How to Use the Taskbar on Android Tablets

Android 12L introduced a persistent taskbar at the bottom of the tablet screen that provides quick access to your favorite apps and recent activities. The taskbar brings a desktop-like navigation experience to tablets, making app switching and multitasking significantly faster.

Enabling the Taskbar

On tablets running Android 12L or later, the taskbar is enabled by default. If it does not appear, go to Settings, Display, and look for a Taskbar option. Samsung tablets running One UI 4.1.1 or later include the taskbar feature in Settings under Display, Taskbar.

The taskbar appears at the bottom of the screen and shows pinned apps on the left side and recent apps on the right. A grid icon on the far right opens the app drawer.

Customizing the Taskbar

Pinning Apps

Long-press an app icon on the taskbar and select Pin to Taskbar, or drag an app from the app drawer to the taskbar. Pinned apps remain in fixed positions for one-tap access regardless of which apps you used recently.

Pin your most frequently used apps. Common choices include your browser, email client, messaging app, notes app, and calendar. The taskbar accommodates six to eight pinned apps depending on your tablet screen size.

Removing Apps from the Taskbar

Long-press a pinned app and drag it off the taskbar, or select Remove from Taskbar from the context menu. Recent apps cycle automatically and do not need manual removal.

Using the Taskbar for Multitasking

Launching Split-Screen

Drag an app from the taskbar to the left or right edge of the screen to open it in split-screen mode alongside the currently active app. This is the fastest way to enter split-screen on Android tablets.

You can also long-press an app on the taskbar and select Open in Split Screen View if dragging is not convenient.

Opening Apps in Pop-Up Windows

On Samsung tablets, drag an app from the taskbar to the center of the screen to open it in a floating pop-up window. The pop-up window can be resized, moved, and minimized. This is useful for quick tasks like replying to a message without leaving your current app.

Quick App Switching

Tap any app on the taskbar to switch to it. If the app is already running, it resumes instantly. The recent apps section of the taskbar shows your three to five most recently used apps for quick switching without opening the full recent apps view.

Taskbar Behavior Settings

Auto-Hide

By default, the taskbar may auto-hide in some contexts to maximize screen space. Swipe up from the bottom to reveal it. In Settings, you can configure the taskbar to always show or to hide in full-screen apps and games.

Taskbar in Landscape and Portrait

The taskbar adapts to screen orientation. In landscape mode, it spans the full width of the screen. In portrait mode on smaller tablets, it may show fewer items. Some tablets hide the taskbar in portrait mode by default.

Samsung One UI Taskbar Features

Samsung tablets offer additional taskbar features through One UI. The taskbar integrates with Samsung DeX, appearing in the same position in both standard and DeX modes. Samsung also provides additional gestures like swiping along the taskbar to quickly switch between recent apps.

Samsung’s implementation allows you to show or hide the recent apps section independently from pinned apps, giving you control over the taskbar’s density.

Taskbar with Keyboards

When a physical keyboard is connected, the taskbar remains visible and functional. You can use the mouse to click taskbar icons or use keyboard shortcuts. Alt+Tab still works for switching apps but the taskbar provides a visual complement to keyboard navigation.

Final Thoughts

The Android taskbar transforms tablet navigation from a full-screen gesture-based experience to a more desktop-like workflow. Pin your essential apps, use drag-and-drop for split-screen, and take advantage of quick app switching to work more efficiently across multiple apps.