The Samsung Galaxy S8 is a powerhouse of a smartphone, offering a plethora of features that make it an ideal device for multitasking. One of the most useful features of the S8 is its ability to split the screen, allowing you to use two apps simultaneously. This feature is a game-changer for those who need to be productive on-the-go, want to compare information from two sources, or simply want to have more fun while using their phone. In this article, we will take a closer look at how to do split screen on Samsung Galaxy S8, and explore some tips and tricks to help you get the most out of this feature.
Enabling Split Screen Mode on Samsung Galaxy S8
To enable split screen mode on your Samsung Galaxy S8, follow these simple steps:
- Open the app you want to use in split screen mode. This can be any app that is compatible with the feature, including social media apps, browsers, email clients, and more.
- Tap the Recent apps button (the square-shaped button located on the left side of the navigation bar) to open the recent apps menu.
- Find the app you want to use in split screen mode and long-press on it until a small menu appears.
- Tap the Split screen icon (represented by a rectangle divided into two squares) to enable split screen mode.
- Your screen will now be divided into two sections, with the app you selected taking up the top section and a blank area at the bottom.
- Tap the blank area to open the app drawer, where you can select a second app to open in split screen mode.
- Repeat the process to open multiple apps in split screen mode, up to a maximum of two apps at a time.
Tips for Using Split Screen Mode Effectively
Now that you’ve enabled split screen mode, here are some tips to help you use it effectively:
- Adjust the split screen ratio: You can adjust the size of each window by dragging the blue line that separates the two apps up or down.
- Switch between apps quickly: Use the Recent apps button to switch between the two apps quickly, or use the Back button to go back to the previous app.
- Use the keyboard effectively: When using two apps simultaneously, you can use the keyboard to type in one app while the other remains active. This can be especially useful for tasks like copying and pasting text.
- Take advantage of multitasking gestures: Use gestures like swipe left, swipe right, and pinch to zoom to navigate between apps and adjust their size.
Compatible Apps for Split Screen Mode
Not all apps are compatible with split screen mode on the Samsung Galaxy S8, but many popular apps are. Here are some examples of apps that are compatible with split screen mode:
- Samsung Internet: A web browser that allows you to browse the internet while using another app.
- Samsung Email: An email client that allows you to compose emails while referencing another app.
- Facebook: A social media app that allows you to scroll through your newsfeed while using another app.
- Microsoft Office: A productivity suite that allows you to work on documents, spreadsheets, and presentations while referencing another app.
Third-Party Apps for Enhanced Multitasking
While the built-in split screen mode on the Samsung Galaxy S8 is useful, there are third-party apps that can enhance your multitasking experience. Here are a few examples:
* Samsung DeX: An app that allows you to use your S8 as a desktop-like experience, with multiple windows and apps open at the same time.
* Split Screen Launcher: An app that allows you to customize your split screen experience, with features like customizable grid sizes and app prioritization.
* Multitasker: An app that allows you to create custom multitasking workflows, with features like customizable app pairs and automated task switching.
Troubleshooting Common Issues with Split Screen Mode
While split screen mode is a powerful feature, you may encounter some issues while using it. Here are some common issues and their solutions:
* App not compatible with split screen mode: If an app is not compatible with split screen mode, it will not appear in the app drawer when you try to open a second app. In this case, try using a different app that is compatible with split screen mode.
* Screen ratio not adjusting correctly: If the screen ratio is not adjusting correctly, try restarting the app or adjusting the screen ratio manually by dragging the blue line that separates the two apps.
* App crashing or freezing: If an app is crashing or freezing in split screen mode, try closing the app and reopening it, or restarting your phone.
Conclusion
Split screen mode is a powerful feature on the Samsung Galaxy S8 that can greatly enhance your multitasking experience. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can enable split screen mode and start using two apps simultaneously. Remember to adjust the split screen ratio, switch between apps quickly, and take advantage of multitasking gestures to get the most out of this feature. With a little practice, you’ll be a pro at using split screen mode in no time!
What is split screen mode on Samsung Galaxy S8?
Split screen mode is a feature on Samsung Galaxy S8 that allows you to open and use two apps simultaneously on the same screen. This feature is also known as multitasking or multi-window mode. It enables you to be more productive and efficient by allowing you to perform multiple tasks at the same time.
For example, you can open your email app on one side of the screen and a web browser on the other side, making it easy to reference information from the web while composing an email. You can also use this feature to chat with friends on one side of the screen while browsing through social media on the other side.
How do I enable split screen mode on my Samsung Galaxy S8?
To enable split screen mode on your Samsung Galaxy S8, you need to follow a few simple steps. First, open the app you want to use in split screen mode. Then, tap the Recent apps button (the button with three vertical lines) to open the Recents screen. Find the app you want to open in split screen mode and long-press on it until it gets highlighted.
Then, drag the app to the top of the screen until it gets stuck to the top, and the screen will split into two windows. You can now open another app on the bottom half of the screen by tapping on it from the Recents screen or by finding it on your home screen or app drawer. Adjust the size of the windows by dragging the blue line in the middle of the screen up or down.
Can I customize the split screen mode on my Samsung Galaxy S8?
Yes, you can customize the split screen mode on your Samsung Galaxy S8 to suit your needs. One way to customize it is to adjust the size of the windows. You can do this by dragging the blue line in the middle of the screen up or down. This will allow you to allocate more screen space to one app over the other.
You can also customize the split screen mode by selecting which apps can be used in split screen mode. To do this, go to Settings > Advanced features > Split screen mode, and toggle off the switch next to “Override ratio” to allow only certain apps to be used in split screen mode.
How do I switch between apps in split screen mode?
To switch between apps in split screen mode, you can simply tap on the app you want to use. The currently active app will be highlighted in blue. You can also switch between apps by tapping on the blue line in the middle of the screen and dragging it to the top or bottom of the screen.
If you want to minimize one of the apps, tap the minimize icon (the icon with three horizontal lines) on the top-right corner of the app window. The app will be minimized to a small icon, and you can tap on it to restore it to its original size.
Can I use split screen mode with all apps on my Samsung Galaxy S8?
No, not all apps on your Samsung Galaxy S8 are compatible with split screen mode. Some apps may not be optimized for split screen mode, and may not function properly or may not be able to take full advantage of the feature.
You can check if an app is compatible with split screen mode by opening the app and looking for the “Split screen view” option in the Recents screen. If the option is not available, it means the app is not compatible with split screen mode.
How do I exit split screen mode on my Samsung Galaxy S8?
To exit split screen mode on your Samsung Galaxy S8, you can simply tap the Back button to close one of the apps. Alternatively, you can tap the blue line in the middle of the screen and drag it to the top or bottom of the screen to close one of the apps.
If you want to close both apps, you can tap the Recent apps button and swipe away both apps from the Recents screen. You can also tap the Home button to go back to the home screen and exit split screen mode.
Is split screen mode available on all Samsung Galaxy phones?
No, split screen mode is not available on all Samsung Galaxy phones. Split screen mode was first introduced on the Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge, and it is available on most Samsung Galaxy phones that run on Android 7.0 (Nougat) or later.
However, some older Samsung Galaxy phones may not have this feature. You can check your phone’s settings to see if it has split screen mode or multi-window mode. If you don’t see this feature, you may be able to update your phone’s operating system to enable it.