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How to Use Multi-Window Mode on the Galaxy S3

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The Samsung Galaxy S3 now supports Multi-Window mode, which lets users open two apps on-screen at the same time.

This new feature is rolling out in several updates and is now available for the Samsung Galaxy S3 on Verizon, T-Mobile and Sprint, and we may soon see the AT&T Galaxy S3 Multi-Window update arrive.

With Multi-Window mode, users can run two apps at the same time ont he Galaxy S3’s 4.8-inch display and can pick how much of the screen each app can use. This feature debuted on the Galaxy Note 2 and came to the Galaxy S4 before landing on the Galaxy S3 in the past month.

Read: 15 Hidden Samsung Galaxy S3 Features

Multi-Window view for the Samsung Galaxy S3 arrives in updates, the most recent of which is Verizon, so if there is no option, it’s a good idea to go to Settings -> About device -> Software update to check for the update.

How to Use Multi-Window Mode on the Galaxy S3

This short video will show you how to use Multi-Window mode on the Samsung Galaxy S3 and why you might want to run two apps on-screen at once.

The first thing to do is make sure Multi-Window mode is turned on. Pull down the notification drawer and scroll the little set of toggles all the way to the right. Make sure the Multi-Window option is green.

To turn the feature on and off hold the back button on the Samsung Galaxy S3. This will open the right side menu that shows the apps compatible with Multi-Window mode.

The apps may vary from carrier to carrier, so don’t be alarmed if you see different apps than in the video. Users will see some compatible Google Play apps in the options. If an app is compatible it will show up here. Users can re-order apps by dragging them, or hide them by moving them to the section on the right after tapping edit.

Use two apps at once with Multi-Window mode on the Samsung Galaxy S3.

Use two apps at once with Multi-Window mode on the Samsung Galaxy S3.

To start using Multi-Window mode, drag one app to the screen and then drag another app to the top or bottom of the screen and the Galaxy S3 will show both apps at the same time, allowing you to read Facebook while watching YouTube videos or read email while researching something online in the browser.

Drag the small line between the apps to change the size of the windows. The on-screen keyboard will show up and cover some of the apps, so you may want to pair it with a Bluetooth keyboard if you are using Multi-Window mode for productivity.

16 Comments

16 Comments

  1. Sean

    05/30/2013 at 3:59 pm

    Multi Window has been available on the International version GT-I9300 for months now.
    Long before the Galaxy S4 was released

    • Tim

      05/31/2013 at 10:14 am

      Yeah I agree with you I’ve had it for a while.

  2. Yvonne Fineinmyownskin McClain

    05/31/2013 at 4:33 pm

    i love it

  3. joke

    06/01/2013 at 5:58 am

    Is this post a joke? Multi window feature was introduced to S III before the release of S IV.

    • nope

      06/29/2013 at 4:32 am

      The GS3 was built to work with multiwindow, but the major carriers didn’t support the software until recently.

  4. yvonne

    06/05/2013 at 11:50 pm

    I dont have multi-task on my sIII?

  5. sharon

    06/08/2013 at 11:03 pm

    I have a G3 thru At&t and still havent gotten the update for firmware 4′.1.2? And I cant gave the spkit screen, does anyone have a link or suggeztion.

  6. manpreet

    06/16/2013 at 12:24 am

    How about sgh 474 AT&T .
    Hw to

  7. manpreet

    06/16/2013 at 12:25 am

    Version 4.1 .how to update to version 4.2.pls help me .

    • Jon [xXApocalyticKilla on YouTube]

      07/04/2013 at 3:51 pm

      I use a custom ROM for 4.2.

  8. Vikingqueen

    06/27/2013 at 11:22 am

    can the mutli window tab be moved? i’m a left and having on the left is a royal pain. often hit tab when marking emails for trash.

    • inorinouta

      07/03/2013 at 7:52 pm

      You can grab the tab for the multi-window bar and drag it off to either side or top/bottom to change the docked position.

    • Dwane

      07/11/2013 at 10:41 am

      Multi view can be turned off and also the tab can be moved to any edge of the screen ;-) Just hold and drag lol

  9. Todd

    08/16/2013 at 6:48 pm

    Can I add other apps to the window or what shows up the only ones I can use.

  10. Tom535

    09/12/2013 at 8:41 pm

    To add new apps to MW’s sliding tray, open a new app to full screen and drag any app from the MW tray unto one half of the first opened new app. If the screen divides into two parts (top/bottom or left/right), release your finger from the MW app icon and the two apps will share space on your display. If the screen does not divide into two parts, continue to press down on the MW app icon while sliding it back to the MW tray…this confirms that the first app does not support multi-windows and it cannot be added to the MW app tray.

  11. Prabhakar

    03/23/2014 at 12:54 am

    After making the M W sign on in the penal I held the back button for a long time but the multi window icons are not appearing as shown in the video. what should I do?

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