Split screen on the Samsung Galaxy S9 works through Samsung's Multi Window feature, which lets you run two apps side by side on the same screen
The Galaxy S9 has built-in split-screen functionality that divides your display into two sections, each running a separate app. You can browse the web while texting, watch a video while taking notes, or check email while reading a document. The feature works on any app that supports it—most standard Samsung and Google apps do, though some third-party apps may not.
Split screen is different from picture-in-picture mode, which floats a smaller window over your main app. Split screen gives each app equal space and lets you interact with both at the same time. The S9's 5.8-inch screen gives you enough room to use both apps comfortably, though the text and buttons will be smaller than when each app takes the full screen.
Key Takeaways
- Open the first app you want to use, then hold the Recent Apps button (the square icon on the bottom right) to set up split-screen mode.
- Tap the app you want in the top half of the screen, then select a second app from the list that appears to fill the bottom half.
- Drag the divider between the two apps up or down to give more screen space to whichever app you need to focus on.
- Close split screen by dragging the divider all the way to the top or bottom of the screen, or by tapping the X button on one of the app windows.
Opening Split Screen on Your Galaxy S9
Start by opening the first app you want to use. This could be your web browser, email, messaging app, or any other app on your phone. Once that app is open and showing on your screen, look at the bottom right corner of your display for the Recent Apps button—it looks like a square or rectangle.
Press and hold the Recent Apps button for about one second. Your screen will split into two halves, and the app you were using will move to the top half. The bottom half will show a list of your recently used apps. Scroll through this list and tap the app you want to open in the bottom half of the screen.
Both apps will now run at the same time, each taking up roughly half the screen. You can tap either app to interact with it—type in a text field, scroll, tap buttons, or do anything else you would normally do in that app.
Adjusting the Split Between Your Two Apps
When split screen first opens, the divider between your two apps sits roughly in the middle of the screen. If you need more space for one app and less for the other, you can move this divider up or down.
Look for the thin line or bar that separates the two apps. Press and hold this divider, then drag it up toward the top of the screen to give more space to the bottom app, or drag it down toward the bottom to give more space to the top app. Release your finger when the divider is where you want it. The apps will resize to fit the new space.
You can adjust the divider as many times as you need while you are using split screen. This is useful if you are reading a long article in one app and need to reference something in the other—just give more screen to the app you are focusing on.
Switching or Closing Apps in Split Screen
If you want to replace one of the apps in split screen without closing the other, tap the Recent Apps button again while split screen is active. The app you tap will be replaced with a new one from your recent list. You can swap out either the top or bottom app this way.
To close split screen and return to a single full-screen app, drag the divider all the way to the top of the screen (to close the bottom app) or all the way to the bottom (to close the top app). The remaining app will expand to fill the entire screen. Alternatively, look for an X button on one of the app windows and tap it to close that app and exit split-screen mode.
Apps That Work Best in Split Screen
Most built-in Samsung apps support split screen, including Samsung Internet (the default web browser), Samsung Mail, Samsung Notes, Samsung Calendar, and Samsung Messages. Google apps like Gmail, Chrome, Google Maps, YouTube, and Google Drive also work well in split-screen mode.
Some third-party apps do not support split screen. If you try to open an app in the bottom half and it closes or returns you to the home screen, that app does not support the feature. Try a different app instead. You can usually find an alternative that does support split screen—for example, if a messaging app does not work, try the default Messages app instead.
Troubleshooting Split Screen Problems
If split screen is not working, first make sure you are pressing and holding the Recent Apps button long enough—a quick tap will not set up it. Hold it for at least one full second until you see the screen divide.
If the screen divides but the second app closes when ready, that app may not support split-screen mode. Try opening a different app in that half of the screen. If split screen stops working entirely, restart your phone by powering it off and back on. This clears temporary glitches that can interfere with the feature.
If you have very few apps in your recent list, you may not see the app you want to open in split screen. Open that app first to add it to your recent apps list, then try split screen again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use split screen with any two apps?
Most apps support split screen, but not all. If an app closes when you try to open it in split screen, it does not support the feature. Try a different app instead. Built-in Samsung and Google apps almost always work.
Will split screen slow down my phone?
Running two apps at once uses more memory and battery than running one app, but the Galaxy S9 is designed to handle this. You may notice slightly faster battery drain during split-screen use, but performance should remain smooth for most tasks.
Can I save a split-screen setup to use again later?
The Galaxy S9 does not have a built-in way to save and restore split-screen layouts. You will need to set up split screen manually each time you want to use it. However, the Recent Apps list makes it quick to open the same two apps again.
What is the difference between split screen and picture-in-picture?
Split screen divides your display into two equal sections side by side. Picture-in-picture floats a smaller window of one app over another full-screen app. Picture-in-picture is useful for watching video while doing other things, while split screen is better when you need to interact with both apps equally.