How to Multitask Like a Pro on a Samsung Phone

It's annoying to constantly switch between different apps even for seemingly trivial tasks. Samsung's multitasking tools let you do more in less time.

Table of Contents

• 5. Use gestures to access multi-window mode
• 4. Open the notification in the floating bubble
• 3. Use the edge panel to get more done
  • Add app pairs to open in Split Screen view
  • Quickly access all copied items via the Clipboard panel
  • Fill the Tasks panel with useful app shortcuts
  • Update information with Reminder board
• 2. Automate recurring tasks using Modes and Routines
• 1. Stream video in Picture-in-Picture mode

5. Use gestures to access multi-window mode

Samsung's Multi Window mode lets you open apps in split screen or pop-up mode, which greatly improves the multitasking experience. Split screen mode works by dividing the screen in half, allowing you to open and use two apps at the same time. By default, both apps take up half the screen, but you can drag the resizing knob in the middle to give one of the apps more space.

Pop-up view, on the other hand, lets you open apps in a pop-up window that shrinks into a floating bubble. Typically, you access multi-window mode by going to the Recents page, tapping the app icon, and selecting split screen or pop-up view from the menu.

You can speed up this process by using gestures. Go to Settings > Advanced features > Multi window and turn on the Swipe for split screen and Swipe for pop-up view toggles .

Now, to access split screen while using an app, just swipe up with two fingers from the bottom of the screen and select the second app. And to quickly open an app in pop-up view, swipe in from any top corner.

4. Open the notification in the floating bubble

Similar to pop-up app windows, you can open notifications from compatible messaging apps in floating chat bubbles. Find this feature in Settings > Notifications > Advanced settings > Floating notifications > Bubbles .

Once done, swipe down on the notification containing the message to reveal a small icon in the bottom corner. Tap that icon to switch the conversation to bubble view.

You only need to do this once; all subsequent messages will appear in bubble view, allowing you to continue the conversation without leaving the current app.

3. Use the edge panel to get more done

Edge panels are one of my favorite Samsung features. You can use them to access your favorite apps, check the weather, call or text contacts, and more. Find the feature in Settings > Display > Edge panels and turn on the toggle. Once enabled, swipe in from the handle to pull out the edge panels.

You can browse the different edge panels in the Panels menu and select the ones you find useful. If you have multiple panels selected, swipe on a panel to reveal the next one. Here are some ways to use the edge panels on your phone to maximize your multitasking capabilities.

Add app pairs to open in Split Screen view

There are some apps you often use together and it's inconvenient to manually set them up in Split Screen view each time. To make this process faster, create app pairs and add them to the Apps edge panel alongside your most used apps.

To do this, start by opening two apps in Split Screen view, then tap the center of the resize handle. Next, tap the star icon and select Apps edge panel .

Here are a few app pairs you should try:

• Google Sheets + Calculator : Do quick calculations while planning your weekly budget.
• Slack + Asana : Update coworkers while keeping track of current tasks and deadlines.
• Chrome + Google Keep : Take notes while browsing or researching.
• Calendar + Reminder : Stay updated with upcoming events and set reminders.

Quickly access all copied items via the Clipboard panel

The Edge panel Clipboard stores text and images you've copied recently, so you don't have to copy the same thing over and over again. You can also delete or pin copied items to avoid clutter.

To paste a copied item, pull out the Clipboard panel and tap and hold on the desired image or text to drag it, then drop it into the text field of the app you're using.

Fill the Tasks panel with useful app shortcuts

The Tasks Edge panel is primarily designed to house Samsung app shortcuts. You can use it to send messages, view recent files, take screenshots, set a timer, open a new browser tab, launch one-handed mode, add calendar events, view photo gallery albums, and more.

You can add up to 12 shortcuts, so there's plenty of room to choose the ones that are most useful to you. Having all of these app shortcuts at a single tap is much more convenient than having to navigate through different menus and tabs in the app each time.

Update information with Reminder board

The Reminder panel makes it easy to view set reminders and add new ones without having to go into the app.

The convenience of being able to access them quickly has helped you form the habit of preparing for upcoming events and deadlines, and avoiding procrastination.

2. Automate recurring tasks using Modes and Routines

Modes and Routines are one of the standout features of One UI, allowing you to automate everyday tasks. You can create custom routines that change device settings based on pre-set triggers, like turning on location when you open Google Maps and Uber or turning on mobile data when Wi-Fi strength drops.

This feature saves you the trouble of manually adjusting settings that your phone should be smart enough to change on its own. That way, you don't have to turn on DND when you go to sleep, Power saving when your battery is low, or Bluetooth when streaming video.

1. Stream video in Picture-in-Picture mode

Picture-in-Picture (PiP) mode lets you watch videos in a small, floating window while using other apps. To use it, start playing a video in a compatible app. Then, just press the Home button or swipe up on the home screen if you're using gesture navigation. The video will shrink into a pop-up window that you can resize and move anywhere on the screen.

To stream videos from supported websites in Picture-in-Picture mode, use Samsung Internet 's Video Assistant feature. To find it, open your browser, tap the 3-bar menu, go to Settings > Useful features > Video assistant and turn on the toggle. Now, visit the desired website, play the video and tap the pop-up player button to convert.

Some of these tips may take a while to get used to, but will work once you get used to them.