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

Split screen, also called Multi Window on Samsung devices, divides your screen into two sections so you can use two apps at the same time. One app fills the left or top half, the other fills the right or bottom half. You control each app independently — swipe, tap, and type in one while the other stays open behind it.

The method to turn it on depends on whether you're using a phone or tablet, and which Samsung model you have. Most Samsung phones and tablets made in the last five years support this feature, though older models may not have it.

Key Takeaways

  • On most Samsung phones, swipe up from the bottom to open Recent Apps, then long-press an app and select "Open in split screen" or "Open in pop-up view."
  • On Samsung tablets, you can drag an app from the edge of the screen inward, or use the Recent Apps menu the same way as phones.
  • Some Samsung models let you swipe down from the top and search for "Multi Window" in Settings to turn the feature on if it's disabled.
  • Once split screen is active, you can resize the divider between apps by dragging it left, right, up, or down depending on your screen orientation.
  • Not all apps support split screen — Samsung apps and most major apps like YouTube, Chrome, and Gmail work, but some older or specialized apps do not.

set up split screen from Recent Apps on a phone

This is the fastest way on most Samsung phones. Swipe up from the very bottom of your screen to open the Recent Apps panel. You'll see thumbnails of apps you've used recently, arranged vertically or in a grid depending on your model.

Find the app you want to use in split screen and press and hold on it for about one second. A menu will pop up with options. Look for "Open in split screen," "Split screen view," or sometimes "Multi Window." Tap that option. The app will snap to one half of your screen — usually the top or left side.

Now swipe up from the bottom again to open Recent Apps a second time. Choose a different app and tap it normally. It will fill the remaining half of your screen. Both apps are now running side by side, and you can tap either one to bring it into focus.

set up split screen on a Samsung tablet

Tablets have a larger screen, so Samsung built in an extra method. You can use the Recent Apps method above, or you can drag an app directly from the edge of the screen.

Open the app you want to use first. Then swipe inward from the left or right edge of the screen with one finger — swipe slowly and deliberately, not a quick flick. The app will shrink and stick to that side of the screen. Now open a second app from your home screen or app drawer, and it will fill the other half automatically.

Alternatively, open Recent Apps by swiping up from the bottom, long-press an app, and select "Open in split screen." Then open a second app normally. The result is the same.

Resize the divider between your two apps

Once split screen is active, you'll see a thin line or bar dividing the two apps. You can drag this divider to give one app more space and the other less. Tap and hold the divider, then drag it left or right (on a phone in landscape mode) or up and down (on a phone in portrait mode, or on a tablet).

Release your finger when the apps are sized the way you want them. The divider will snap into place. You can adjust it again at any time by dragging it the same way.

Turn on Multi Window if split screen is disabled

On some Samsung devices, the Multi Window feature can be turned off in Settings. If you don't see the "Open in split screen" option when you long-press an app, the feature may be disabled.

Open Settings and search for "Multi Window" using the search bar at the top. Tap the result. You should see a toggle or switch labeled "Multi Window" or "Allow split screen." Turn it on. Go back and try the Recent Apps method again — the option should now appear.

If you can't find Multi Window in Settings, your device may not support the feature. Very old Samsung phones and some budget models do not have split screen built in.

Which apps work in split screen

Most Samsung apps support split screen — Samsung Internet, Samsung Notes, Samsung Calendar, and Samsung Messages all work. Major third-party apps usually work too: Chrome, Gmail, YouTube, WhatsApp, Slack, and Microsoft Office apps are generally compatible.

Some apps do not support split screen. Games, banking apps, and some older apps may refuse to open in split screen mode or may close when you try to use them that way. If an app doesn't work in split screen, you'll see a message saying it's not supported, or the app straightforward won't open in the second half of the screen.

Close split screen and return to full screen

To exit split screen, tap the app you want to keep and drag it to fill the entire screen. Alternatively, tap the divider between the two apps and drag it all the way to the edge — the other app will close and the first app will expand to full screen.

You can also swipe up from the bottom to open Recent Apps, find the app you want to keep, and tap it. It will go full screen. The other app will close.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use split screen with the same app twice?

No. Samsung's split screen feature does not allow you to open the same app in both halves of the screen at the same time. You must use two different apps. If you need two instances of the same app, some apps like Chrome let you open multiple windows, but they would not appear side by side in split screen.

Why doesn't the "Open in split screen" option appear when I long-press an app?

The app may not support split screen, or Multi Window may be turned off in your Settings. Check Settings > search "Multi Window" and make sure the toggle is on. If it is on and the option still doesn't appear, that particular app does not support the feature.

Can I rotate my phone while using split screen?

Yes. When you rotate your phone from portrait to landscape, the two apps will rearrange automatically — they'll shift from stacked vertically to side by side. The divider will move to match the new orientation. You can still drag it to resize the apps.

Does split screen use more battery?

Running two apps at once does use more battery than running one app, because both are active in memory and processing. The difference is usually small — a few percent per hour depending on which apps you're running. If battery life is a concern, close split screen when you're not using it.

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

Samsung does not have a built-in way to save and auto-load a split screen pair. Each time you want split screen, you'll need to open it manually using the Recent Apps method or the edge-drag method on tablets. Some third-party task automation apps may offer this, but it requires additional setup.