How to Use Multi-Window Mode on the Galaxy S3

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.

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.

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.