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 view (sometimes called multi-window). This works on most Samsung Galaxy Tab models running Android 5.0 or newer. You open one app, then drag a second app into the lower half of the screen, and both run at the same time. You can resize the dividing line between them to give more space to whichever app you need.
The exact steps depend on which Samsung tablet model you have and which version of Android it runs, but the core method is the same across all recent models. This guide covers the most common approach that works on Galaxy Tab S series and Galaxy Tab A series tablets.
Key Takeaways
- Open the first app you want to use, then swipe up from the bottom to open the app drawer and find the second app.
- Long-press the second app's name in the app drawer until a menu appears, then tap "Open in split screen view" or drag it to the top half of the screen.
- Drag the dividing line between the two apps left or right to resize how much screen space each one gets.
- Swipe the dividing line all the way to one edge to close split-screen view and return to a single app.
Opening split-screen view the standard way
Start by opening the first app you want to use. This is the app that will stay open while you add a second one. Tap its icon on your home screen or find it in your app drawer.
Once the first app is open and running, swipe up from the very bottom of the screen with one finger. This opens your app drawer — the list of all installed apps. Scroll through the list until you find the second app you want to run. Long-press (hold your finger on) the app's name or icon for about one second until a menu pops up.
Look for an option that says "Open in split screen view," "Split screen," or "Open in window." Tap that option. The second app will open in the lower half of your screen, and you will now see both apps running at the same time.
Resizing the apps and adjusting the split
When split-screen view is active, a thin dividing line runs horizontally across the middle of your screen, separating the two apps. You can move this line up or down to give more screen space to whichever app you need at that moment.
To resize, place your finger directly on the dividing line and drag it up (to give more space to the bottom app) or down (to give more space to the top app). The line will follow your finger. Release when you have the split where you want it. Both apps will adjust their size when ready.
If you want one app to take up most of the screen and the other to be very small, you can drag the line almost all the way to the edge. This is useful if you want to keep one app visible for reference while focusing on the other.
Switching which app is on top or bottom
If you want to swap the positions of your two apps — moving the top one to the bottom and vice versa — look for a small icon near the dividing line. On most Samsung tablets, there is a small square or arrow icon in the middle of the dividing line. Tap this icon to swap the apps when ready.
If you do not see this icon, try tapping directly on the dividing line itself. On some older Samsung tablet models, tapping the line opens a menu with swap and close options.
Closing split-screen view
To exit split-screen view and return to a single app, drag the dividing line all the way to the top or bottom edge of the screen. Whichever app the line moves toward will close, and the remaining app will expand to fill the entire screen.
Alternatively, you can tap the swap icon on the dividing line and look for a close button, or you can press the back button on your tablet while one of the split apps is in focus. The exact method varies slightly by tablet model, but dragging the line to the edge is the most reliable way on all Samsung tablets.
Apps that work best in split-screen view
Not every app works well in split-screen mode. Some apps are designed to use the full screen and may look cramped or behave oddly when squeezed into half the screen. However, most common apps — email, messaging, web browsers, note-taking apps, and video players — work fine in split view.
If an app does not appear in your app drawer when you try to open split-screen view, it may not support the feature. Try a different app instead. You can also check the app's description in the Samsung Galaxy Store or Google Play Store to see if it mentions multi-window or split-screen support.
Troubleshooting split-screen problems
If split-screen view is not working, first make sure your tablet is running Android 5.0 or newer. Go to Settings, scroll down to "About tablet," and look for the Android version number. If it is older than 5.0, split-screen may not be available.
If you have the right Android version but split-screen still will not set up, try restarting your tablet. Power it off completely, wait 10 seconds, and turn it back on. After restart, open an app and try the long-press method again. If the long-press menu does not appear, the app you selected may not support split-screen view — try a different app.
On some Samsung tablets, split-screen view can be disabled in Settings. Go to Settings, tap "Advanced features," and look for "Multi window" or "Split screen." Make sure the toggle is turned on (it should be blue or green, not gray).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use more than two apps at once in split-screen view?
Most Samsung tablets only support two apps side by side in split-screen view. However, some newer Galaxy Tab models support a feature called "Multi Window" or "Pop-up View" that lets you open a third small floating window on top of the split-screen pair. Check your tablet's Settings under "Advanced features" to see if this option is available.
Why does the long-press menu not appear when I try to open split-screen?
The app you selected may not support split-screen view. Try long-pressing a different app instead — most built-in Samsung apps like Calendar, Email, and Notes support it. If the menu still does not appear, restart your tablet and check that split-screen is enabled in Settings under "Advanced features."
Can I save my split-screen setup so it opens the same way next time?
Samsung tablets do not automatically save split-screen layouts. Each time you want to use split-screen view, you will need to open the first app and then add the second one using the long-press method. However, if you use the same two apps together often, you may find the process becomes quick and automatic.
What happens to my apps when I close split-screen view?
When you drag the dividing line to close split-screen view, one app closes completely and the other expands to fill the screen. The closed app stops running. If you want to use it again, you will need to open it normally from your home screen or app drawer.
Does split-screen view drain my tablet's battery faster?
Running two apps at the same time does use more processing power and battery than running one app alone. The difference is usually small — a few percent per hour — but it is noticeable if your battery is already low. If battery life is a concern, close split-screen view when you are not actively using both apps.