Split Screen Basics on the Galaxy S9

Your Samsung Galaxy S9 can display two apps side by side on the same screen — a feature called split screen or multi-window mode. This lets you text while watching video, check email while browsing the web, or reference one app while working in another. The S9 handles this through its built-in multitasking system, and the process takes about 30 seconds once you know the steps.

Split screen works best on the S9's 5.8-inch display because both apps get meaningful space. You can resize the divider between them to give more room to whichever app you're focusing on, and you can swap which app is on top or bottom. When you close split screen, both apps stay open in the background.

Key Takeaways

  • Open the first app, then swipe up from the bottom to access the recent apps menu, long-press the app you want to add, and select "Open in split screen view."
  • The divider between the two apps can be dragged up or down to give one app more screen space than the other.
  • You can swap the positions of the two apps by dragging the divider all the way to the top or bottom, or by tapping the swap icon if it appears.
  • Split screen closes when you swipe the divider all the way to the edge, but both apps remain open in your recent apps list.

Opening Split Screen Step by Step

Start by opening the first app you want to use — for example, your messaging app. Once it's on screen, swipe up from the very bottom of the display. This brings up your recent apps menu, showing thumbnails of apps you've used recently.

Long-press (hold your finger down for about two seconds) on the app you want to open in the second window. A menu will pop up with several options. Look for and tap "Open in split screen view" or "Split screen view" — the exact wording varies slightly by Android version, but the option is always there. The second app will now appear in the bottom half of the screen, with your first app still visible above it.

If the app you want isn't in your recent apps list, close the menu and open that app normally from your home screen or app drawer first. Then repeat the process: swipe up, long-press a different recent app, and select split screen view.

Resizing and Swapping Apps in Split Screen

Once both apps are open, you'll see a horizontal divider line between them. Drag this line up or down to resize the windows. Dragging it toward the top gives more space to the bottom app; dragging it toward the bottom gives more space to the top app. You can position the divider anywhere you want, and both apps will adjust when ready.

To swap the positions of the two apps — moving the top app to the bottom and vice versa — look for a small icon near the divider that looks like two arrows pointing in opposite directions. Tap it to swap. If you don't see this icon, you can also drag the divider all the way to the very top or very bottom of the screen, which will flip the app positions.

Closing Split Screen

To exit split screen mode, drag the divider all the way to the top or bottom edge of the screen. The app in that half will close, and the remaining app will expand to fill the full screen. Both apps stay open in your recent apps list, so you can return to them later without losing your place.

Alternatively, you can press the back button or home button while in split screen, which will close the mode and return you to your home screen or the app you were using before.

Apps That Work Best in Split Screen

Most apps on the S9 support split screen, but a few don't — usually apps that need the full screen to function properly, like games or apps that use special sensors. Common apps that work well in split screen include messaging apps (WhatsApp, SMS), email (Gmail, Outlook), web browsers (Chrome, Samsung Internet), video players (YouTube, Netflix), and note-taking apps (Google Keep, Samsung Notes).

If you try to open an app in split screen and it doesn't work, that app straightforward doesn't support the feature. You'll get a message saying so, and you can choose a different app instead. This is rare on the S9, but it does happen with some specialized or older apps.

Troubleshooting Split Screen Problems

If split screen isn't working, first make sure you're using the correct gesture. The swipe must start from the very bottom of the screen — not from the navigation buttons, but from the black area below them. If you're swiping from too high up, the recent apps menu won't appear.

If the recent apps menu appears but you don't see the "Open in split screen view" option, try long-pressing for a full two seconds. A quick tap won't bring up the menu. If the option still doesn't appear, that particular app may not support split screen — try a different app instead.

If split screen closes unexpectedly when you're using it, check whether you have very low available storage or RAM. The S9 needs some free memory to run two apps at once. Close other background apps or clear your cache to free up space, then try again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use split screen with any two apps?

Most apps support split screen, but some don't — typically games and apps that require full-screen access. If an app doesn't support it, you'll see a message when you try. You can use any other app in its place.

Will my apps stay open if I close split screen?

Yes. Both apps remain open in your recent apps list even after you exit split screen. You can return to them later without losing your place or progress.

Can I make one app bigger than the other in split screen?

Yes. Drag the divider between the two apps up or down to resize them. You can give one app as much or as little space as you want.

What if split screen won't open?

Make sure you're swiping from the very bottom of the screen, not from the navigation buttons. Long-press the app for a full two seconds to bring up the menu. If the option still doesn't appear, that app may not support split screen — try a different one.

Can I use split screen while watching video?

Yes. Many video apps work in split screen, though some may pause the video when the app is in the smaller window. You can resize the divider to give the video app more space if needed.