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

Samsung tablets let you open two apps at the same time in a split-screen view, so you can watch a video while texting, or read a recipe while taking notes. The method depends on which Samsung tablet model you have and which version of Android it runs, but the most common way is to swipe up from the bottom of the screen to open the task switcher, then drag one app to the side. Some tablets also let you use a button combination or access split screen through the recent apps menu.

Split screen works best on larger tablets — the screen needs enough space to show both apps clearly. If your tablet is older or runs an older version of Android, the feature may not be available or may work differently than described here.

Key Takeaways

  • Most Samsung tablets set up split screen by swiping up from the bottom to open the task switcher, then dragging an app card to the left or right edge.
  • You can adjust the divider between the two apps by dragging it left or right to give more screen space to whichever app you need.
  • Some Samsung tablets support a three-app view called Multi Window, which lets you open a small floating window on top of your split-screen pair.
  • If split screen does not work, check that your tablet runs Android 9 or later and that both apps support the feature.

Opening split screen with the task switcher

The easiest way to split screen on most Samsung tablets is through the task switcher. Start by opening the first app you want to use. Then swipe up from the very bottom of the screen and hold for a moment — this opens the task switcher, which shows all your recent apps as cards.

Look for the second app you want to open. Press and hold its card, then drag it to the left or right edge of the screen. When you see a highlight or outline appear along that edge, release your finger. The app will snap into place on that side, and your first app will shrink to fill the remaining space. You now have two apps running side by side.

To close split screen, drag the divider all the way to one edge until one app disappears, or swipe up from the bottom again and tap the X on one of the app cards.

Resizing the split-screen divider

Once you have two apps open in split screen, you can adjust how much space each one gets. Look for the thin line or bar that separates the two apps — this is the divider. Press and hold it, then drag it left or right to move it. Dragging left gives more space to the right app; dragging right gives more space to the left app.

You can move the divider all the way to one edge if you want to close one app and expand the other to full screen. Some tablets also let you double-tap the divider to swap which app is on which side.

Using split screen with older Samsung tablets

If your Samsung tablet is older or runs Android 8 or earlier, the task switcher method may not work. Instead, try opening the first app, then pressing the recent apps button (usually a square icon at the bottom right of the screen). Look for the app you want to open in split screen, then press and hold it until a menu appears. Select an option like "Open in split screen" or "Split screen view."

Some older Samsung tablets also let you access split screen through the Settings menu under Display or Advanced Features. If you do not see a split-screen option anywhere, your tablet model may not support the feature.

Multi Window and floating windows

Samsung tablets with Android 10 or later support a feature called Multi Window, which lets you open a third app in a small floating window on top of your split-screen pair. To do this, open split screen as usual with two apps. Then swipe up from the bottom again to open the task switcher, find a third app, and drag it to the center of the screen instead of to an edge. It will open as a small floating window that you can move and resize.

You can drag the floating window by its title bar, or pinch its edges to make it larger or smaller. Tap the X button on the floating window to close it. If you want to convert the floating window back to full screen or to part of the split-screen pair, drag it to an edge of the screen.

Troubleshooting split screen that will not work

If split screen is not working on your Samsung tablet, first check that you are running Android 9 or later. Go to Settings, scroll down to About tablet, and look for the Android version number. If it is Android 8 or earlier, split screen may not be available.

Next, make sure both apps you want to use support split screen. Some apps, especially older ones or those designed for phones, do not work in split-screen mode. Try opening two different apps to see if the problem is with a specific app. If split screen still does not work, restart your tablet by holding the power button until the power menu appears, then tap Restart.

If you have tried all these steps and split screen still does not work, your tablet model may not support the feature, or there may be a software issue that requires a factory reset. Before doing a factory reset, back up your data, as this will erase everything on your tablet.

Apps that work best in split screen

Split screen works with most Samsung apps and popular third-party apps, but some apps are designed to work better in the side-by-side view. Messaging apps like Messages and WhatsApp work well on one side while you browse the web on the other. Video apps like YouTube and Netflix can play in split screen, though some may reduce video quality or disable certain features when not in full screen.

Note-taking apps like Samsung Notes or Google Keep are useful to have open while you read or watch something on the other side. Email apps like Gmail let you read messages on one side and compose on the other. If an app does not appear in the task switcher or will not drag to split screen, it may not support the feature — try a different app instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use split screen with apps that are not from Samsung?

Yes, split screen works with most third-party apps from the Google Play Store, including Gmail, Chrome, YouTube, and WhatsApp. Some older or specialized apps may not support split screen, but you can try dragging them to see if they work. If an app will not open in split screen, it straightforward does not support the feature.

What if I want to switch which app is on which side?

You can drag the divider all the way to one edge to close one app, then open a different app in that space. Some Samsung tablets also let you double-tap the divider to swap the positions of the two apps automatically. If your tablet does not have this option, the drag-and-close method will work.

Does split screen use more battery power?

Running two apps at once does use more battery than running one app, since your tablet is doing more work. However, the difference is usually small — a few percent per hour depending on which apps you are using. If battery life is a concern, close split screen and use one app at a time.

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

Most Samsung tablets do not save split-screen layouts automatically. When you close split screen or restart your tablet, you will need to set it up again. Some Samsung tablets with newer Android versions may remember your last split-screen pair, but this is not may provide.

Why does one of my apps close when I try to open split screen?

This usually happens if your tablet does not have enough memory to run both apps at once. Close other background apps first, then try split screen again. If the problem continues, restart your tablet to free up memory. Some apps also do not support split screen and will close instead of opening in the side-by-side view.