Multitasking has become an integral part of modern smartphone use, allowing users to perform several actions simultaneously without constantly switching between applications. The split-screen feature, known as Split Screen, turns your gadget into a powerful productivity tool by opening two windows on one display. This is especially convenient when watching videos in YouTube during correspondence in the messenger or when comparing products in an online store with notes in a notepad.
Activation of this mode depends on the version of the operating system Android and the specific shell of the manufacturer, be it One UI from Samsung or MIUI from Xiaomi. Most modern devices running Android 7.0 Nougat and higher have this feature built in by default, but the path to enabling it can vary significantly. Understanding the principles of operation multi-window mode will help you optimize your workspace and save time in everyday tasks.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the ways to activate split screen, consider the nuances of working with various applications and solve common problems when the function does not work. You'll learn how to properly resize windows, dock apps, and exit mode without losing data. Once you master these skills, you can use your smartphone to its maximum potential.
Basic principles of split-screen mode
Split-screen mode is an interface state in which the device's display is divided into two active areas. Each area displays a separate application that continues to function in the background or in active mode. System separatorlocated between the windows allows you to dynamically change the proportions of the occupied space, giving priority to one of the running processes.
Technical implementation depends on the capabilities Android OS. Since version 7.0, the system supports native partitioning, but manufacturers often add their own improvements. For example, some shells allow you to run more than two windows at the same time, or freeze one of the applications so that it does not close when memory is cleared. It is important to understand that not all apps support this feature due to limitations imposed by the developers.
Using Split Screen requires certain device resources. Simultaneous operation of two heavy applications can lead to increased consumption RAM and accelerated battery drain. Therefore, on devices with less than 3 GB of RAM, the system can automatically close one of the applications when switching to free up resources for the active window.
⚠️ Attention: Some banking applications and services with increased security block work in split-screen mode. This is done to protect your data from being intercepted by other running apps. If the application is minimized when trying to split, this is normal security behavior.
Standard activation method through the recent applications menu
The most universal way to enable split screen is available on most devices through the recent tasks menu. To do this, you must first launch the first application you want to use on the top or left side of the screen. After this, call up the multitasking menu by pressing the corresponding navigation button or by swiping from bottom to top with a delay if you are using gesture control.
In the list of running apps that opens, find the icon of the desired application. In the classic Android interface, you need to press and hold the application icon until the context menu appears. In shells from Samsung or Huawei, you often need to click on the name of the application above the thumbnail. In the list of options that appears, select Split screen or Split screen.
After selecting this option, the active application will occupy the upper half of the display, and a menu for selecting a second application will open at the bottom. The system will offer a list of recently used apps or a complete list of installed applications. Select the second app and the screen will be split. You can move the border between windows by holding your finger on the dividing strip.
☑️ Checking readiness for split screen
Managing split windows is intuitive. Dragging the center bar allows you to resize the windows. If you drag the bar to the very edge of the screen, one of the applications will close, and the second will take up the entire screen. To exit the mode, simply drag the dividing line completely up or down, or press the "Home" button, which will return both applications to the background.
Features of split screen on Samsung smartphones
The company's devices Samsung with a shell One UI offer advanced capabilities for multitasking capabilities that differ from stock Android. In addition to the standard method through the recent applications menu, users can activate the mode through the edge panel (Edge Panel). This method is especially convenient as it allows you to quickly drag application icons onto the screen, creating a split view without unnecessary clicks.
To use the edge panel, you need to activate it in the settings: go to Settings → Display → Edge panel and turn on the desired application panels. Once activated, a transparent tab will appear on the side of the screen. Swiping from the edge will open a panel from where you can drag the first application onto the screen, and then the second - the system will automatically split the display in half.
Another unique feature Samsung is the ability to save pairs of applications. If you often use the same combination of apps, for example Chrome and Telegram, you can save them as a pair in the recent tasks menu. By clicking on the pair icon, both applications will launch simultaneously in split screen mode, which saves time on setting up the workspace.
| Function | Standard Android | Samsung One UI | Xiaomi MIUI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Activation via icon | Long press | Click on the name | Long press |
| Quick access panel | No | Edge Panel | Side panel |
| Saving application pairs | No | Yes | Partially |
| Floating windows | Limited | Pop-up view | Floating windows |
On Samsung smartphones you can change Split screen orientation even in portrait mode if the option to force apps to resize is enabled in Accessibility settings. This is useful for apps that do not support landscape mode.
Setting up multitasking on Xiaomi and other brands
Smartphones Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco running the shell MIUI or HyperOS also support split screen, but have their own access features. In some firmware versions, the function may be hidden or require additional activation in the settings. Often, users cannot find the splitting option because it is disabled by default in order to save resources.
To make sure that the function is available, go to Settings → Additional settings → Multitasking. The switch for split screen mode should be active here. Also popular in MIUI is the “Floating Windows” feature, which is an alternative to the classic division. It allows you to launch an application in a small window on top of another, which is sometimes more convenient for quick actions.
The activation process on Xiaomi is similar to stock Android: open the recent tasks menu, press and hold the application icon. If the function is active, an icon with two rectangles will appear. Click on it and the app will be pinned to the top. Then select the second application. In new versions HyperOS the interface has become smoother, and window border management has become more precise.
⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi devices with 4 GB of RAM or less, the system can aggressively close background applications in split-screen mode. If the second application constantly restarts, try blocking it in the multitasking menu (swipe down on the thumbnail) to prevent the system from unloading it from memory.
Secret setting for advanced users
In the "For Developers" menu you can find the "Force resizing of actions" item. Enabling this option allows you to run in split-screen mode even those applications that do not officially support this feature. However, the interface of such apps may not display correctly.
Why split screen is not possible: main reasons
Despite the prevalence of the function, many users are faced with a situation where the split screen option is not available or does not work correctly. The most common reason lies in the security policies of specific applications. Developers of instant messengers for business, banking clients and streaming services with DRM protection often prohibit work in multi-window mode to prevent leakage of confidential information or content piracy.
Another common problem is an outdated version of the operating system. If your smartphone runs on Android 6.0 or lower, there is no native Split Screen support. In this case, you can only split the screen using third-party utilities that emulate this function, but their work is often unstable and requires root access.
It is also worth considering the screen orientation. Some apps are locked into portrait mode and don't allow you to resize the window, making it impossible to split the screen in landscape orientation. If you rotate the phone and the application does not adapt, try blocking auto-rotation in the notification shade and returning to portrait mode before activating the function.
The table below shows common causes of failures and methods for eliminating them:
| Problem | Probable cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| There is no "Split" option | The application does not support | Try another application |
| The screen flashes and resets | Lack of RAM memory | Close unnecessary background processes |
| Black screen in the second window | DRM protection or system bug | Reboot the device |
| Cannot resize | Fixed interface | Use a floating window |
If standard methods cannot split the screen, check the list of supported applications in the system settings or try updating the problematic application to the latest version via Google Play.
Using third-party applications to split the screen
B In cases where the built-in capabilities of the system are limited or do not suit the user, specialized applications from the store come to the rescue. apps like Google Play. apps like Split Screen Shortcut or Multi Window - Split Screen allow you to create shortcuts to quickly launch two applications at the same time. They are especially useful on older devices where the manufacturer has not added native support.
Such utilities often use accessibility services (Accessibility Services) to emulate clicks and manage windows. During installation, you will need to grant the application advanced permissions. This allows the app to automatically open the necessary applications and arrange them on the screen in a given configuration. However, it is worth remembering that using third-party tools may consume more battery.
Some launchers that replace the standard desktop also have built-in multitasking features. For example, third-party launchers may offer a "cards" mode or improved window management that goes beyond the stock interface. Installing such a launcher can dramatically change the experience of using a smartphone and make multi-tasking easier.
⚠️ Attention: When installing third-party split-screen apps, carefully review the requested permissions. If a app requires access to contacts, microphone or geolocation without an obvious need for its operation, it is better not to use it for the security of your personal data.
Alternative control methods
Some users prefer to use ADB commands through the computer to force multitasking. The command adb shell wm size allows you to change the resolution, emulating a split, but this method is difficult for beginners and requires a connection to a PC.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to split the screen into three or more parts?
Natively, most smartphones support only two windows at the same time. However, some manufacturers, such as Samsung in DeX or on tablets, allow you to open more windows. On regular smartphones, you can combine split-screen mode with a floating window, which effectively gives you three active apps on the display.
Why doesn't YouTube work in split screen?
The official YouTube app limits background and split-screen work for users without a Premium subscription. This limitation is made to monetize the service. You can get around this by using the browser version of the site or third-party clients, but this may violate the terms of use of the service.
How to exit split-screen mode?
To exit the mode, press and hold the center split bar, then drag it all the way up or down to the edge of the screen. You can also press the "Home" button, which will minimize both applications, or the "Back" button if it is configured to close the current window in this context.
Does split screen affect the speed of the phone?
Yes, running two active applications at the same time increases the load on the processor and RAM. This is not noticeable on powerful modern smartphones, but on budget models you may experience slower performance, warmer bodies, or faster battery drain.
Can you take screenshots in split screen mode?
Yes, you can take regular screenshots that capture the entire screen with both apps. The button combination works as standard (usually Volume Down + Power). Some shells allow you to take a long screenshot by scrolling the contents of one of the windows, but this depends on the specific implementation of the system.