Android
How to Use Multi Window Mode on the Galaxy S9
In this guide we’ll explain how to use the popular multi window split-screen mode on the Galaxy S9. Which is basically running two apps at the same time. With a big 5.8 or 6.2-inch display running two apps simultaneously is easier than ever before, and better.
Make the most out of your Galaxy S9 or Galaxy S9+ screen with multi window mode. There are several reasons for running two apps simultaneously. You can watch YouTube and check emails at the same time, or be more productive at work. It’s very useful and one of the many neat things you can do on your phone.
Read: 35 Galaxy S9 Tips, Tricks & Cool Hidden Features
We’ll show you more than just how to use multi window mode. We’ll show you how to turn it on, adjust windows, invert the apps, or use Android 8.0’s picture-in-picture mode. Follow the instructions in our video below and try it today.
Samsung’s multi window mode works the same on the Galaxy S8, Galaxy S8+, Note 8, S9 and Galaxy S9+. So try it yourself by watching the video above. Or, follow our step-by-step instructions below.
How to Enable Multi Window Mode on Galaxy S9
The easiest and fastest way to launch two apps at once and use multi window mode is to press and hold the Recent apps key below the screen. You can do this while you’re using an app, or from the home screen. First though, enable this feature in the settings menu.
- Pull down the notification bar and hit the gear-shaped settings button
- Scroll down and select Advanced Features
- Next, choose Tap on Multi Window
This was likely enabled by default. If not, just toggle ON the “Use Recents Button” to access multi window mode even quicker.
How to Launch Multi Window Mode on Galaxy S9
You can easily launch two apps at the same time on the Galaxy S9. Simply tap the “Recents” app button at the bottom of your screen. This is to the left or the right of the on-screen home key. You’ll then see a list of all running apps. Instead of selecting the app, tap the icon that looks like two boxes or rectangles on top of each other. This is the multi window mode and we highlighted it in red in our screenshots below.
From here, choose the second app by scrolling through your list of running apps. Or, tap the More apps button and choose from a list of apps installed on your phone that works with multi-window mode. Once you tap on the second app they’ll both open and fill your screen.
As a quick tip, hold the bar in the middle of the two apps and drag it up or down to resize the windows. That way you can increase YouTube and make a small window for your browser or Gmail.
To exit this mode at any time, press and hold down the Recents key. Or, just hit home and clear the multi window session from the notification bar.
How to Switch Apps to the Top or Bottom Quickly
What if the app you want is at the bottom, and not the top? This is a common problem, and here’s how to fix it. Keep in mind that the first app you select always goes to the top of your screen, while the second one opens on the bottom.
However, you can quickly invert them and put YouTube back to the bottom and your email at the top. Or switch them to top and bottom as you see fit. Here’s how:
- Press the Window Control Button (white line in the middle of the two running apps)
- Just tap the line once to see the control window pop-up
- Select the Invert apps button (circling icon)
How to Close an App in Multi Window Mode
In closing, we want to explain how to close running apps while you’re in multi window mode. Sometimes it’s confusing and hard to figure out.
For one, you can simply hit the home bottom and completely go back to your main screen. This just minimized the window though. When you do this, pull down the notification bar and tap the big X to close your multi window session completely. That’s the easiest way to shut everything down.
Additionally, you can tap the Window Control Button and select the X while you’re using two apps at the same time. This will close the window that’s highlighted by the blue border, or the last window you interacted with on the screen.
That’s all there is to it. Now you know how to open and run two apps at the same time. How to switch between them with ease, and how to close them once you’re done. Before you go, take a peek at these 10 More Cool Things the Galaxy S9 Can Do. Or, get a screen protector from our roundup below.
Caseology Tempered Glass (Easy Install Tray) | |||||||||||
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First off, we're recommending the Caseology Tempered Glass Screen protector kit for the Galaxy S9+. While they make great cases, the reason this made our list is because of the easy installation tray. No one likes putting on screen protectors, and half the time we mess up anyways. This is especially true with the curved glass edge on Samsung phones. With Caseology, you'll get a super simple easy installation tray that perfectly aligns the glass protector for you. Pull off the protective film, line it up, and drop it in place. Then use the included squeegee to get rid of any bubbles. Each Caseology glass works great with cases, which means the edges are just a tiny bit short so your case doesn't pull it up and ruin your screen protector. They're using 9H reinforced glass with anti-fingerprint coatings, rounded edges to prevent chipping, and it's pretty affordable too. Don't forget Samsung sells official accessories as well. | |||||||||||
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