How Do Minimize An App To Use Other Apps At The Same Time

Use Multi window and App pair shortcuts on your Galaxy phone

Person using Galaxy Z Fold2 Multi Active Window feature

Two apps are better than one, and Multi window is better than constantly switching between apps. This feature lets you alternate between apps, adjust the size of the display, and copy information from one app to the other. On top of that, App pairs and Apps edge make multitasking on your phone even easier.

Note: If this is your first time using enhanced edge features, you will have to complete the tutorial. Available screens and settings may vary by wireless service provider, software version, and phone model.

With Multi window, you can have two apps open at the same time using split screen view. For example, you can use the calculator for math homework while watching watching a video.

To access Multi window, open the first app and then tapRecent, which is located to the left of the Home button.
Tap the desired app's icon, and then tapOpen in split screen view. This app will be pinned to the top window.

Note: Not all apps support split screen view.
To open a second app in the bottom window, simply open the desired app from the list on the right.
To see more, tap theApps icon at the bottom of the list. The second app will automatically display under the first app.

Open in split screen view highlighted on a Galaxy phone

Foldable phones like the Z Fold and Z Flip series have extra features when it comes to Multi window! You can read about it in our guide to Multi window on foldable phones.

When you want to give Multi window a break and just use one app, you can close the split screen view.

To do this, tap the Home button. This will close them completely out on the home screen but leave them together in recents.

Multi Window displaying an X at the top of the phone screen

Multi window is really handy, but you can also use the pop-up view feature for even more convenience. This feature lets you make an app's window smaller, and you can even move it around.

TapRecent, which is located to the left of the Home button.
Tap your desired app's icon, and then tapOpen in pop-up view.
Remember, you can use your finger to move the app's window around the screen.

Open in pop-up view highlighted on a Galaxy phone

Pop-up view also has other settings to make it easier to use. Here are what the different controls do from left to right:

Opacity: Adjust the window's opacity from transparent to solid.
Floating icon: Minimize the app into a floating icon that you can open up later. You can move the icon around the screen and make more than one app into an icon.
Expand window: Expand the app back into its regular full-screen view.
Close app: Close the current pop-up view window. The app will still open under Recents.

Note: You can adjust the size of the pop-up view window by touching its sides and dragging your finger vertically or horizontally.

Note: The Edge panel is available only on certain phone models.

Instead of separately opening apps you always use together, create an App pair. That way, those two apps will open simultaneously in split screen view. If you're using the Z Fold2, you can create an App pair with three apps.

Swipe left to open the Apps Edge panel. Touch and hold your desired app, and drag and drop it into the top portion of the screen.
Open Apps Edge again, and then select a second app. Drag and drop it into the bottom portion of the screen.
Tap the divider between the two windows to change the orientation and create an App pair:
- Tap the two arrows to swap the apps' positions.
- Tap the App pair icon (it has a plus sign) to create an App pair. The App pair will be saved.
If you'd like to add a third app to the App pair, open Apps Edge again, and then drag and drop the new app into your preferred position.

Note: Adding three apps to an App pair is only available on the Z Fold2.
Once all three apps are on the screen, tap the three vertical dots in the center, and then tap the App pair icon. The three apps will be saved in a group.

Note: The Edge panel is available only on certain phone models.

Maybe doing homework while playing a game isn't the best idea. Remove that shortcut to make room for a new one.

From any screen, open Apps Edge by swiping the Edge panel to the left. Tap the Edit icon and then tap Delete (the minus symbol) next to the shortcut you want to remove.

You can always add the shortcut back later, or add new Edge panels with additional apps that you'd like to use.

App pair shortcut with a red minus on a Galaxy phone

Note: Edge panel is available only on certain phone models.

Can't think of any useful app pairing combinations? Here are some combinations to get those creative juices flowing.

Internet + Samsung Notes: Browse the internet and take notes at the same time.
Play Music + Maps: Play your jam while going on an adventure.
Email + Phone: Never miss an email because of a long phone call.
Camera + Gallery: Capture and manage your photos all at once.

A list of App pairs on a Galaxy phone

Contacts + Message: Network with your friends and create new connections.
Samsung Notes + Drive: Make a note and save it to your Google Drive.

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