This guide explains how to enable or force full screen apps on Galaxy Note 8. The phone features a large new 6.3-inch Infinity Display that’s taller and thinner than most phones. As a result, some apps do not fill the entire screen. This new aspect ratio is causing issues for some and here’s how to fix it.
You may see black bars at the top and bottom of the screen after opening certain apps and games. Below the notification bar and above the soft keys. This is because of the new 18.5:9 aspect ratio that differs from most phones and apps are not ready for it and waste all that screen real estate.
You may remember a similar situation a few years ago in 16:9 widescreen movies and videos on TV. Until more app developers adopt this standard, you will need to enable “full screen apps” in the settings menu on the Galaxy Note 8. We see a similar situation with the LG G6 and Galaxy S8.
Some apps don’t use full screen by default
Most Android apps scale easily and instantly to fill the entire screen. Google has a system that allows apps to scale to fit phones, tablets, and even Android TV devices. It often works, but not always. If so, you’ll have black bars at the top and bottom and waste that beautiful 6.3-inch screen.
If you’re encountering black bars in some apps on the Galaxy Note 8, you need to quickly change these settings.
How to Enable Fullscreen Apps on Galaxy Note 8
So far most apps work perfectly with the bigger screen. Even if they are not, not using the phone to its full potential should not cause any problems. In some cases, games zoom in and cut off important on-screen buttons or some of the actual gameplay. Here’s how to fix it for all apps.
Our image above is a quick look at exactly what you’re looking for. This will force apps to full screen mode on Galaxy Note 8. Again, most apps work just fine out of the box. The non-highlights work as soon as you force them manually with our instructions above. Like Snapchat and some games.
Then press the home button and open the app again to enjoy the full screen experience. It’s also worth noting that videos have a similar issue, but a popup will ask you to enable an “expanded view” for the best experience. Look for a button that opens and shows a square with two arrows pointing up and down. This expands the video to full screen mode.
Additionally, Samsung has two more methods that allow you to enable instant full screen mode easily. Basically, instead of stopping what you’re doing and messing around in the settings menu, change each app individually as you use it.
You may also notice that some apps have a small notification at the bottom of the screen (like the Starbucks app shown above). One press will reload the app in full screen mode.
You should do it?
Whether you do this or not is up to you. Enable this option if you want to enjoy apps, games or the web on the full 6.3 inch screen you pay for. And while you may have a problem here and there with some apps, most of them work perfectly. I just had a game that didn’t look right, but within a few days they released an update that fixed it.
Samsung is mainly expanding the apps to better fit the full screen. It’s similar to what the Netflix app does with certain shows or movies, or how we can zoom in with cable TV. Set each app to always force fullscreen mode, or toggle it on and off with the on-the-go instructions above. While you’re here, consider one of these 8 Best Galaxy Note 8 screen protectors.
