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On a Galaxy Z Fold, the most reliable way to multitask is to unfold the phone, open the first app, use Recents to choose Open in split screen view or Open in pop-up view, and then select another supported app. The inner display is required for these Multi window modes. A supported Taskbar can launch apps into a split layout, while an App Pair saves a combination you use repeatedly.
The exact controls depend on your Fold generation, country and One UI release, but the basic workflow is consistent: start from Recents, choose a window mode, then select or position the next app. Once you know which mode fits the task, setup takes only a few taps.
What Samsung multitasking modes do
Samsung’s Multi window features let you use apps in three practical ways. Choose the mode based on how much space each app needs and whether you want the arrangement again later.
| Mode | What it does | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Split screen view | Places two apps in persistent sections of the inner display. Current Fold8 guidance from Samsung India also describes a three-way split with three supported apps. | Reading while taking notes, comparing information, or keeping two workflows visible. |
| Pop-up view | Opens one app in a movable, resizable floating window above another app. | Brief replies, calculations, references, or a utility you need without giving it half the screen. |
| Taskbar and App Pair | The Taskbar launches apps into Multi window. An App Pair stores a frequently used combination for later launch. | Repeated routines such as a communication app beside a document or a browser beside notes. |
Samsung’s labels and the number of available windows depend on the model, country, and software version. The Fold8 instructions discussed below are written for One UI 9 in Samsung’s current regional guide; they should not be treated as an exact description of every earlier Galaxy Z Fold.
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Split screen is the most stable arrangement because both apps retain dedicated space. Pop-up view is more flexible but can cover controls underneath. The Taskbar is a launch method rather than a separate window mode, and an App Pair is a saved shortcut rather than a compatibility fix.
Check these requirements first
- Use the inner display. Samsung’s general Multi window guide says split screen and pop-up view are not supported on the front screen of Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip devices.
- Unfold the phone fully before starting. The larger display provides the workspace for the window layouts.
- Confirm app compatibility. Apps must support split screen or pop-up view. Some apps deliberately block one or both modes.
- Check your software and model. Feature names, menu paths, screen arrangements, and supported window counts vary by country, model, and software version.
- Do not confuse Multi window with Flex mode. Flex mode is a separate feature with its own app compatibility rules and is not needed for split screen or pop-up view.
You do not need Flex mode, a special accessory or a separate account to create a split layout. The essential prerequisites are a compatible Fold model, the unfolded inner screen and apps that permit Samsung’s window modes. If a command is absent, first verify the display and app rather than repeatedly changing unrelated settings.
Open two apps side by side
Launch the first split-screen app
- Unfold the Galaxy Z Fold and open the app you want in the first section of the inner display.
- Open Recents using your navigation control or gesture.
- At the top of the first app’s preview, tap the app icon.
- Select Open in split screen view.
- Choose the second app from the app list. It must support split-screen operation.
The selected apps now share the inner display. If the second app does not appear or will not open, it may not support the layout; troubleshooting steps are provided below.
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Starting with the app you expect to use most often can make the first layout easier to arrange. For example, open a document first if it should receive the larger portion of the display, then add a browser or notes app. The first app is not permanently assigned to one side; divider controls can let you change positions on models that provide that option.
Adjust the amount of space
A divider separates the two windows. Drag it toward one app to give that app more room, or toward the other app when the second app needs more space. Tap the divider to reveal additional controls. Depending on the model and software, these controls can let you change the apps’ positions and save the current combination as an App Pair.
Give the larger section to the app that needs frequent typing, detailed reading or more controls. A narrow reference window can be enough for a calculator, message thread or short webpage. If a control becomes difficult to tap after resizing, drag the divider back or switch to pop-up view for the temporary task.
Use three-way split on models that provide it
Samsung’s current Fold8 guide for India describes selecting a third supported app after the first two are in split view. On that configuration, choose the third app from the available Multi window choices and then adjust the dividers. Older Fold models, other regional software, or different One UI versions may offer only two windows or present a different arrangement. Treat the number of panes shown on your phone as the authoritative limit for that device.
Three-way split is useful when each app provides a small but continuously needed piece of information, such as a conversation, calendar and document. It is not a universal Fold capability, and a three-pane layout may leave each app with less usable space than two-way split. If one app becomes cramped, close the third pane and return to a two-app arrangement.
Open an app in a floating window
- Open the app you want to keep available over another app.
- Open Recents.
- Tap the app’s icon above its preview.
- Choose Open in pop-up view.
- Move the floating window to a convenient location and resize it as needed.
The underlying app remains usable while the pop-up is on screen. This is useful when the floating app is an occasional tool rather than a second app that must remain permanently visible. Pop-up view is also subject to app support; an app that does not implement the required window behavior may not offer the option or may not work correctly in it.
Use pop-up view when the second task is interruptive: checking a message, copying a short code, performing a calculation or consulting a reference. Move the window away from buttons you still need in the primary app. If the floating window is too small for reliable input, split screen usually provides a better experience.
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- CREATED FOR YOUR CONTENT: Any way you turn it, the new Galaxy Z Fold8 gives you a fuller viewing experience. Designed with your content in mind, this foldable phone is the perfect size to make your movies, books and more incredibly immersive.
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- THE BRIGHTEST DISPLAY ON A GALAXY PHONE: Our brightest smartphone display² provides you with a comfortable view, whether you’re inside or outside. Watch movies, play games and scroll with ease no matter where you are.
- RECORD. REFRAME. READY FOR SOCIAL³: Record content on Galaxy Z Fold8 and then use My FanCam³ to keep your subject center stage. The result is a social-ready video that focuses on the part of the action you really want.
- UNTETHER YOUR ENTERTAINMENT: The long-lasting battery of Galaxy Z Fold8 is built to power hours of entertainment. And when you do need to recharge, Super Fast Charging 2.0⁴ gets you back to what you love quickly.
Use the Taskbar for faster Multi window launches
On Fold models that support it, opening an app on the inner display reveals the Taskbar. You can drag another app from the Taskbar to the desired area of the screen to launch it in Multi window, avoiding the longer Recents route for each new combination.
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Dragging is especially convenient when you are already working in one app and want to add a second without leaving the current screen. The destination area determines how the new app joins the layout, but the available destinations and visual cues can differ between One UI versions. If dragging does nothing, the app may not support Multi window or the model may not include Taskbar integration.
Save a recurring combination as an App Pair
- Open the first and second apps in split screen.
- Tap the control in the center between the two windows.
- Tap the App Pair star icon.
- Choose where to save the pair: the Taskbar, the Home screen, or the Apps edge panel, according to the destinations offered by your model.
After saving, use the resulting App Pair shortcut to reopen that combination instead of launching each app and rebuilding the split layout. The shortcut represents the two apps and their Multi window relationship; it does not make an otherwise incompatible app support split screen.
Choose the destination that matches how you launch work. The Taskbar keeps the pair near an open app, the Home screen makes it available with other shortcuts, and Apps edge places it with other edge-panel tools. A saved pair is tied to the selected apps and arrangement; if an app is uninstalled, disabled or later loses Multi window support, the shortcut may no longer open as expected.
Enable gesture shortcuts when your software offers them
Samsung support for devices running One UI 6 or later places the Multi window gesture switches at Settings > Advanced features > Multi window. Turn on the shortcut that matches the way you want to work:
- Swipe for split screen: use a two-finger swipe up from the bottom of the screen to start a split layout.
- Swipe for pop-up view: swipe inward from either top corner with one finger to turn the current app into a floating window.
These switches may not appear on every model or software build. If you cannot find them, use the app icon in Recents or the Taskbar instead. Those routes do not depend on the optional gesture switches.
Gestures are shortcuts, not replacements for compatibility. They act on the current app and still depend on whether that app supports the requested mode. If a gesture is difficult to trigger with your navigation configuration, leave it disabled and use Recents; both methods lead to the same Multi window commands.
Understand Multi view, the dual-column app layout
Some Fold software includes a separate Multi view setting that changes how a supported app lays out its own content in two columns. Samsung’s current US Foldable guide gives this path: Settings > Display > Screen layout and zoom > Multi view.
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For example, Multi view may show a list and its details in one app, while split screen places two unrelated apps beside each other. If your goal is to run two apps at once, use Recents or Taskbar rather than changing Multi view.
Choose the right workflow
Use split screen when both apps need steady space
Split screen is the better choice when you must look at one app while entering information into another. Examples include keeping a reference page visible beside a note, or reading a message while working in a document. Drag the divider until the app receiving the most input has enough room.
Use pop-up view for short, interrupting tasks
Pop-up view keeps the primary app underneath while a smaller window handles a quick task. It avoids permanently dividing the display when the second app is only needed for a moment. Move the window so it does not cover the control you are currently using in the main app.
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Use Taskbar and App Pair for routines
If you repeatedly open the same two apps together, save an App Pair. The Taskbar is useful when the combination changes frequently; an App Pair is useful when the combination itself is stable and deserves a one-tap shortcut.
Troubleshoot a missing or unusable multitasking option
The phone is folded or you are using the cover screen
Move the workflow to the inner display. Samsung’s general guidance does not support split screen or pop-up view on the front screen of Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip devices, so the option may be absent there even when it works normally after unfolding.
The app does not appear in the split-screen list
Some apps do not support split screen or pop-up view. Try another supported app to confirm that Multi window itself is working. If your device includes Samsung’s Labs option Multi window for all apps, it may allow an app that was not designed for these layouts to open in split or pop-up mode.
Labs features are experimental: Samsung states, “Labs features are experimental and may not work as expected.” The option may be missing on some devices, and forcing an unsupported app into a window can produce layout or usability problems. Turn the option off again if the app becomes unstable or controls are inaccessible.
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The menu names do not match these instructions
Samsung says that “The names, menu paths, and screen configurations of the described features may vary depending on the country, model & software version.” Check the wording shown on your own Recents screen and in Settings rather than assuming that a guide for the Fold8 or another region uses identical labels. A different One UI release may place the same function under a different menu or expose fewer layout choices.
The Taskbar is missing
The Taskbar is limited to supported Fold models. Use Recents to open split screen or pop-up view when no Taskbar is available. If the phone recently changed software, check the model-specific Multi window or display settings for a Taskbar control, but do not expect every Fold generation to include the feature.
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- CREATED FOR YOUR CONTENT: Any way you turn it, the new Galaxy Z Fold8 gives you a fuller viewing experience. Designed with your content in mind, this foldable phone is the perfect size to make your movies, books and more incredibly immersive.
- WORLD’S LIGHTEST FOLD¹: Galaxy Z Fold8 is the newest foldable phone for content on the go. Unfolded, it fits movies and books for an immersive experience. Folded, it delivers comfortable texting and everyday use — all on the world’s lightest fold.¹
- THE BRIGHTEST DISPLAY ON A GALAXY PHONE: Our brightest smartphone display² provides you with a comfortable view, whether you’re inside or outside. Watch movies, play games and scroll with ease no matter where you are.
- RECORD. REFRAME. READY FOR SOCIAL³: Record content on Galaxy Z Fold8 and then use My FanCam³ to keep your subject center stage. The result is a social-ready video that focuses on the part of the action you really want.
- UNTETHER YOUR ENTERTAINMENT: The long-lasting battery of Galaxy Z Fold8 is built to power hours of entertainment. And when you do need to recharge, Super Fast Charging 2.0⁴ gets you back to what you love quickly.
Flex mode is not behaving as expected
Flex mode is optional and separate from Multi window. Its behavior depends on app compatibility. Samsung’s current guide says Flex mode is not supported on the Z Fold8, so it is not a workaround for split screen on that model and is never a prerequisite for opening two apps side by side.
A saved App Pair no longer opens
Open the two apps manually from Recents and test them in split screen. If one app has been updated, disabled or replaced, the saved shortcut may need to be recreated. Re-save the pair from the center control after confirming that both apps still support the layout.
Model and software differences to keep in mind
Samsung’s current Fold8 regional documentation describes both two-way and three-way split views, while older regional guides describe different limits and interfaces. Those descriptions are feature guidance for the named model and region, not a universal benchmark for the entire Galaxy Z Fold family. A Fold owner with an earlier model may see only two panes, different divider controls, or no Taskbar.
When a feature matters to your workflow, verify three things on the phone itself: the model name, the installed One UI version, and whether the app offers the relevant command in Recents. This avoids treating a Fold8-only control as if it were available on every Galaxy Z Fold.
Regional documentation can also use different wording for the same action. Look for the app icon above a Recents preview and commands containing “split screen” or “pop-up,” even if the surrounding menu is arranged differently. The controls shown on your device are more reliable than assumptions based on another Fold generation.
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A practical setup checklist
- Unfold the phone and move to the inner display.
- Open the first app and check whether its Recents icon offers Open in split screen view or Open in pop-up view.
- For split screen, select a second supported app and adjust the divider.
- On a Fold8 configuration that exposes it, add a third supported app for a three-way layout.
- If you use the same pair often, tap the center control and save an App Pair to the Taskbar, Home screen, or Apps edge panel.
- If the Taskbar is supported, drag apps from it directly into the desired Multi window position.
- Optionally enable the split-screen or pop-up gesture switches under Settings > Advanced features > Multi window on One UI 6 or later.
- If an app is blocked, test another app first; use the experimental Labs override only when you accept possible compatibility problems.
Frequently asked questions
How do I use split screen on a Galaxy Z Fold?
Unfold the phone, open the first app on the inner display, open Recents, tap the app icon above its preview and choose Open in split screen view. Select a second supported app, then drag the divider to balance the space. The front cover screen is not supported for this mode.
How do I open two apps at once on a Samsung Fold?
Use the Recents split-screen command or drag a second app from a supported Taskbar into the desired area. The second app must support Multi window. On some Fold8 configurations, a third supported app can be added for a three-way split.
How do I open a floating window?
From Recents, tap the app icon and select Open in pop-up view. Move and resize the window over the underlying app. If the command is missing, that app or your model may not support pop-up view.
How do I save an App Pair?
First create a two-app split screen. Tap the control in the center between the windows, tap the App Pair star and choose Taskbar, Home screen or Apps edge, depending on the destinations your Fold offers.
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Samsung’s general Multi window guidance excludes the front screen of Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip devices. Unfold the phone and repeat the process on the inner display.
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Can every app run in split screen?
No. Some apps block split screen or pop-up view. If your device offers Multi window for all apps in Labs, you can test it, but Samsung warns that Labs features are experimental and may not work as expected.
Does Flex mode enable multitasking?
No. Flex mode is separate from Multi window and is not required for split screen or pop-up view. Its compatibility varies, and Samsung’s current guide says it is not supported on the Z Fold8.
Why do my menus look different?
Samsung varies feature names, menu paths and layouts by country, model and software version. Use the commands visible in your own Recents menu and check the installed One UI version before assuming a feature is missing.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I use split screen on a Galaxy Z Fold?
Unfold the phone, open the first app, open Recents, tap its icon and choose Open in split screen view. Select a supported second app and adjust the divider.
How do I save an App Pair?
Create a two-app split screen, tap the center control, tap the App Pair star, then choose Taskbar, Home screen or Apps edge when offered.
Can I use split screen on the cover display?
No. Samsung’s general guidance supports split screen and pop-up view on the inner display, not the front screen.
Why is an app missing from the split-screen list?
The app may not support Multi window. Some devices offer the experimental Labs option Multi window for all apps, but compatibility is not guaranteed.
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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesDoes every Fold support three-way split?
No. Samsung’s current Fold8 regional guide describes three-way split, while older models and other software versions may support only two windows.
Is Flex mode required for multitasking?
No. Flex mode is separate from Multi window and is not required for split screen or pop-up view.
The Bottom Line
For dependable multitasking, unfold your Galaxy Z Fold and start from Recents: choose split screen for two persistent apps or pop-up view for a temporary floating window. Use the Taskbar when available, save repeated combinations as App Pairs, and remember that app support, window counts and menu names vary by model, region and One UI version.
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