The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 is one of the most impressive foldable Android devices currently available. In 2023, it was joined by the phenomenal Motorola Razr Plus, making it a standout year for foldable smartphones. What sets these two phones apart is the ability of the Galaxy Z Flip 5 to open and interact with apps on the cover screen. While the Razr Plus also has this capability, there are steps you can take to enhance the functionality of the cover screen on the Galaxy Z Flip 5.
You can run select apps on the Z Flip 5’s cover screen
By default, the Galaxy Z Flip 5’s cover screen displays widgets like weather, calendar, and notifications. If you want to run apps on the cover screen, you’ll need to enable this feature in the Labs section of the Settings app. Here is how you can do it:
- Step 1: Open the Settings app.
- Step 2: Tap on Advanced Features.
- Step 3: Tap on Labs.
- Step 4: Toggle on Apps allowed on cover screen.
Enabling this setting will give you access to a curated collection of apps that can run on the cover screen. While this selection is limited, it includes popular apps like YouTube, Netflix, and messaging apps. If you want to run any app on the cover screen, there is a method outlined below using Good Lock.
How to run any app on the Z Flip 5 cover screen
To run any app on the Galaxy Z Flip 5’s cover screen, you can use an app called Good Lock. This app offers modules that enhance your Galaxy smartphone’s functionality, including a “cover screen launcher” for deploying apps on the cover screen. Here’s how you can do it:
- Step 1: Download Good Lock from the Samsung Galaxy Store or sideload it on your device.
- Step 2: Open Good Lock, go to Life Up, and find the MultiStar module.
- Step 3: Download the MultiStar module and install it from the Galaxy Store.
- Step 4: Open MultiStar in Good Lock, select “I ♡ Galaxy Foldable,” and tap Launcher Widget.
- Step 5: Choose the apps you want on the cover screen.
- Step 6: Enable Launcher Widget to access the list of widgets on the cover display.
- Step 7: Unlock your phone, swipe left on the screen, and tap any icon to open the app on the cover screen.
How this compares to the Motorola Razr Plus
Compared to the Motorola Razr Plus, the Galaxy Z Flip 5 requires some additional steps to run apps on the cover screen. While the Razr Plus allows you to launch any Android app out of the box, the Z Flip 5’s functionality is initially limited. However, with the use of Good Lock, you can overcome these limitations and run any app of your choice on the cover screen.
Ultimately, the Galaxy Z Flip 5 offers flexibility in running apps on the cover screen, albeit with some workarounds. If you prefer a seamless experience, the Motorola Razr Plus may be a better choice. However, with a bit of tweaking, the Galaxy Z Flip 5 can provide a unique and enjoyable cover screen experience.