topic Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra - Split screen locks the device + can't close all tasks in Tablets

Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra - Split screen locks the device + can't close all tasks

Hormoz — Sun, 08 Mar 2026 17:38:16 GMT

Hello Samsung team and community,

For at least 4 months, my Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra has had these frustrating multitasking issues:

1. When I enter split-screen mode (two apps side by side), touching/dragging the separator border (the draggable line) immediately locks the screen — I have to unlock with PIN/fingerprint to continue. I can't resize the windows at all.

2. The "Close all" button in Recent apps doesn't do anything

This makes split-screen multitasking unusable and closing apps unreliable.

Device is up to date, no third-party launchers or major mods. Happens consistently across apps.

Anyone else seeing this? Any fixes (beyond restart/cache clear which didn't help)?

Model: Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra

Thanks for any advice!

Re: Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra - Split screen locks the device + can't close all tasks

Haisley — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 13:33:26 GMT

Hi Hormoz,

Recommended Actions for Improved Performance:

Reset App Preferences: Go to Settings > Apps > More options (three dots) > Reset app preferences > Reset. This can fix UI button issues.

Check Multi Window (Labs): Go to Settings > Advanced features > Labs. Toggle Multi window for all apps off and back on.

Disable Lock Home Screen Layout: Long‑press your Home Screen > Settings > turn off Lock Home screen layout.

Test in Safe Mode: Restart while holding Volume Down when the Samsung logo appears. If the issue disappears, a third‑party app may be causing it.

Wipe Cache Partition: Power off, connect to a computer via USB, then hold Volume Up + Power. In recovery mode, select Wipe cache partition (this won’t delete personal data).