If you’ve ever wanted to do two things at once on your Samsung phone—like take notes while watching a video, or reply to a message without closing your Instagram feed—you’ll love the split screen feature. Knowing how to use split screen can completely change how you use your phone, making multitasking smoother and more efficient.
In this article, we’ll explore how to use split screen on Samsung Galaxy phones in multiple ways. Whether you want to open two apps side by side, or you want to save a split view as a shortcut for later, we’ve got all the steps covered.
Let’s dive into the six easy and powerful ways to use split screen on your Samsung device.
1. Swipe Gesture: The New & Easy Way
This is probably the coolest way to activate split screen. If you’re using a Samsung device running One UI 5.0 or later, you’re in for a treat.
Steps:
- Open your first app (for example, Samsung Notes).
- Place two fingers at the bottom of the screen.
- Swipe up together.
- You’ll see your screen split in two.
- Choose your second app (like Messages), and you’re ready to multitask!
Example Use: You can write something in Notes while copying text from your messages. It’s a super handy trick once you get the hang of it.
Note: This swipe method only works if your phone is running on One UI 5.0 or above.
Also read this: How to Easily Customize and Add Apps to Your Samsung TV Home Screen
2. Use the Recent Apps Screen
If the swipe gesture feels tricky, don’t worry. This is the classic and most reliable way to use split screen.
Steps:
- Tap the Recent Apps button (usually the three vertical lines at the bottom).
- Choose an app you want to use.
- Tap the app icon on top of the preview.
- Select Open in split screen view.
- Now, pick the second app you want to use from the list.
This method works on most Samsung phones and is really easy once you try it a couple of times.
3. Drag and Drop from Recent Apps
Samsung also lets you manually drag an app from your recent apps and drop it into a split screen.
Steps:
- Open Recent Apps.
- Long press an app card (like YouTube).
- Drag it to the top or bottom half of the screen.
- Choose the second app as usual.
This is fast, smooth, and gives you control over where each app goes.
Reminder: This method also works only on One UI 5.0 or newer versions.
4. Use Good Lock’s Home Up Module
Want to customize how you multitask? Samsung’s Good Lock app offers even more control.
Steps:
- Download the Good Lock app from Galaxy Store.
- Install the Home Up module.
- Open Good Lock > Home Up and turn it on.
- Now go to Recent Apps.
- Tap the new icon at the bottom-left corner to launch split screen.
It gives a fresh interface and is a must-have for customization lovers. If you haven’t explored Good Lock yet, you’re missing out!
5. App Pairing for Instant Multitasking
Let’s say you often use Chrome and YouTube together. You can actually pair them and open both with a single tap!
Steps:
- Open both apps in split screen view.
- Tap the three-dot icon in the middle of the divider bar.
- Tap the star icon to add the pair to your Home screen or Edge panel.
Next time, just tap the pair and both apps will launch together in split screen.
Tip: App pairing works best on One UI 5.0+, but adding to the Edge Panel works on earlier versions like One UI 4.1.
6. Use Notifications to Trigger Split Screen
Did you know you can drag a notification straight into a split screen view?
Steps:
- Pull down the notification shade.
- Long press a notification (like from Gmail).
- Drag it to the top or bottom of the screen.
- Choose another app to open in the other half.
This is a lifesaver when you want to quickly respond to something while working in another app.
Why You Should Learn How to Use Split Screen
- Productivity Boost: Do more in less time.
- Better Learning: Watch tutorials while taking notes.
- Smooth Conversations: Chat while watching a video.
- Easy Content Sharing: Copy/paste between apps.
Whether you’re a student, a professional, or just someone who loves tech, knowing how to use split screen is a smart way to get more done.
Things to Keep in Mind
- Not all apps support split screen.
- Some methods only work on One UI 5.0 and up.
- Edge panel needs to be turned on in settings.
Pro Tip: Rotate your phone to landscape mode for better viewing experience when using split screen.
Final Words
Learning how to use split screen is a game changer. Once you get used to it, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it. Whether you’re working, chatting, or just browsing, split screen gives you flexibility and control.
Try each of these six methods and see which one fits your routine best. And remember, Samsung is all about giving you options—use them to your advantage!
