What Is Flex Mode & How To Use It?

Flex Mode is exclusive to the Samsung Galaxy Z series of foldable smartphones and allows the apps you are viewing to adapt to the angle of the screen when it’s positioned anywhere between 75 and 115 degrees. In this guide we’ll explain what you need to know about Flex Mode and how you can use it to get the best out of your Galaxy foldable phone.

What is Samsung Flex Mode?

One thing that certainly stands out about the Galaxy Z series is the flexible hinge and glass display that lets the Galaxy Flip and Fold phones remain propped open while you use apps. This clever feature is called Flex Mode and allows apps to reposition to fit the top and bottom of the screen, whilst the phone is tilted at an angle between 75° and 115°¹.

As one of the favourite features on
the Samsung Z Flip and Z Fold, Flex Mode allows you to discover a world of hands-free possibilities. Whether you chat with friends whilst watching YouTube videos or take insta worthy, hands-free selfies you’ll soon be wondering how you ever lived without it on your phone.

Here are just some of the amazing benefits of Flex Mode on the Galaxy Z series:

● Capture epic images with the pro-grade camera set-up that stands on its own
● Film cinematic videos from various angles, hands free
● Take amazing hands-free selfies
● Effortlessly take handwritten notes on video calls thanks to Multi Window
● Multitask between several apps with ease in multi-screen mode²
● Sit back and relax at the end of a long day with your favourite hands-free entertainment

¹Flex Mode supported at angles between 75°and 115°. Some apps may not be supported in Flex Mode. It is recommended to keep the phone stationary while in Flex Mode.
²Certain applications may not support Multi Active Window or App Pair.

¹Flex Mode supported at angles between 75°and 115°. Some apps may not be supported in Flex Mode. It is recommended to keep the phone stationary while in Flex Mode.
²Certain applications may not support Multi Active Window or App Pair.

How do I activate Flex Mode?

When your Galaxy Z series smartphone is folded upright it will automatically enter Flex Mode. The app you’re currently viewing will appear at the top of the screen and a handy control panel will appear at the bottom. You can still use your touchscreen as normal but in Flex Mode you have much greater flexibility with hands-free interactions.

Please note: if your app does not automatically appear when your Galaxy Z phone is in Flex Mode please follow our guide for setting up Flex Mode on your foldable device.

What apps work in Flex Mode?

Most apps will work in Flex Mode but some have been further optimised to automatically activate when your Flip or Fold phone is tilted at an angle:

● Calculator
● Calendar
● Camera
● Clock
● Gallery
● Google Meet
● Samsung Health
● Samsung TV Plus
● Video player
● Video calling
● Web browsing
● YouTube
● Zoom

When in Flex Mode, compatible apps will automatically adjust to fit the folded screen. If you have an app open while the phone is fully opened, simply start folding it to change the app’s layout.

Some apps provide their own customised layout in Flex Mode and therefore the Flex Mode panel will not automatically appear for these apps. If you’re using a Galaxy Z Fold5, Flip5, Fold 4 or Flip4, you can simply follow a few extra steps to activate Flex Mode on most other apps:

1. Navigate to Settings
2. Tap Advanced Features
3. Tap Labs
4. Scroll to the bottom and tap Flex Mode panel
5. Swipe the switch next to the app you want to use in Flex Mode.
6. Open the app
7. The app will move to the top half of the screen and controls will appear on the bottom half.

How do I use Flex Mode controls?

You’ll find Flex Mode controls in the bottom half of your screen. You can use the controls to do the following:

● Navigate your screen
● Take screenshots
● Adjust the volume
● Alter the brightness of your screen
● View notifications

With the latest Galaxy Z Fold5 and Flip5 there’s the addition of a touchpad, just like you would use on a laptop. Here’s how to use it:

1. Completely open your phone
2. Navigate and open the app you want to use
3. Fold your phone so it’s sitting upright to launch Flex Mode
4. The app will appear in the top half of the screen and the controls will be at the bottom
5. Tap the touchpad icon found on the right of your control panel
6. A cursor will appear which you can: pinch to zoom, use two fingers to scroll, and tap to click on something.

How does Multi Window work with Flex Mode?

Looking for easier ways to multitask? Multi Window in Flex Mode is here to help! The Multi Window function allows your apps to open in pop-up view or split screen, even those that have not been specifically designed to do so. You’ll find all your frequently used apps in the ‘quick access’ toolbar by swiping left on the handle to the right side of your screen. From here you can hold and drag an app to the top of the screen to open it in split screen view, or drag the app to the centre to open it in the pop-up view. You can open up to five active apps at one time using the pop-up view in Flex Mode.

It’s never been easier to browse the internet and look at your photos at the same time, or send a message to your friend while catching up with the latest TikTok trend— simply use the top and bottom portions of the screen to multitask when in the split screen view.

What is Samsung FlexCam?

FlexCam is an impressive Flex Mode feature found on the latest Galaxy Z Fold5 and Flip5 foldable smartphones. FlexCam allows you to capture hands-free videos and full group selfies without the need for a tripod. Simply prop your phone at your desired angle and get snapping!

With FlexCam you can capture photos and videos from different points of view and with bolder angles. FlexCam has even been optimised to work with your favourite socials including Instagram, WhatsApp and Facebook allowing you to create Stories and Reels, hands-free, without the need for a stand or tripod.

To access FlexCam follow the steps below:

1. Open the Camera app in Flex Mode
2. The lens view will switch to the top half of the screen, and the icons will shift to the bottom half.
3. Tap and swipe along the bottom screen to take photos, videos, and change settings.
4. Swipe the top screen to switch the camera lens.
5. Unfold the phone to go back to Full screen view.