Split screen on BMW with Android: a complete guide to setting up a multi-window

Split screen function on multimedia systems BMW with Android Auto or native Androidinterface (for example, in models s iDrive 7/8/9) allows you to simultaneously use navigation and media player, respond to messages without being distracted from the map, or monitor vehicle parameters in parallel with other tasks. However, not all owners know that this feature is often hidden deep in the settings - or requires activation through the engineering menu.

In this article we will examine all ways to enable a split screen on BMW s Android-systems: from standard methods to hidden functions for advanced users. We will pay special attention to compatibility with applications (for example Google Maps, Waze, Spotify), manufacturer restrictions and ways to bypass blocking. If your car is equipped Android Auto via a smartphone, there is also a solution here.

⚠️ Important: The functionality of the split screen depends on the firmware version iDrive and model BMW. On some cars (especially those produced before 2020), this option can be disabled at the software level. In this case, an update or modification of the system will be required.

Before proceeding with the settings, check:

• 📱 Version Android Auto (if you are using a smartphone) - current for 2026: 12.0+.
• 🚗 Model and year of manufacture BMW — split screen is officially supported from iDrive 7 (2018+) and newer.
• 🔄 Multimedia system firmware version - update via Settings → Software update.

1. Standard method of splitting the screen on native Android (iDrive 7/8/9)

If your BMW is equipped with a built-in Androidsystem (for example, iDrive 8 on BMW 5 Series G60 or iX), then the multi-window function is usually available by default, but may be hidden in the settings. Here's how to activate it:

1. Go to the main menu of the multimedia system by pressing the button MENU on the center console or the touch screen.

2. Select the section Settings → Display → Screen Mode (on some models the path may differ: Settings → General → Multimedia).

3. Find the option "Split screen" or "Multi-window" and enable it. If the option is missing, see the section about hidden settings below.

After activation, split the screen with a gesture:

• 👆 Slide your finger from top to bottom across the center of the screen, holding your finger for 1-2 seconds until a dividing line appears.
• ☝️ Or press and hold the icon applications in the bottom panel, then drag it to the left/right side of the screen.

⚠️ Attention: On iDrive 7 (2018–2021) split screen only works with a limited set of applications: Navigation, Media, Phone and BMW ConnectedDrive. open YouTube or Chrome in a multi-window will automatically close one of the windows.

2. Split screen via Android Auto (from a smartphone)

If you connect your smartphone to BMW via Android Auto, then standard the interface does not support split screen - but there are workarounds. The main limitation: Google blocks multi-window in Android Auto for security reasons. However, some firmware (for example AAWireless or modified versions) allow you to bypass this.

Method 1: Using AAWireless with patch

1. Install the application on your smartphone AAWireless (available in Google Play).

2. Connect the adapter AAWireless to the USB port BMW (port in the glove compartment is recommended for stable power).

3. In settings AAWireless activate the option Split Screen Mode (premium version required).

4. Launch Android Auto —now when you swipe left/right, a second window will open. (for example, Google Maps + Spotify).

Method 2: Modified Android Auto (for advanced users only)

This method requires unlocking the smartphone bootloader and installing a custom version Android Auto (for example, AAChanger or HeadUnit Reloaded). Using unofficial firmware may lead to Google account blocking or problems connecting to BMW.

• ⚙️ Install AAChanger via ADB (instructions: adb install aachanger.apk).
• 📱 In settings AAChanger enable Force Split Screen i Custom Resolutions.
• 🔄 Restart your smartphone and connect to BMW —now when you hold the application icon, it will open in a separate window.

Risks of use modified Android Auto

Unofficial versions may violate Google policy, which leads to account blocking. In addition, BMW may limit the functionality of uncertified devices through firmware updates. We recommend creating backup copies of data before experiments.

3. Hidden iDrive settings: activating multi-window settings. engineering menu

On some models BMW (especially with iDrive 6/7) the split screen function is disabled by default, but it can be enabled through the hidden engineering menu. This method requires caution - incorrect actions can lead to resetting the multimedia system.

Instructions for iDrive. 7 (2018–2023):

1. Press the button MENU on the center console for 10 seconds until the logo appears BMW.
2. Enter the access code to the engineering menu: 12345 (on some models - 6335 or 1991).
3. Go to section Settings → Display → Split Screen.
4. Set the parameter Enabled and save the settings (button Store or Save).
5. Reboot the system by holding the power button 15 seconds.

⚠️ Attention: Access codes for the engineering menu may differ depending on the region and firmware version. Entering the code incorrectly 3 times in a row will block access to the menu for 24 hours.

Instructions for iDrive 8/9 (2021–2026) y.):

On new systems, the engineering menu is blocked, but you can use OBDeleven or BimmerCode to activate the multi-window:

1. Connect the adapter OBD-II to the diagnostic port BMW.
2. In the application BimmerCode select the module CIC/NBT/EVO (depending on the model).
3. Find the parameter SPLIT_SCREEN and set the value aktiv.
4. Apply the settings and reboot iDrive.

4. Compatibility of applications with split screen

Not all applications support operation. in the multi-window on BMW. Here is the compatibility table for popular services:

Application	iDrive 7 (2018–2021)	iDrive 8/9 (2021–2026)	Android Auto
Google Maps	✅ (only with BMW navigation)	✅ (full support)	❌ (Google blocking)
Waze	❌	✅ (with update 2023+)	❌
Spotify	✅ (background only)	✅ (full screen player)	✅ (via AAWireless)
YouTube	❌	❌ (BMW lock)	❌
WhatsApp/Telegram	✅ (notifications only)	✅ (chat in a separate window)	✅ (via modified AA)

🔹 How to add an application to a multi-window?

If the application is supported but not displayed in list for split screen:

1. Open the application in full screen mode.
2. Tap and hold its icon in the bottom panel (or in the menu Recents).
3. Drag to the left/right side of the screen - if the application is compatible, it "sticks" to half the display.

5 Solving problems with split screen

If the multi-window does not work or does not work correctly, check the following points:

Problem 1: Split screen is not activated

• 🔄 Solution: Update the firmware iDrive via Settings → Software update or the official website BMW ConnectedDrive.
• 📵 Solution: Disable the power saving mode in the display settings - it can block the multi-window.
• 🔧 Solution: Reset the screen settings to factory settings: Settings → System → Reset → Reset display settings.

Problem 2: Applications close when trying to split the screen

• 📱 Solution: Check application compatibility (see table above). For example, Netflix and YouTube are blocked at level BMW.
• 🔄 Solution: Restart the application and try splitting the screen again - sometimes reopening helps.
• 🛠️ Solution: If there is a problem with Google Mapsupdate it to the latest version or use Waze (on iDrive 8/9).

Problem 3: Multi-window is slow or laggy

• 🧹 Solution: Clear the cache of the multimedia system: Settings → Storage → Clear cache.
• 🔋 Solution: Connect the charger to the USB port - lack of power can cause lags.
• 📵 Solution: Disable background applications that are not in use (for example, BMW ConnectedDrive or Weather).

6. Alternative methods of multitasking on BMW

If split screen is not available or inconvenient, consider alternative options:

1. BMW Voice Assistant

On iDrive 8/9 you can use voice commands to control applications without splitting the screen. For example:

• 🎤 Say: "Hey BMW, open Spotify and show the route home" —the system will automatically divide tasks.
• 📍 Or: "Hey BMW, show the weather and turn on the podcast".

2. Widgets on the home screen

Customize widgets for quick access to key functions:

1. Tap and hold an empty area on the home screen iDrive.
2. Select Widgets and add, for example, Media player and Navigation.
3. Now you can quickly switch between them without splitting the screen.

3. Connecting a second screen (for BMW with Android Auto)

If yours BMW supports Android Auto Wireless, you can connect a tablet or smartphone as a second screen:

• 📱 Install the application on the tablet AA Mirror or CarStream.
• 🔗 Connect it to the same Wi-Fi network as BMW.
• 🖥️ Now you can open Google Mapson the tablet, and music on the main screen.

7. Safety when using multi-window

Split screen in a car is a convenient feature, but it can distract from the road:

What you can do in a multi-window:

• 🗺️ Simultaneously use navigation and music (for example, Google Maps + Spotify).
• 📞 View notifications about calls or messages (without entering text!).
• 🚗 Follow car parameters (battery charge, tire pressure) in parallel with other tasks.

What not to do:

• 🎥 Watch video or streams (this is prohibited by law in many countries, including Russia).
• ⌨️ Enter text manually - use voice input only.
• 🎮 Play games or use applications that require constant attention.

⚠️ Attention: In some regions, using a multi-window with video content (even for passengers) may result in a fine Before traveling. check local traffic regulations.

🔹 Advice for passengers:

If you are a passenger and want to use a multi-window for entertainment (for example, movies + social networks), activate passenger mode:

1. Go to Settings → Security → Passenger mode.
2. Enable the option - now the multi-window will be available without restrictions (but only when the car is stopped!).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about split screen on BMW

🔍 Is it possible to split the screen on a BMW with iDrive 6 (before 2018)?

Officially - no. iDrive 6 does not support multi-window at the software level, however, some owners activate this function through BimmerCode or replacing the firmware with a custom one. (for example, Android 11/12 from third-party developers). Risks: loss of warranty and unstable operation of the system.

📱 Why is there no split screen on Android Auto?

Google intentionally blocks the multi-window in Android Auto for security reasons. This can only be circumvented through modified versions of the application. (for example, AAChanger) or adapters like AAWireless with a patch. There is no official way.

🚗 How to return to standard mode after splitting the screen?

To close a multi-window:

• Swipe with your finger from the dividing line to the edge of the screen. Or press and hold the separator, then select Is it possible to adjust the size of windows in a multi-window?
• Or touch and hold the separator, then select Close window.
• On some models, double-clicking on HOME (home).

🔄 Is it possible to adjust the size of windows in a multi-window?

Yes, on iDrive 8/9 you can change the proportions of windows:

1. Touch the dividing line between the windows.
2. Drag it left/right to change the size (50/50 options are available, 60/40, 70/30).

On iDrive 7 fixed split 50/50.

🛠️ What to do if the multi-window disappears after the update?

This is a common problem after updates iDrive. Solutions:

• Reset the screen settings: Settings → System → Reset → Reset display settings.
• Check whether the function is disabled in the engineering menu (see section 3).
• If nothing helps, roll back the firmware via ISTA or contact the service.