How to split the screen on Android or connect a second monitor: 5 working methods

Multitasking on Android has long ceased to be a luxury - it is a necessity for those who want to use a smartphone effectively. The ability to work with two applications simultaneously or display an image on an external screen opens up new scenarios: from watching a movie while chatting to presenting from a laptop via a phone. But how exactly to implement split screen or connect second monitor to an Android device?

In this article we will analyze all the current methods - from the built-in one split-screen to advanced solutions using USB-C/HDMI i Miracast. It is important to understand that functionality depends on the Android version, smartphone model and even firmware. For example, Samsung DeX is available only on the brand's flagships, and a standard split-screen may not be available on budget devices with lightweight shells.

We tested all methods on devices with Android 12–15 (including beta versions) and collected step-by-step guide taking into account common mistakes. If you need not just to split the screen, but to organize a full-fledged workspace, read to the end, where we talk about desktop mode and cloud solutions.

1. Split screen: how to split the screen into two windows

The easiest way to use two applications at the same time is split screen mode (split-screen). It works on most devices with Android 7.0 Nougat and newer, but manufacturers sometimes modify its behavior. For example, on Xiaomi i Realme you must first activate the function in the settings, and on Samsung it is enabled by default.

To launch split screen:

1. Open the first application (for example, YouTube).
2. Click on square (the "Recent applications" button) and hold the application icon.
3. In the menu that appears, select "Split screen" (or "Open at the top of the screen").
4. Select the second application from the recent list.

The border between windows can be moved by dragging the dividing line. To exit the mode, simply drag the line to the edge of the screen or press the button. "Close split screen" (usually in the form of two squares).

The application supports multitasking (not all games/messengers are compatible)|

Android version not lower than 7.0|

Function enabled in the settings (on some firmware)|

No active performance limits (power saving mode)-->

Split screen restrictions:

• 🎮 Games often block split screen due to performance requirements.
• 📱 On devices with low resolution (for example, 720×1280), the windows become too narrow.
• 🔒 Some banking applications (SberBank Online Tinkoff data-i="81">2. Second screen via HDMI: connection via USB-C, Tinkoff) prohibit multitasking for security reasons.

2. Second screen via HDMI: connection via USB-C

If you need to display an image on a TV or monitor with a resolution of up to 4K@60Hz, the best way is wired connection via USB-C → HDMI. This method is supported by almost all flagships of recent years (Samsung Galaxy S22+, Google Pixel 7 Pro, OnePlus 11), as well as some mid-budget models. with USB-C 3.1+.

You will need:

• 🔌 USB-C → HDMI adapter (we recommend certified Anker or Belkin).
• 📺 Monitor/TV with port HDMI 1.4 or newer.
• ⚡ Cable USB-C → USB-C (if the adapter is passive and requires power).

Step-by-step guide:

1. Connect the adapter to your smartphone.
2. Connect the adapter to the monitor with a cable HDMI.
3. On the TV, select the signal source HDMI.
4. A notification about connecting an external display will appear on your smartphone - confirm it.

What to do if the image does not appears:

⚠️ Attention: On some devices (for example, Xiaomi Redmi Note 12), you need to enable Developer mode and activate the option USB debugging or Simulation of external displayAlso check whether your adapter supports DisplayPort Alt Mode -without. Video transmission is not possible.

3. Wireless second screen: Miracast and Google Cast

If wires are inconvenient, you can use wireless screen transfer via protocols Miracast or Google Cast. The first is built into Android and works without the Internet, the second requires connection to the same network with the receiver device (for example, Chromecast or Smart TV).

Miracast (for TVs with support Screen Mirroring):

1. On the TV, activate the mode Miracast (usually in the menu Network → Screen Mirroring).
2. On the smartphone, open Settings → Connected devices → Screen sharing (on Samsung — Smart View).
3. Select your TV from the list.

Google Cast (for Chromecast, Nvidia Shield etc.):

1. Make sure that the smartphone and the receiver are connected to the same network Wi-Fi.
2. In an application that supports broadcasting (for example, YouTube or Google Photos), click the icon Cast (rectangle with waves).
3. Select the target device.

Important: when using Miracast, the image delay is ~50–100 ms, which is critical for games, but not noticeable when watching videos. For games, it is better to use a wired connection or specialized solutions like Steam Link.

Wired (USB-C/HDMI)|

Wireless (Miracast)|

Google Cast (Chromecast)|

I don’t use a second screen-->

4. Desktop mode: DeX, Desktop Mode and alternatives

If you need you need not just duplicate the screen, but get full desktop with windows, like on a PC, use specialized modes:

• 🪟 Samsung DeX - official solution for devices Samsung (available with Galaxy S8Supports). mouse, keyboard and multitasking.
• 🖥️ Desktop Mode on Google Pixel and some devices with pure Android.
• 💻 MIUI Desktop - analogue of DeX for smartphones Xiaomi (starting from Mi 10).

How to enable Samsung DeX:

1. Connect your smartphone to the monitor via HDMI adapter.
2. In the notification, select "DeX" (if it doesn’t appear, open Settings → DeX functions).
3. Connect a keyboard and mouse via Bluetooth or USB.

Alternatives for devices without DeX:

• 🛠️ Sentio Desktop —a third-party application that emulates the desktop (required root on some devices).
• ☁️ Chrome Remote Desktop — remote access to a PC via a smartphone (does not replace the second screen, but expands the capabilities).

adb shell am start -n com.android.tv.settings/.MainSettings

5. Applications for advanced multitasking

If the built-in Android functions are not enough, you can use third-party utilities. They allow you to:

• 🔄 Freely resize windows (unlike the standard split screen).
• 📱 Create floating windows (as on Samsung s One UI).
• 🔧 Customize gestures to quickly switch between applications.

Top 3 applications for multi-screen:

⚠️ Attention: Applications like Floating Apps may conflict with system gestures (for example, swipe to go back to Android 10+). Before setting up, check the compatibility in the application description or disable system gestures in Settings → System → Gestures.

6. the second screen does not work

If you are trying to connect a second screen, but encounter errors, check the following points:

Wired connection (HDMI):

• 🔌 The adapter is not certified —use only adapters with support DisplayPort Alt Mode (there should be a mark on the package DP Alt Mode).
• 🔋 Insufficient power —connect your smartphone to charge while using HDMI.
• 📱 Firmware restrictions —on some devices Huawei and Honor output via HDMI is blocked without EMUI Desktop.

Wireless connection (Miracast/Cast):

• 📶 Weak Wi-Fi signal — reconnect to the network 5 GHz (it is more stable for broadcasting).
• 🔒 Firewall is blocking the connection —temporarily disable VPN or antivirus.
• 📺 The TV does not support Miracast —check the model specifications (especially relevant for budget Smart TV on Android TV Go).

If the problem is not solved, try resetting the network settings on your smartphone:

1. Go to Settings → System → Reset → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth settings.
2. Reboot the device.
3. Reconnect.

7. Alternative scenarios: cloud desktops and remote access

If physically connecting a second screen is not possible, consider cloud solutions:

• ☁️ Microsoft Remote Desktop - connecting to a Windows PC with display on a smartphone screen.
• 💻 Chrome Remote Desktop — control your computer via a browser.
• 🎮 Steam Link — stream games from a PC to your phone (with gamepad support).

Advantages of cloud solutions:

• 🌍 Access to your desktop from anywhere in the world.
• 🔧 There is no need for adapters or special equipment.
• 🛡️ Data is stored on a remote server (relevant for corporate tasks).

⚠️ Attention: When using Chrome Remote Desktop or similar services, all traffic passes through Google servers. Do not enter passwords from bank accounts or corporate systems through such connections - use only secure ones. VPN connections.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about two screens on Android