Upgrading from a slab phone to the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide - 6 first things I’d do
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Tiempo de lectura 7 min
Thinking about switching from a traditional slab phone to the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide? If so, expect a bit of an adjustment during your first few days.
Unlike a conventional smartphone, the Fold gives you two displays. You will have a wider cover screen for quick everyday tasks and a large inner display that's built for multitasking, entertainment, and getting work done.
At first, knowing when to use each screen and figuring out Samsung's foldable-exclusive features can feel a little overwhelming. The good news is that it doesn't take long to get the hang of it.
With a few simple settings enabled, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide quickly becomes intuitive, and you'll be able to take full advantage of everything a foldable has to offer.
Here are the first six things I'd do after setting up a new Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide.
📌A quick note before we begin:
Since the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide hasn't been officially released yet, the steps in this guide are based on leaked reports as well as Samsung's recent Galaxy Z Fold phones, which use the same One UI software and foldable features.
The setup process should be very similar on the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide. If Samsung makes any changes before launch, we'll update this guide accordingly.
Table of Contents
1. Turn on App Continuity for a seamless experience 2. Override app aspect ratios using Samsung Labs 3. Switch to Samsung's Split Keyboard 4. Create multi-app pairs for your daily workflow 5. Learn and use Flex Mode 6. Protect your Fold before the first drop Final thoughts Frequently Asked Questions Related Readings
1. Turn on App Continuity for a seamless experience
One of the biggest advantages of owning a foldable is being able to move between the cover display and the larger inner screen without interrupting what you're doing. Samsung's App Continuity feature keeps supported apps open when you fold or unfold the device, providing a much smoother experience than constantly reopening them.
To enable it:
Open Settings.
Tap Display.
Select Continue apps on main screen (or Continue apps on cover screen, depending on your software version).
Turn on All apps, or choose the individual apps you'd like to continue seamlessly between displays.
Apps like Chrome, Google Maps, YouTube, WhatsApp, Messenger, and Gmail benefit the most from this setting since they're often used across both screens.
Pro tip: If an app isn't enabled in this menu, folding the phone may lock the device instead of transferring the app to the cover display. Enabling App Continuity ensures you can start a task on one screen and pick up exactly where you left off on the other, making the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide feel like a single, cohesive device rather than two separate displays.
2. Override app aspect ratios using Samsung Labs
Most Android apps are still designed for standard slab phones. As a result, some applications may not fully utilize the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide's larger display or may appear stretched with unnecessary empty space.
Samsung includes a Labs feature that gives you more control over how apps behave on the inner display.
Here's how to enable it:
Open Settings
Navigate to Advanced features
Tap Labs
Enable Multi-window for all apps
This forces more applications to support split-screen and pop-up view, even if they weren't originally optimized for foldables.
You can also adjust how individual apps appear on the larger display by selecting different aspect ratio options when available, helping them fill the screen more naturally.
The result is a more polished experience across productivity apps, messaging platforms, streaming services, and even some games.
3. Switch to Samsung's Split Keyboard
Typing on the unfolded display is very different from typing on a traditional smartphone.
Because the inner screen is much wider, reaching the center keys using your thumbs can become uncomfortable during longer conversations or emails.
Samsung solves this by offering a Split Keyboard layout.
To enable it:
Open Settings.
Scroll down and tap General management.
Select Samsung Keyboard settings.
Tap Mode (or Theme and layout, depending on your One UI version).
Under the Portrait/Landscape options, select Split keyboard.
The keyboard automatically separates into two sections positioned near each thumb, making two-handed typing much more comfortable.
The best part is that when you fold the phone shut, Samsung automatically switches back to the standard keyboard layout on the cover display. That means you still get the familiar one-handed typing experience you're used to on a slab phone without manually changing settings every time.
It may seem like a small adjustment, but it dramatically improves comfort if you spend a lot of time replying to emails, messaging friends, or writing notes.
4. Create multi-app pairs for your daily workflow
Instead of repeatedly opening the same apps every day, Samsung lets you save them as App Pairs so your favorite workspace launches with a single tap.
To create an App Pair:
Open your first app on the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide.
Tap the Recent Apps button (or swipe up and hold if you're using gesture navigation).
Tap the app icon at the top of the app preview, then select Open in split screen view.
Choose a second app from the app drawer to fill the remaining half of the screen.
(Optional) Add a third app by opening the Taskbar or the Apps Edge Panel, then dragging another app onto the screen.
Tap the three-dot handle between the apps.
Select the Star (Favorites) icon.
Save the App Pair to your Apps Edge Panel, Home screen, or Taskbar for quick access.
Once saved, you can launch your favorite app combination with a single tap instead of opening each app individually.
Need a visual walkthrough? While the video below demonstrates these steps on the Galaxy Z Fold 7, Samsung has kept the Multi Window interface and App Pair feature largely unchanged across recent Galaxy Z Fold devices.
That means you can follow the tutorial with confidence, as the process is nearly identical on the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide.
5. Learn and use Flex Mode
One feature that simply doesn't exist on a traditional slab phone is Flex Mode. Once you start using it, you'll realize there are plenty of situations where you no longer need to prop your phone against a wall or carry a stand.
When you partially fold the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide, supported apps automatically adjust their layout. The top half of the display becomes the viewing area, while the bottom half turns into a control panel or touchpad, depending on the app.
To customize it:
Open Settings.
Go to Advanced features.
Tap Labs.
Select Flex mode panel.
Choose which supported apps should display Flex Mode controls.
The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide is designed to be more than just a phone that unfolds into a larger screen. Learning when to use Flex Mode helps you take advantage of the foldable design in ways that simply aren't possible on a conventional smartphone.
6. Protect your Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide before the first drop
Foldables are built differently from traditional smartphones.
Although Samsung continues to improve durability with stronger materials and a refined hinge mechanism, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide still features moving components that could benefit from additional protection.
That's why buying a quality Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide case should be one of your first purchases.
If you want to keep the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide as slim as possible, an ultra-thin aramid fiber case is worth considering. It can provide better grip, help protect against scratches and minor impacts, and add MagSafe compatibility without adding much bulk.
Related read: If you're planning to use a MagSafe case with your Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide, check out our roundup of the best Galaxy Z Fold 8 accessories that are already available.
Final thoughts
Moving from a traditional smartphone to the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide comes with a learning curve, but it's well worth the effort.
As you spend more time with the device, you'll naturally discover new ways to make the most of its larger display and foldable design.
Once everything starts to click, you'll likely find yourself relying on features that simply aren't possible on a conventional phone, and wondering how you ever managed without them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide with one hand?
Yes. The cover display is designed for comfortable one-handed use, while the larger inner screen is better suited for multitasking and media.
Does the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide support wireless charging with a case?
Most thin cases support wireless charging, though compatibility can vary depending on the case material and thickness.
Can I customize the Taskbar on the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide?
Yes. You can pin your favorite apps to the Taskbar for quicker access when using the inner display.
Will my apps automatically optimize for the larger screen?
Many apps do, but some may require Samsung Labs settings or aspect ratio adjustments for the best experience.
How long does it usually take to get used to a foldable phone?
Most users adapt within a few days as they become familiar with switching between the cover display and the larger inner screen.
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Written by Mary
"Passionate about creating content that can spark change or make someone’s day a little easier– help, guide, improve, or inspire. Otherwise, why write it?"