Activate Multi Window on Samsung Galaxy S4

Edited by Batkingnz, Eng, Lynn, Jen M and 2 others

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Julian SamsungGS4.jpg

One of the great features about the Samsung Galaxy S4 is the quad-core processor inside that lets you take multi-tasking on your phone to the next level. On most phones, multitasking can allow you to run multiple applications, but you can still only view one at a time and then switch between them. Samsung has produced some clever software that utilizes the new hardware in a way that not only lets you multi-task, but also allows you to run two applications side by side, meaning you can now be more productive than ever before. Read on below to find out how to enable the feature on your phone today.

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Turning On Multi Window Display

  1. 1
    From your home screen, press the Apps icon to navigate to your applications folder.
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  2. 2
    From within this folder, open up settings by pressing the cog wheel icon.
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  3. 3
    Inside settings, open up "My device" and then open "Display".
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  4. 4
    Here you will see a tick box next to a setting called "Multi window display"
    .
    Just make sure this is ticked and multi window display will now be enabled.
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How To Use Multi Window Mode

  1. 1
    First you will need to activate your multi window panel
    .
    From your home screen or within an app, simply tap and hold the "Back" button.
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  2. 2
    Your screen will now divide in two and you will see the second panel appear on the left side of your screen.
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  3. 3
    Now choose the application that you want to view in the new panel and drag it to that location.
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  4. 4
    If you want to close the new panel, just tap and hold the Back button again.
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  5. 5
    You can also change the size of the panels by dragging the separator between the two panels to the left or right.
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  6. 6
    To hide a panel, simply tap the panel handle
    .
    This will minimize the panel without closing it.
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  7. 7
    For panels that are already open, you can drag the panel with your finger to swap its location with the second panel
    .
    Even if a panel is currently hidden, you can still drag it to change its position.
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Multi window.png

Additional Controls In Multi Window Apps

From the two arrow icons in multi window mode,

Mult1.JPG

and

Mult2.JPG

you can perform any of the actions below:

  1. 1
    Change locations.
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  • 2
    Maximize the Windows you are currently viewing.
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  • 3
    Close the window that you are currently viewing.
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  • Switching The Location Between Multi Window Apps

    1. 1
      While in the multi window mode, press the up or down arrow icon.
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    2. 2
      You can then press the switch icon
      mult3.JPG
      which will change the location between the open apps.
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    Maximizing A Target Window

    1. 1
      While in the multi window mode, press the up or down arrow icon.
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    2. 2
      Pressing the maximize icon
      Mult4.JPG
      will maximize the target window to take up your whole screen.
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    Closing A Multi Window

    1. 1
      While in the multi window mode, press the up or down arrow icon.
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    2. 2
      You can now press the Close icon
      Mult5.JPG
      to exit the target window.
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    Tips, Tricks & Warnings

    • This is part of the VisiHow series on how to use the Samsung Galaxy S4. You can visit the main VisiHow on how to USE SAMSUNG GALAXY S4 for a full list of S4 VisiHow Articles
    • Multi window mode is not compatible with all apps, especially non-Samsung apps.
    • Multi window mode is not available in all regions due to various software and carrier restrictions.

    Questions and Answers

    I don't see desired app in multiple window tab?

    I can choose 2 apps, I want to have in multiple Windows because one isn't showing as an option. How to change that / add app to tab, thank you?

    VisiHow QnA. This section is not written yet. Want to join in? Click EDIT to write this answer.

    If you have problems with any of the steps in this article, please ask a question for more help, or post in the comments section below.

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    Article Info

    Categories : USE SAMSUNG GALAXY S4

    Recent edits by: trixy, Jen M, Lynn

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