Do you want to use any app on your Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6‘s cover display? The Flip 6 boasts the same 3.4-inch cover screen as its predecessor, the Flip 5. Right out of the box, you can check and respond to notifications, take calls, control music, snap selfies, and even use a variety of widgets – all without needing to flip open your phone.
However, there’s a catch. By default, the cover screen’s app functionality is limited. You can go to Settings > Advanced features > Labs > Apps allowed on cover screen to expand the list slightly, enabling apps like Maps, Messages, WhatsApp, Netflix, and YouTube on the cover screen. But that’s where it stops.
Don’t worry though. Samsung has hidden the ability to run more apps in one of its Good Lock modules. If you haven’t heard of Good Lock, it’s a Samsung app that unlocks a bunch of cool extra features on your phone. We’ll be using the same here. I’ll also tell you an alternative method, just in case.
Method 1: Run Any App on Cover Screen Using Good Lock
We’ll use the MultiStar Good Lock module to get other apps to work on the Z Flip 6’s outer display. It might seem a bit tricky at first, but I’ll guide you through it step-by-step.
- Open the Galaxy Store app on your Z Flip 6 (it might simply be labeled as Store).
- Install the Good Lock app. Launch it and switch to the Life Up tab at the bottom of the screen.
- Scroll down to find MultiStar. Tap the download button next to it.
- Upon installation, it will appear at the top in the same Life Up menu. Open it from there.
- Tap on the I ♡ Galaxy Foldable option at the top.
- Choose Launcher Widget.
- On the next screen, select all the apps you want on the outer display.
- Then, tap Enable Launcher Widget.
- That will open the widget screen. Scroll down the widget list and tap MultiStar.
- Select the Good Lock Launcher widget.
You’ve now successfully added these apps to your cover screen. Just close your phone and unlock it again. Swipe left until you see the Launcher page. Tap any app icon to open it. There you have it – that’s how you use any app on your Samsung Flip’s cover display.
Method 2: Run Apps on Outer Display Using CoverScreen OS App
CoverScreen OS became popular when the Galaxy Z Flip 3 came out. It got even more attention as it started working with newer Flip phones (4, 5, and now 6). This app basically turns your phone’s small cover screen into a second, fully functional screen, so you can use all your apps without even opening your phone.
It also works great on flip phones from other companies like Motorola, Oppo, and Vivo. On the Z Flip 6, it’s super smooth and easier to use than Good Lock, because you can see and open all your apps right from the cover screen (instead of having to add them one by one to a widget).
Here’s how to set it up:
- Download CoverScreen OS from Google Play Store.
- When you first open the app, it’ll prompt you to allow the following permissions: appear on top, accessibility service, notification access, microphone (optional – but this will disable voice keyboard), and nearby devices (optional – for Bluetooth quick toggle).
- Once you’ve granted all the permissions, close your Galaxy Flip 6 and unlock the cover screen. You’ll be welcomed with the CSOS’s boot screen.
Navigating CoverScreen OS: Swipe right for notifications, down for media control and quick settings like brightness or Wi-Fi, and left to customize your widgets. The real deal? Swipe up on the home screen and you’ll see all the apps on your phone, just like on the main screen. Open any app, and it should work seamlessly. It’s that simple.
The app itself has a lot of tricks, but I’ll leave you with the Reddit thread shared by the developer himself for a more detailed look. Here’s how apps appear on the Galaxy Z Flip 6 cover screen:
Whether you’re using Good Lock or CoverScreen OS, keep in mind that these apps may not be fully optimized for the cover screen’s small size and aspect ratio. If you encounter any bugs or crashes, unfortunately, there’s not much you can do. However, most of my frequently used apps work perfectly. Google Photos, Chrome, Amazon, Facebook, and even Instagram (with reels) all run without a hitch on my Flip 6’s cover screen.
Browsing the web, checking messages, and scrolling through social media is effortless. Typing, on the other hand, isn’t so great, and believe it or not, I even got Call of Duty Mobile running on the outer screen. It’s playable, and I even won a couple of matches! But honestly, why would anyone want to do that?
Anyways, the real benefit of using the cover screen is the battery life. It saves a ton of juice compared to using apps on the main screen, which is twice the size. And with these two methods, you’re all set to use your Flip phone way more without worrying about the battery dying on you. Plus, let’s be real you’ll save a bunch of time and effort not having to flip that phone open and close constantly.
