One UI 9 Taskbar Left or Right on Galaxy Tablets
Yes, One UI 9 (based on Android 16) lets Galaxy tablet owners move the taskbar to the left or right edge of the screen. This is a new option in the Tablet taskbar settings, giving you a choice between the traditional bottom placement and a vertical side dock. You can switch between these positions in a few taps, and the taskbar will stay on whichever edge you choose across apps and the home screen.
Background: How the Galaxy Tablet Taskbar Evolved
Samsung introduced the floating taskbar with One UI 4.1.1 on Galaxy tablets in 2022, replacing the older, always-visible bottom bar. It was designed to make multitasking easier: you can drag an app icon to the center of the screen to open it in split-screen view, or drag it to the edge to open it in a pop-up window. The taskbar could be hidden or shown, but its position was fixed at the bottom of the display.
With One UI 9, Samsung is expanding that flexibility. The taskbar can now be docked to the left or right side of the screen, similar to how a desktop operating system lets you place a dock on any edge. This change is part of a broader effort to make large-screen Android devices feel more like a desktop environment, especially when used with a keyboard and mouse or DeX mode.
It is important to note that One UI 9 is still in development as of early 2025. The feature was first spotted in beta builds, and the final version may differ slightly. However, the option to move the taskbar is confirmed in the beta and is expected to ship with the stable release.
How the Side Taskbar Works
When you move the taskbar to the side, it becomes a vertical strip that runs along the left or right edge of the screen. It behaves much like the bottom version:
- It shows your pinned apps and up to two recent apps.
- You can tap an app icon to open it full-screen.
- Drag an app icon to the center of the screen to start split-screen view.
- Drag an app icon to the edge to open a pop-up window.
- You can hide the taskbar and bring it back with a swipe from the edge.
The side taskbar takes up vertical space, which can be useful if you are using the tablet in landscape orientation and want more vertical room for reading or browsing. On the other hand, it reduces the available width, so it may not be ideal for apps that need a wide view, like spreadsheets or video editing timelines.
How to Move the Taskbar in One UI 9
If you are running One UI 9 on a compatible Galaxy tablet, here is how to change the taskbar position:
- Open Settings.
- Tap Display.
- Scroll down and tap Taskbar.
- Under Position, choose Bottom, Left, or Right.
That’s it. The taskbar will immediately move to the selected edge. You can also long-press the taskbar itself (in the empty area) and drag it to a new edge, similar to how you move a floating window. This gesture may not be available in the first beta, but it is planned for the final release.
If you don’t see the Position option, make sure you have the latest One UI 9 beta installed. The feature is not available in One UI 8 or earlier versions.
Choosing Between Bottom and Side Taskbar
Which position is better depends on how you use your tablet:
- Bottom – Best for general use, especially in portrait orientation. It keeps the sides clear for content and is the most familiar layout.
- Left – Good for right-handed users who want to reach the taskbar with their left thumb while holding the tablet in landscape. It also leaves the right side free for a stylus.
- Right – Good for left-handed users, or if you use a keyboard attached to the left side of the tablet. Some users prefer the right side because it’s closer to where the mouse cursor usually sits.
There is no right answer. Try each position for a day to see which feels more natural. Remember that the taskbar can be hidden at any time, so you can switch between bottom and side based on the app you’re using.
Common Problems and Misconceptions
One common misconception is that moving the taskbar to the side will make it appear in DeX mode. That’s not the case – DeX has its own taskbar that stays at the bottom. The side taskbar is only for the standard tablet interface.
Another issue: some users report that the side taskbar overlaps with the screen’s gesture navigation handle. In One UI 9, Samsung has adjusted the gesture area to avoid this, but if you still have problems, you can switch to three-button navigation in Settings → Display → Navigation bar.
Also, not all apps handle the side taskbar well. Some apps with fixed layouts may show a black bar or cut off content when the taskbar is on the side. This is a temporary issue that app developers will likely fix with updates. If you encounter it, you can temporarily switch back to the bottom taskbar.
Comparison with Other Android Tablets
Samsung is not the first to offer a side taskbar. Some third-party launchers, like Nova Launcher, have allowed custom dock positions for years. However, Samsung is the first major manufacturer to build it into the system UI on a large scale. Google’s Pixel tablet does not have a side taskbar option in stock Android 16; it only offers a bottom taskbar. This gives Samsung a unique advantage for users who want a more customizable multitasking experience.
On iPads, Apple’s Dock is always at the bottom, and there is no official way to move it. So if you’re coming from an iPad, the side taskbar is a new concept, but it works in a similar way – you can drag apps from it to open in Split View or Slide Over.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the side taskbar work in all apps?
In most apps, yes. The taskbar is a system overlay, so it appears on top of the app content. However, some full-screen apps (like games or video players) may hide the taskbar automatically. You can still bring it back by swiping from the edge where it’s docked.
Can I have the taskbar on both sides?
No, One UI 9 only allows one taskbar position at a time. You can choose left, right, or bottom, but not two at once. If you want quick access to apps on both sides, you can use the Edge panel (a separate feature) on the opposite side.
Does moving the taskbar affect battery life?
No. The taskbar is just a UI element; its position doesn’t change power consumption. The only battery impact comes from the display staying on, which is the same regardless of where the taskbar is placed.
Will the side taskbar be available on all Galaxy tablets with One UI 9?
Samsung has not confirmed the full device list, but it’s expected to be available on all tablets that receive One UI 9, including the Galaxy Tab S series and Galaxy Tab A series. Phones will not get this feature, as they don’t have a taskbar in the same way.
Can I move the taskbar in One UI 8?
No, this feature is exclusive to One UI 9. If you’re on One UI 8, you’ll need to wait for the update. Samsung typically rolls out major updates to recent tablets within a few months of release.
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