact wording depends on your Android version). Tap that option, and the app will open on one side of the screen while your current app stays on the other side.

If you do not see the app you want in Recent Apps, you can open it from the full app drawer instead. Tap the app drawer icon (usually at the bottom of the home screen), find the app you need, and then long-press it to see if a split screen option appears. Not all apps support this method, but most do.

Resize the dividing line between the two apps

Once both apps are open, you will see a thin line dividing the two halves of the screen. This dividing line can be moved to give more space to either app. To resize, place your finger on the dividing line and drag it left or right. The app on the side you drag toward will shrink, and the other app will expand to fill the space.

You can position the line anywhere between the two edges of the screen. Some people prefer a 50-50 split, while others give more space to the app they are actively using. Experiment to find what works best for your task. The dividing line will stay in place until you move it again or close one of the apps.

Close split screen and return to full screen

To exit split screen mode, drag the dividing line all the way to the left or right edge of the screen. The app on the side you drag toward will close, and the remaining app will expand to fill the entire screen. This is the fastest way to return to single-app view.

Alternatively, you can swipe up from the bottom to open Recent Apps again, then tap the X button on one of the two apps to close it. You can also press the back button or home button, though the behavior varies by tablet model and Android version. If you want to close both apps and start fresh, close one app first, then close the remaining app using the standard method for your tablet.

Apps that may not work in split screen

Most apps support split screen, but some do not. Apps designed primarily for phones, very old apps that have not been updated in years, or apps that require full-screen access (like some games or video players) may refuse to open in split screen mode. If you try to open an app in split screen and nothing happens, that app likely does not support the feature.

If an app is critical to your task and does not support split screen, you can still use it in full screen and switch between apps using the Recent Apps menu or the home button. This is slower than split screen, but it works for any app on your tablet.

Drag an app from the home screen to start split screen

Some Samsung tablets allow you to start split screen by dragging an app directly from the home screen. Open the app you want to use in the first half of the screen, then go to the home screen. Find the app you want in the second half, press and hold it, and drag it to the edge of the screen where you want it to appear.

This method is faster if you know exactly which two apps you want to use, because you do not have to open Recent Apps first. However, not all Samsung tablet models support this drag-and-drop method, so if it does not work on your device, use the Recent Apps method instead.

Troubleshooting split screen problems

If split screen is not working, first check that both apps support the feature. Try with a different app to see if the problem is specific to one app or a general issue with your tablet. Restart your tablet by powering it off and back on, which often fixes temporary glitches with split screen or other features.

If split screen still does not work after a restart, check that your tablet is running a recent version of Android. Go to Settings, then About Tablet, and look for a Software Update option. Installing the latest update may restore split screen functionality or add it if it was missing. If your tablet is very old and running Android 4.4 or earlier, split screen may not be available at all, and upgrading the device may be necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use split screen with three or more apps at once?

No, split screen on Samsung tablets divides the display into two halves only. You can run two apps side by side, but not three or more simultaneously. If you need to use more than two apps, you will have to switch between them using Recent Apps or the home button.

Will split screen drain my tablet battery faster?

Running two apps at the same time does use more processing power and battery than running one app, so yes, split screen will drain your battery slightly faster than single-app use. The difference is usually small unless both apps are very demanding, like video streaming or games.

Can I save my split screen setup so it opens the same way next time?

Most Samsung tablets do not save split screen layouts automatically. Each time you want to use split screen, you will need to open it again using Recent Apps or the drag method. However, some newer Samsung tablets with newer Android versions may remember your last split screen setup temporarily.

What should I do if an app keeps closing when I try to use it in split screen?

If an app closes when ready after opening in split screen, it may have a bug or may not fully support the feature. Try closing both apps, restarting your tablet, and attempting split screen again. If the problem continues, uninstall and reinstall the app, or contact the app developer for support.

Does split screen work in landscape and portrait orientation?

Yes, split screen works in both orientations. In landscape mode, the two apps sit side by side horizontally. In portrait mode, they stack vertically, one above the other. You can rotate your tablet to switch between these layouts while split screen is active.