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

Split-screen mode on Samsung tablets displays two apps at the same time, one on each half of the screen. You can resize each app's window, switch between them, and close either one without affecting the other. The feature works on most Samsung Galaxy Tab models running Android 5.0 or later, though the exact steps vary slightly depending on your tablet's Android version and One UI skin.

The most common way to enter split-screen mode is through the Recent Apps menu, which stores apps you've used recently. You can also access split-screen from the home screen or while an app is already open. Once both apps are running side by side, you can drag the divider between them to give more screen space to whichever app you need.

Key Takeaways

  • Open the Recent Apps menu by swiping up from the bottom of the screen and holding, or by tapping the Recent Apps button if your tablet has one.
  • Long-press the app you want to use first, then select "Open in split screen" or "Split screen view" from the menu that appears.
  • Tap an app from the Recent Apps list to fill the second half of the screen.
  • Drag the divider between the two apps to resize them, or swipe the divider off the edge to close one app.
  • Not all apps support split-screen mode; if an app won't open in the second window, it may not be compatible.

Opening split-screen mode from the Recent Apps menu

The Recent Apps menu is the fastest way to enter split-screen mode on most Samsung tablets. Swipe up from the bottom of the screen and hold your finger there for about a second. The Recent Apps menu will appear, showing thumbnails of apps you've used recently. If your tablet has a dedicated Recent Apps button (usually three vertical lines or a square icon), you can tap that instead.

Once the Recent Apps menu is open, long-press the app you want to use in the top half of the screen. A menu will pop up with several options. Look for "Open in split screen," "Split screen view," or similar wording depending on your tablet's Android version. Tap that option, and the app will move to the top half of the screen, leaving the bottom half empty and ready for a second app.

The bottom half will now show your Recent Apps list again. Tap any app from that list to open it in the bottom half. Both apps will now run side by side. If the app you want isn't in the Recent Apps list, you can tap the home button or back button to access your full app drawer, then tap the app you need.

Starting split-screen while an app is already open

You can also enter split-screen mode while you're already using an app. Open the app you want to keep on screen, then swipe up from the bottom and hold to open the Recent Apps menu. Long-press the app you want to add to the split screen and select "Open in split screen." Your current app will shrink to fill one half of the screen, and the second app will open in the other half.

This method is useful when you're already focused on one task and want to reference another app without closing the first one. For example, you might be reading an email in one half while checking your calendar in the other, or watching a video while taking notes.

Resizing and closing split-screen windows

Once both apps are open in split-screen mode, you'll see a divider line between them. Drag this divider up or down to give more space to whichever app you need. Some tablets also let you drag the divider side to side if the apps are arranged vertically instead of horizontally. The divider will snap into place once you release it, and both apps will adjust their window sizes automatically.

To close one app and return to full-screen mode, swipe the divider all the way to the edge of the screen in the direction of the app you want to close. The app will close, and the remaining app will expand to fill the entire screen. You can also use the back button or close button within the app itself, depending on how the app is designed.

Switching between split-screen apps

When both apps are running in split-screen mode, you can tap either window to make it active. The active app will respond to your touches and gestures, while the other app stays visible but inactive. This lets you quickly switch focus between the two without closing either one.

If you want to swap which app is on top and which is on the bottom (or left and right), some Samsung tablets let you tap and hold the divider, then drag it to flip the positions. Check your tablet's settings or try this gesture to see if your model supports it. Not all Samsung tablets have this feature, so don't be concerned if it doesn't work on yours.

App compatibility and troubleshooting

Not every app supports split-screen mode. Some apps, particularly older ones or those designed for phones, may refuse to open in the second window. If an app won't appear when you tap it from the Recent Apps list, it's likely not compatible with split-screen on your tablet. You'll need to close one of the current apps and open a different one instead.

If split-screen mode isn't working at all, restart your tablet first. Power it off completely, wait a few seconds, and turn it back on. If the problem persists, check your tablet's settings: go to Settings > Apps, find the app that's giving you trouble, and look for any permissions or compatibility settings. You can also try updating the app through the Google Play Store, as older versions may have bugs that prevent split-screen from working.

Some Samsung tablets running older versions of Android or One UI may have split-screen disabled by default. If you can't find the option in your Recent Apps menu, go to Settings > Advanced features and look for "Multi window" or "Split screen." Toggle it on if it's available, then try the steps above again.

Using split-screen with keyboard and mouse

If your Samsung tablet is connected to a keyboard and mouse or trackpad, split-screen mode becomes even more useful. You can type in one app while referencing information in the other, or use the mouse to click between windows without lifting your hands. The keyboard and mouse will work in whichever app window is currently active.

Some Samsung tablets also support floating windows, which is different from split-screen. Floating windows let you open an app in a small, movable box on top of another app, rather than splitting the screen in half. To access floating windows, long-press an app in the Recent Apps menu and look for "Open in pop-up view" or "Floating window." This gives you even more flexibility when multitasking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I have more than two apps open at the same time in split-screen?

Standard split-screen mode shows only two apps side by side. However, some Samsung tablets support floating windows in addition to split-screen, which lets you open a third app in a small movable window on top of the two split-screen apps. Check your tablet's settings under Advanced features to see if floating windows are available.

Why won't my app open in split-screen mode?

The app may not support split-screen, or it may be disabled in your tablet's settings. Go to Settings > Advanced features and make sure "Multi window" or "Split screen" is turned on. If the setting is already on, the app itself may not be compatible. Try a different app to confirm split-screen is working, then contact the app's developer if you need that specific app to work in split-screen.

How do I arrange split-screen apps horizontally instead of vertically?

Most Samsung tablets default to vertical split-screen (one app on top, one on bottom). To change to horizontal split-screen (one app on the left, one on the right), rotate your tablet to landscape mode. The apps will automatically rearrange themselves side by side. Rotate back to portrait mode to return to the vertical arrangement.

Does split-screen drain my tablet's battery faster?

Running two apps at the same time does use more processing power and battery than running one app alone. The impact depends on which apps you're using — two lightweight apps will have less effect than two demanding apps like games or video players. If battery life is a concern, close split-screen mode when you're not actively using both apps.

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

Samsung tablets don't have a built-in feature to save and restore split-screen layouts automatically. You'll need to set up split-screen manually each time you want to use it. However, if you frequently use the same two apps together, keeping them in your Recent Apps list will make it faster to open them in split-screen mode.