How to Use Split Screen on the Samsung Galaxy S20 and S20+

Samsung Galaxy S20 devices are powered by smart processors. It would be a shame if you didn’t use them to the fullest. Or, if you have not carried out several tasks simultaneously on two applications. Yes, your new Samsung phone can open two apps at the same time, and the best thing is that you can continue your work as well as you would on independent screens.

It’s even better if you have the Galaxy S20 Ultra. With its large screen, it’s a breeze to continue your work in split screen mode.

So if you’re looking to multitask using split screen mode in the Galaxy S20 variants, here’s how you can do it. And we also have some additional tips and advice. So don’t forget to read it until the end.

Let’s go, okay?

1. Operate split screen applications

On Galaxy S20 devices, switching two split screen apps is pretty easy on One UI 2.0. Unlike Android 8 Oreo, you don’t have to drag windows to a specified location on your phone screen to activate the split screen.

Instead, you just need to make sure that both apps are active. When done, long press the Recents button to access the preview selection menu.

Step 1: Swipe left to find the app of your choice. Once done, tap the app icon as shown in the screenshot below.

2nd step: As soon as you select the second option from the list, you will see the application located at the top of the screen, the remaining applications appearing in the lower half.

Now all you have to do is select one from the list, and that’s it. There is your split screen mode on your Galaxy S20.

So now, whether it’s the Slack app and the Google app (check the best alternatives for Google apps), or YouTube and Chrome, you can multitask.

By default, the first application you choose always arrives at the top, followed by the second application at the bottom. However, if you want apps to change locations, long press the little dash icon, as shown in the screenshot below.

Step 3: Then press the second option and voila! Applications will change position within seconds.

Cool tip: You can drag the slider if you want to change the aspect ratio of the applications.

2. Create a pair of applications

However, in the long run, creating a pair of apps can end up taking longer than expected, especially if you use the same apps together quite frequently.

In such a case, it is better to create a pair of applications. Introduced in Galaxy Note 8, this feature allows you to open split-screen applications directly. And in this process, you avoid redundant taps.

However, for this process to work, you must activate the Apps module in the Edge panel.

Step 1: Pull out the side panel and tap the Settings gear in the left corner. Tap the little Tick icon above the apps panel to activate it.

2nd step: When finished, open the application panel again and press Edit to enter edit mode. Here you will see the option to create a pair of apps at the top.

By default, the Galaxy S20 has a pair of apps created for Samsung Internet Browser and Samsung Notes.

To create one, tap the Create pair of apps icon. All supported apps will be displayed at the bottom. Select two apps of your choice and you’re done.

Cool tip: Tap Switch to change the position of the applications.

From the next time, swipe on the right edge of your screen to activate the dashboard and tap the pair of apps.

3. Add pairs of applications to the home screen

Apart from that, you can also add pairs of apps directly to the home screen. To do this, open a pair of your choice and long press the small Dash icon.

Then tap the Plus icon and you will be sorted. Nifty, right?

Bonus Trick: See the applications in Pop-Up mode

Besides the split screen view and the pair of apps, there is another capable function called Smart Pop-up View, which allows you to open some of the apps in resizable windows.

And the best part is that notifications for these apps arrive in balloons that you can move around on the screen. Yes, just like old Facebook Messenger messages.

This feature is great for apps like Messenger, WhatsApp and other messaging services you use.

To activate it, go to Settings> Advanced settings> Smart pop-up display. Then choose the applications of your choice.

Now the next time an email or text arrives on your phone, tap the balloon to open it in a resizable window.

The small Expand icon in the upper right corner will open it in full screen mode, while the other will bring it back to its old form.

Multitasking like a boss

The best part about split screen windows on these new Samsung devices is that they work just as well in landscape mode. It is in landscape mode that you can reap the maximum benefits.

Which apps will you open the most in mode? In my case, it’s Chrome and Basecamp. And you?