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

Split screen on Samsung tablets works by dividing your display into two sections, each running a separate app. You can resize the sections, swap which app is on which side, and close one app while keeping the other open. The feature is built into Samsung's operating system and works on most recent tablet models.

The method depends on whether you're using Samsung's One UI interface (the standard on newer tablets) or an older version. Most tablets from 2018 onward support split screen, though the exact steps may vary slightly by model and Android version.

Key Takeaways

  • Open the first app, then swipe down from the top of the screen and tap the app switcher icon to access split screen mode.
  • You can drag the dividing line between apps to make one larger and the other smaller, or drag it all the way to close one app.
  • Not all apps support split screen—some will show a message saying they can't run in this mode.
  • You can switch which app appears on which side by dragging the divider or using the app switcher menu.

Opening split screen on One UI tablets

Start by opening the first app you want to use. This can be any app—email, a web browser, a document editor, or a video player. Once the app is fully loaded and visible, swipe down from the very top of the screen with one finger. You'll see a panel appear at the top showing your recent apps and an icon that looks like two rectangles side by side.

Tap that two-rectangle icon (sometimes labeled "Split screen" or "Multi window"). Your current app will shrink to fill half the screen, usually the left side. The right side will show a list of apps you can open. Tap the app you want to run in the second window. Both apps will now run simultaneously, each taking up roughly half your tablet's display.

Resizing and moving the divider between apps

Once both apps are open, you'll see a thin dividing line between them. Drag this line left or right to give more screen space to one app and less to the other. Drag it slowly—the apps will resize as you move it. Release your finger when you've positioned it where you want.

If you want to close one app while keeping the other open, drag the divider all the way to the edge of the screen. The app on that side will close, and the remaining app will expand to fill the full screen. You can always open split screen again later with the same app still running.

Switching which app is on which side

To swap the positions of your two apps, tap and hold the dividing line between them for about one second. A menu will appear with options to swap the apps or close one. Select the swap option, and the app that was on the left will move to the right, and vice versa.

Alternatively, you can close one app by dragging its divider to the edge, then open a different app in that space. This gives you more control over which apps end up where.

What to do if an app won't open in split screen

Some apps are designed to run full-screen only and don't support split screen mode. If you try to open an app in the second window and see a message saying "This app can't run in multi window mode" or similar, that app straightforward isn't compatible with the feature.

Try a different app instead. Most common apps—Gmail, Chrome, Samsung Internet, Microsoft Office apps, YouTube, and most messaging apps—do support split screen. Games and some specialized apps are more likely to refuse split screen mode.

Using split screen with keyboard and trackpad

If you're using a Samsung tablet with an external keyboard and trackpad, you can control split screen without touching the screen. Open the first app, then press and hold the Alt key while tapping the app switcher button (or use your trackpad to navigate to it). This will trigger split screen mode just as swiping down would.

Once both apps are open, you can use the trackpad to drag the divider between them, or use keyboard shortcuts if the apps support them. This is especially useful if you're working with documents or spreadsheets where you need precise control.

Closing split screen and returning to full-screen mode

To exit split screen entirely, drag either divider all the way to the edge of the screen. The app on that side will close, and the remaining app will expand to fill the entire display. You're now back to single-app, full-screen mode.

If you want to keep both apps running but hide one temporarily, you can also press the home button or swipe up from the bottom to go to your home screen. Both apps will stay in memory, and you can return to split screen by opening the app switcher again and selecting the same two apps.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I have more than two apps open at once in split screen?

No, split screen on Samsung tablets shows exactly two apps side by side. However, you can use the floating window feature (sometimes called "Pop-up View") to open a third app in a small floating window on top of your split-screen pair. Swipe down and look for a floating window icon next to the split screen option.

Why does my tablet keep closing split screen when I switch apps?

This usually happens if your tablet is low on memory or if you're switching to an app that doesn't support split screen. Close some background apps to free up memory, or try pairing your apps with ones that are known to work in split screen mode, like the default Samsung apps.

Does split screen work on older Samsung tablets?

Most Samsung tablets from 2018 onward support split screen, but very old models may not have the feature. Check your tablet's settings under "About tablet" to see which Android version you're running. Android 5.0 and newer generally support split screen, though the interface may look slightly different.

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

Samsung tablets don't have a built-in way to save and auto-load split screen pairs. However, if you regularly use the same two apps together, you can open them in split screen each time you need them—the process takes just a few seconds once you're familiar with it.

What's the difference between split screen and pop-up view?

Split screen divides your display into two equal (or resizable) sections. Pop-up view opens a second app in a small floating window that you can move and resize freely. Pop-up view is better for quick tasks like checking a message while watching video, while split screen is better for side-by-side work like comparing documents.