OneUI 6: how to restore classic multitasking on the Galaxy Z Fold 4?

OneUI 6: how to restore classic multitasking on the Galaxy Z Fold 4?

Since the update to One UI 6, many Galaxy Z Fold 4 users have noticed a change in the management of open windows. The interface introduces a reorganized system, more focused on visual shortcuts, but many miss the old presentation, which was more direct and simpler to use.
Some appreciate the novelty, but others would prefer to recover the traditional window display, especially those who use their Fold to replace a tablet or work in productive mode.

Why does One UI 6 change the multitasking functionality on the Galaxy Z Fold 4?

Samsung wanted to harmonize the presentation of open applications across its different models. The Fold 4, which had particularly advanced multitasking, was thus aligned with the behavior of classic models.
The result:

  • the grid of open applications changes
  • the animations are no longer the same
  • floating windows react differently
  • quick access for split-screen has been moved
  • some gestures no longer trigger the same actions

This new organization may seem less immediate for users who relied on the previous system.

The most reliable method to restore the pre-One UI 6 multitasking display on Galaxy Z Fold 4

Good news: Samsung has left several settings allowing for a more familiar management of open applications.
To achieve this, here are the essential steps.

A hidden setting in advanced options allows canceling the new window organization

Some menus in One UI 6 modify the multitasking logic without clearly stating it.

The most important setting is found here:

  1. Settings
  2. Advanced features
  3. Labs
  4. Enable: “Allow multiple windows”
  5. Enable: “Move windows by dragging”
  6. Enable: “All apps in multi-window mode”

This trio reactivates a more flexible window management, similar to what One UI 5 offered.

On One UI 6, some of these settings may be disabled by default after the update, giving the impression that the Fold 4 has lost its capabilities.

Restore multitasking activation by swiping from the corners of the screen

The gesture allowing an app to be minimized or a second window to be opened is often reset during the update.

To reactivate it:

  1. Settings
  2. Advanced features
  3. Motions and gestures
  4. Enable “Swipe for floating windows”

Once activated, this gesture allows for a much closer functionality to that of One UI 5.

Reactivate the old multitasking presentation via the animation setting

Samsung does not clearly indicate it, but changing certain animations makes multitasking visually very different.

To restore the previous presentation:

  1. Settings
  2. Accessibility
  3. Visibility enhancements
  4. Reduce animations → Disable

Why this works:
One UI 6 applies new transitions that change how windows appear in the multitasking view. By disabling this setting, you regain a staging closer to that of before.

The Galaxy Z Fold 4 sidebar can restore the original multitasking experience

The Samsung sidebar (Edge Panel) plays an important role in window organization on a Fold.

For it to work as before:

  1. Settings
  2. Display
  3. Side panels
  4. Enable the “Apps” panel
  5. Tap the three dots → “Open in pop-up or split screen by default”

This setting allows:

  • to quickly open a second application
  • to split the screen with a single gesture
  • to bypass the multiplied interface imposed by One UI 6

In practice, users who reactivate this option almost regain the multitasking behavior of One UI 5.

Restore the old multitasking by modifying the layout of the outer and inner screen

Some differences appear because One UI 6 unifies the settings between the internal and external screen.
To return to a management consistent with the original Fold 4:

  1. Settings
  2. Display
  3. External / internal screen layout
  4. Enable: “Keep windows separate on each screen”

This allows:

  • to have distinct multitasking on the inner screen
  • to maintain the traditional behavior when the Fold is open
  • to regain much more intuitive control of floating windows

Signs indicating that the classic multitasking of the Fold 4 is restored

Once the correct settings are applied, here is what you should notice:

  • floating window activation works from the first gesture
  • applications position themselves more naturally in split-screen
  • the multitasking grid returns to a visually simpler presentation
  • the transition between external and internal screen no longer breaks window organization
  • the sidebar regains the speed from before the update

If you observe these improvements, it means your Galaxy Z Fold 4 has returned to multitasking largely similar to One UI 5.

When multitasking restoration fails: what remains to check on One UI 6

If despite everything, the behavior remains different, here are three often overlooked points.

Check that no application forces its own display mode

Some applications impose a full-screen mode or refuse split-screen after the update.

To check:

  1. Settings
  2. Apps
  3. Choose the application
  4. Display in full screen
  5. Disable full-screen requirement

Some apps like Netflix, certain banks, or games may block multitasking if this option remains enabled.

Restart the phone after modifying the Labs settings

The Labs options sometimes only take effect after a restart.
A simple reboot is often enough to restore the expected display.

Reset only the display settings

This option does not delete data, it only affects visual configurations.

  1. Settings
  2. General management
  3. Reset
  4. Reset display settings

This restores the elements modified by One UI 6 that disrupt multitasking.