Samsung revealed the Galaxy Z Flip7, the latest flip-style foldable, during the Summer 2025 Samsung Unpacked event. The brand matched its rivals in several respects and excelled by incorporating the largest cover screen on a flip foldable thus far, which measures 4.1 inches.
Nonetheless, Samsung limited the Z Flip7 by restricting the applications available on the cover screen.
Motorola, Samsung’s primary rival in the foldable sector, permits nearly any application to operate on its cover screen, allowing users to swiftly check messages, take actions within applications, or watch videos without unfolding the device.
If Samsung enabled users to personalize their front screen experience, they could make use of the 4.1-inch display more often instead of the 6.9-inch internal screen, potentially prolonging battery life.
Samsung holds that the applications it has authorized are appropriate for the external display, but has provided a way for users to augment their app choices with some effort.
Samsung has minimized the steps required compared to earlier models, yet the procedure still remains extensive. Here’s a guide on how to unlock the cover screen on your Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7:
1. **Navigate to Settings -> Advanced Features -> Labs**
2. **Toggle the switches next to “Multi window” for all apps, Use main screen navigation on cover screen, and Apps allowed on cover screen (Labs).**
3. **Choose the final option, Apps allowed on cover screen.**
4. **Select “Get MultiStar”**
5. **If prompted, consent to the Galaxy Store privacy notice**
6. **Tap Install**
7. **After installation, hit the back button (or utilize the swipe gesture to return)**
8. **Select “Get MultiStar” (yes, again).**
9. **Select each of the applications you wish to run on the cover screen. The list of applications is scrollable, so be sure to scroll down to avoid missing any.**
10. **Select Enable Launcher Widget**
11. **Scroll down and choose the MultiStar option to expand it.**
12. **Tap Launcher to add the widget.**
Once these steps are completed, you’ll have a new widget on your cover screen featuring launch icons for all the apps you selected. This also unlocks a few games designed for the cover screen by Gamesnacks; “Stack Bounce” is a particular favorite.
Keep in mind that some applications may not perform optimally on the smaller screen, appearing distorted or having elements obstructed by the camera lenses.
Moreover, when launching an app on the cover screen, a small icon at the bottom center lets you adjust the app’s aspect ratio to 16:9, 2:1, 20:9, or 21:9. Tapping the icon cycles through these options, but the phone does not remember your choice per application, only the most recently selected ratio.
This isn’t an ideal solution, underscoring Samsung’s emphasis on curating the experience. Nevertheless, they’re your apps; utilize them as you see fit.