To use split screen on a Samsung tablet, tap Recents, tap an app’s icon above its preview, select Open in split screen view, then choose a second app. This works on Galaxy tablets that support Multi window, with apps that support split screen. You can also start from the taskbar, the Apps Edge panel, or a two-finger gesture on supported models.
The short version
- Start with Recents: Tap the app icon above its preview, choose Open in split screen view, and select another app.
- Adjust the space: Drag the divider between your apps to change their relative sizes.
- Save a favorite combination: Use the Add to app pair icon on the divider to save two apps together.
- Check app compatibility: Tablets with the Multi window for all apps switch can attempt split screen with apps that normally reject it.
| Method or option | What you use it for | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Recents | Start two apps in split screen | Multi window support and compatible apps |
| Taskbar dragging | Place another app beside the first | Taskbar-equipped Galaxy tablet |
| Apps Edge dragging | Choose another app from the side panel | Apps Edge panel support |
| Swipe for split screen | Start with a two-finger swipe | Supported tablet with One UI 6 or later |
| Saved App pair | Launch two apps together | App pair support |
| Pop-up window controls | Convert a floating app to split screen | Compatible pop-up window controls |
| Notification dragging | Open a notification’s app beside yours | Supported tablet and compatible notification app |
| Hyperlink dragging | Open a supported link in Multi window | Supported tablet, compatible app and link |
| Third app | Add another split-screen pane | Supported larger Galaxy tablet |
| Divider dragging | Change the space each app gets | Active split-screen layout |
| Partially hidden app | Keep one app mostly off-screen | One UI 8 device supporting the enhanced layout |
| Multi window for all apps | Try apps that normally reject Multi window | Tablet with this Labs switch |
| Chrome New window | Open a second browser window | Current Chrome for Android tablets and room within its window limit |
| Chrome tab dragging | Move a tab into a new split-screen window | Current Chrome for Android tablets |
| DeX window snapping | Arrange two DeX windows beside each other | DeX-capable tablet with the redesigned One UI 8 interface |
| Administrative permission | Allow Multi window on a managed tablet | Compatible Knox-managed tablet and administrator access |
Open two apps from Recents
Tap Recents in the navigation bar, then find the first app you want to use. Tap its app icon above the preview and choose Open in split screen view. Select your second app from Recents or the Apps screen to complete the layout.
Individual apps must support split screen unless you enable an available compatibility override. If an app will not open this way, try another compatible app or enable Multi window for all apps using the steps below, if your tablet offers it. The override does not guarantee that every app behaves correctly.
Drag an app from the taskbar or Edge panel
On a taskbar-equipped Galaxy tablet, open Settings > Display > Taskbar and enable it if necessary. Open your first app, then drag another app from the taskbar to the left, right, top, or bottom of the screen. Samsung lists the Tab S8, S9, S10, S11, and A11+ families among tablets with taskbar support.
If an app is open in a floating pop-up window, you can convert it on tablets with the relevant pop-up controls. Tap the top of its window to reveal the controls, then select Open in split screen view.
On models with the Apps Edge panel, keep your first app open and swipe the Edge panel handle inward. Tap All apps if needed, then drag another app to an edge split-screen target. If your tablet does not have the panel or taskbar, use Recents on models supporting Multi window.
Turn on the two finger gesture
On supported Galaxy tablets running One UI 6 or later, open Settings > Advanced features > Multi window. Turn on Swipe for split screen. While using an app, swipe inward with two fingers from the bottom or a side, then choose the other app.
The supported swipe directions depend on your device and its orientation. If your tablet lacks the gesture setting but supports Multi window, start split screen through Recents.
Adjust how much space each app gets
Drag the divider between your apps to change their relative sizes. You can give more room to one app while keeping the other visible.
On supported One UI 8 tablets with the enhanced split-screen feature, you can also keep one app mostly off-screen. With two apps open in split screen, drag one toward the screen edge until only part of it remains visible, then tap the smaller app to switch focus. If your tablet does not support this enhanced layout, use the divider to resize the apps.
Save two apps as an App pair
On a tablet supporting App pairs, open two apps in split screen, tap the divider between them, then tap the Add to app pair icon. Choose Taskbar, Home screen, or Apps edge panel from the destinations your tablet offers. Available save locations vary by model and software.
Tap the saved pair when you want to launch both apps together again. If your tablet does not offer App pairs, use Recents to select your apps each time.
Show two Chrome windows together
In current Chrome for Android tablets, start with Chrome full-screen and tap More > New window. Google says a new window opened from full-screen Chrome starts in split screen.
You can also tap More > Manage windows, then choose New window under Active. Both menu routes are subject to Chrome’s window limit.
To split out an existing tab, open Chrome, touch and hold the browser tab, then drag it to the screen edge. Chrome creates a new window and enters split-screen mode.
Fix apps that will not open in split screen
On tablets that offer the compatibility switch, open Settings > Advanced features > Labs and enable Multi window for all apps. Then tap Recents, tap the app’s icon, and choose Open in split screen view again. Select the second app to complete the layout.
An app can still behave incorrectly with the compatibility switch enabled. If the switch is missing or the app still does not work correctly, use an app that supports split screen. Samsung has confirmed this settings path for the Tab S9 Ultra, but availability depends on your tablet.
If you use a Knox-managed tablet, ask your administrator to allow Multi window. Samsung’s Knox controls let an administrator permit or block it on compatible devices, and changing that policy requires an authorized management application and Knox permissions.
Arrange two windows in Samsung DeX
On a DeX-capable Galaxy tablet using the redesigned One UI 8 interface, open the first app’s More drop-down arrow at the upper left. Select Snap left, then open the second app’s corresponding menu and select Snap right. These controls arrange DeX windows beside each other.
Samsung discontinued the older DeX behavior that paired window dragging with opposite-side app selection starting with One UI 8. Use More > Snap left or Snap right in that interface. External-display support depends on your tablet model; when using the regular tablet interface, you can start split screen through Recents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use three apps in split screen on a Samsung tablet?
Yes, on supported larger Galaxy tablets, drag a third app from the taskbar into another split-screen target while two apps are already split. For three apps side by side, use landscape orientation on supported software. Samsung specifically documents that layout for the Tab S9 Ultra 5G with its One UI 8 update, so do not assume every Tab A or Lite model supports it.
Can an incoming notification open an app in split screen?
Yes, on supported Galaxy tablets, drag a compatible incoming notification beside the app you are already using. The notification’s app opens in split screen. Both the tablet and the notification app must support the action.
Can you drag a website link into split screen?
Yes, in compatible apps on supported Galaxy tablets, drag and drop a supported URL or hyperlink into a split-screen target. Eligibility depends on the app and the link, so this action does not apply to every hyperlink.
Do you need to download an app to use split screen?
No download is needed for the built-in split-screen methods. You can use your tablet’s Multi window controls, subject to your model and app compatibility.