Split Screen Basics on Samsung Tablets

Samsung tablets let you run two apps side by side on the same screen using a feature called split screen or multi-window mode. This works on most Samsung Galaxy Tab models running Android 5.0 or later. You open one app, then drag a second app into view next to it, and both run at the same time.

The method depends on which Samsung tablet you own and which version of Android it runs. Newer tablets (Tab S6 and later) use a gesture-based system. Older tablets use a button-based system. Both approaches take about 10 seconds once you know the steps.

Key Takeaways

  • Split screen works on most Samsung Galaxy Tab models by opening one app, then swiping from the top or using the recents button to add a second app.
  • Newer Samsung tablets use a three-finger swipe down from the top; older models use the recents button and a drag-and-drop method.
  • You can resize the divider between apps by dragging it left or right, and close split screen by dragging the divider all the way to one edge.
  • Not all apps support split screen — Samsung's built-in apps and most major apps like Chrome, Gmail, and YouTube work, but some third-party apps do not.

Split Screen on Newer Samsung Tablets (Tab S6 and Later)

If you own a Tab S6, Tab S7, Tab S8, or newer model, use the three-finger swipe method. Open the first app you want to use. Then place three fingers on the screen and swipe downward from the top. A menu appears asking which app you want to open in the second window.

Tap the app you want to add. It opens in a window next to the first app, split down the middle. If the menu does not appear, check that you are using exactly three fingers and swiping from the very top of the screen downward.

You can also access split screen through the recents menu. Tap the recents button (the square icon at the bottom right), then long-press the app card you want to add to split screen. A menu appears with the option "Open in split screen view" or similar wording.

Split Screen on Older Samsung Tablets (Tab S5 and Earlier)

Older Galaxy Tab models use the recents button method. Open your first app. Then tap the recents button (the square icon at the bottom right of the screen). Your open apps appear as cards.

Long-press the app card you want to add to split screen. A menu pops up with options including "Open in split screen view" or "Split screen." Tap that option. The app opens in a window next to your first app.

If you do not see a split screen option in the menu, your tablet model or Android version may not support the feature. Check your tablet's settings under About Tablet to confirm your Android version is 5.0 or later.

Resizing and Closing Split Screen Windows

Once split screen is active, a divider line runs between the two apps. Drag this divider left or right to make one app larger and the other smaller. Drag it all the way to the left edge to close the right app and return to full screen. Drag it all the way to the right edge to close the left app.

You can also close split screen by swiping up from the bottom of the screen and tapping the close button on one of the app windows, or by tapping the back button repeatedly until split screen exits.

Which Apps Work in Split Screen

Samsung's built-in apps — Calendar, Email, Messages, Notes, and Gallery — all support split screen. Major third-party apps like Chrome, Gmail, YouTube, Microsoft Word, and Slack also work. However, some apps are locked out by their developers and will not open in split screen mode.

If an app does not appear in the recents menu or does not open when you select it for split screen, that app does not support the feature. You can still use it in full screen while another app runs in the background, but not side by side.

Troubleshooting Split Screen Problems

If split screen does not work, first check that your tablet is running Android 5.0 or later. Go to Settings > About Tablet > Software Information and look for the Android version number. If it is older than 5.0, split screen is not available.

If the three-finger swipe does not trigger split screen on a newer tablet, make sure you are swiping from the very top edge of the screen and using exactly three fingers. If the recents menu does not show a split screen option on an older tablet, try restarting the tablet and opening the recents menu again.

Some apps crash or freeze when opened in split screen. If this happens, close split screen and open the app in full screen instead. You can also try clearing the app's cache by going to Settings > Apps > [app name] > Storage > Clear Cache.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use split screen with more than two apps at once?

No. Samsung tablets support only two apps side by side. You can switch between different pairs of apps, but only two can run in split screen at the same time. You can run additional apps in the background, but they will not be visible.

Does split screen use more battery?

Yes, running two apps at once uses more battery than running one. The exact drain depends on which apps you are using. Apps that stream video or update constantly use more power than apps that display static text.

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. You will need to set up the pair of apps each time. However, some newer models with Samsung DeX or One UI may remember your last split screen pair if you close and reopen it within a short time.

What if one app keeps closing when I open split screen?

The app may not have enough memory to run alongside another app, or it may not support split screen at all. Try closing other background apps first to free up memory, then attempt split screen again. If the same app keeps closing, it likely does not support the feature.

Does split screen work in landscape and portrait mode?

Yes. In landscape mode, apps sit side by side left and right. In portrait mode, apps stack top and bottom. You can rotate your tablet while in split screen, and the layout adjusts automatically.