Modern smartphones have impressively sized screens, which allows you to effectively use the display space to perform multiple tasks simultaneously. Instead of constantly switching between applications, closing one and opening another, Android offers a split-screen feature. This is especially useful when watching a video while chatting in messenger or when comparing products in an online store with calculations in a calculator.
The implementation of multitasking mode may differ depending on the version of the operating system and the shell installed by the manufacturer. However, the basic principles remain similar on most devices. In this article, we will analyze in detail all the available methods for activating split screen, consider the nuances of working on different models of smartphones and answer frequently asked questions from users.
What is split-screen mode and why do you need it
The split-screen function, often called Split Screen, is an operating system operating mode in which the display is divided into two or more independent areas. Each of these areas runs a separate application and runs simultaneously. This is not just a visual effect, but a full-fledged multitasking, allowing you not to interrupt watching the movie while you respond to messages.
Using this option significantly increases productivity. For example, students can watch a lecture at the top of the screen and take notes in a word processor at the bottom. For those who are engaged in shopping or trading, this is an opportunity to keep the quote chart and the bank application open. It is important to note that not all applications support this mode, since developers can limit the functionality of their apps.
It is worth considering that activating split screen affects the consumption of device resources. RAM it is consumed more actively, and the battery may drain faster due to the simultaneous operation of two active processes. However, modern processors cope with such a load without visible interface delays.
⚠️ Attention: Some “heavy” games and video editing applications may be forced to close or display incorrectly when you try to run them in split-screen mode.
Checking compatibility and preparation devices
Before you try to activate split screen, you need to make sure that your device technically supports this feature. Most smartphones running Android 7.0 Nougat and newer versions have built-in multi-window support. However, manufacturers may hide this option in their shells or change the way it is called.
For comfortable work, it is recommended to use devices with a screen diagonal of at least 5.5 inches. On small displays, the content in each window may become unreadable or limited in functionality. Also make sure that the latest firmware version is installed on your device, as older builds could contain errors that block the operation of Split Screen.
You can check the availability of the function through hidden developer settings or the standard recent applications menu. If you cannot activate the mode using standard methods, perhaps the manufacturer of your model limited has this feature programmatically. In this case, third-party utilities may be required, although they often work less stable.
If you do not find the split-screen function in the standard menu, try updating the system to the latest available version in the device settings.
Standard activation method through the recent applications menu
The most common and universal method of launching two windows at the same time is to use the “Recent Applications” menu. This method works on “pure” Android, as well as on shells from Xiaomi, Samsung, Honor and other manufacturers, although the visual design may differ slightly.
First, open the application, which should occupy the top or left side of the screen. Then call up the menu of running apps. This is usually done by swiping from bottom to top with your finger hovering in the center of the screen or by pressing a special navigation button (square or three bars). In the list that opens, find the card of the desired application.
Click on the application icon at the top of its card or hold your finger on the card itself until the context menu appears. From the list of options, select “Split screen” or “Split screen”. After this, the application will “stick” to the top of the display, and in the lower half the system will offer to select a second app from the list of recently used ones.
☑️ Split Screen launch algorithm
The border between windows is adjusted. You can drag the black or gray bar in the middle of the screen to change the proportions. This allows you to make one window larger if, for example, you are typing text, and leave the second as a narrow strip for controlling notifications or playing music.
Window management and adjusting aspect ratio
Once the screen is split, the user has full control over each window independently. You can scroll through your social media feed in the bottom window while the video broadcast continues in the top window. Switching input focus (keyboard) occurs automatically when you touch the corresponding area.
Changing the size of windows is carried out through the dividing line. Touch it and drag it up or down (if horizontal, left or right). In some shells, for example Samsung One UI, preset proportions are available, allowing you to quickly set the ratio to 50/50 or 70/30.
To close one of the windows, just drag the dividing line all the way towards the application being closed. You can also use standard window control buttons that appear when you click on the separator. Closing one application will return you to the full screen mode of the remaining app.
| Action | Description | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Swipe on the divider | Drag the center line | Change the size of windows |
| Tap on the separator | Short press on a line | Open the window management menu |
| Swipe to the edge | Drag a line ku | Closing one of the applications |
| Double tap | Two quick presses along a line | Automatic alignment 50/50 |
⚠️ Attention: When changing the orientation of the device (rotating the screen) windows may rearrange or one of the applications will close if it does not support landscape mode.
Using the sidebar and special features
Many manufacturers build in additional tools to make multitasking easier. For example, the Side Panel feature allows you to display a floating menu with your favorite applications on top of any open window. This is true for devices from Samsung, Xiaomi and other brands.
To use the sidebar, you need to activate it in the display or accessibility settings. Once enabled, swiping from the edge of the screen will bring up a menu from where you can drag the application icon directly onto the open screen. The system will automatically suggest placing it in a second window or as a floating window.
Floating windows (Pop-up view) are an alternative to the classic split screen. The application opens in a small window that can be moved around the screen and resized. This is convenient when you need to quickly respond to a message without interrupting the main activity, but the classic Split Screen still provides the best overview for full work with two content streams.
The secret of quick activation
On some Samsung and Xiaomi smartphones, you can activate the split screen by swiping up with three fingers from the bottom of the screen. This feature must be enabled in Accessibility or Gestures settings.
Solution and app compatibility
Not all apps are optimized to work in split mode. Some apps, especially games or specialized software, may require full screen. In such cases, the system may not show the split option or launch the application in a small floating window.
If the application does not want to launch in a second window, try updating it through the Google Play store. Developers are constantly improving the adaptability of their products. Also, the problem may lie in the lack of RAM: if background processes “ate up” all the resources, the system will forcefully close one of the windows.
Sometimes there is a bug when the dividing line disappears or does not respond to touches. In this case, rebooting the device or clearing the system interface cache helps. Keep in mind that in split-screen mode, some functions, such as taking a screenshot of the entire screen, may work differently or require special key combinations.
There is a category of applications that block screen recording or image display in windows for security reasons (banking applications, secure video players). In such windows, you may see a black rectangle instead of an image.
If the application does not support split-screen using standard methods, try activating forced mode through the settings for developers, but this may lead to unstable operation of the app.
Advanced settings for developers
For experienced users, it is possible to force split-screen support for applications that do not officially support it support. This is done through the “For Developers” menu. Be careful when changing these settings, as this may cause the interface to display incorrectly.
To get to the developer menu, you need to repeatedly click on the build number in the “About phone” section. After the corresponding item appears in the settings, find the “System” or “Applications” section and look for the “Force activities to be resizable” option. Enabling this switch will force the system to try to fit any application into the Split Screen window.
After enabling this feature, you must restart the device. Now, when you try to split the screen, the system will ignore the restrictions set by application developers. However, it is worth remembering that the app’s interface may become jittery, buttons may become unclickable, and text may be cut off.
adb shell settings put global force_resizable_activities 1The same command can be executed via a computer by connecting a smartphone via USB and using ADB debugging. This is a safer method that allows you to quickly roll back changes in case of problems.
⚠️ Warning: Forcing scaling of unsupported applications may cause system crashes, freezes, or increased battery consumption. Use this function only when absolutely necessary.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to split the screen into more than two windows?
Native Android supports only two active windows in Split Screen mode. However, some manufacturers, such as Samsung with the Multi-Active Window feature on tablets or Fold smartphones, allow you to open up to three windows at the same time. On regular smartphones, a third application can only be launched as a floating window on top of the two main ones.
Why is the split-screen button missing?
The button may be missing if the application does not support this mode, if the “One-handed” mode is enabled on the device, or if the RAM is full. Also try updating the application or system to the latest version.
Does split screen affect the speed of games?
Yes, running a game in one of the windows or in the background with a split screen can reduce the number of frames per second (FPS) and increase response time, since processor and GPU resources are divided between two active tasks.
How to exit split screen mode?
To exit, drag the dividing line to the very edge of the screen, completely closing one of the windows. Or press the Home button to minimize all applications, or the Back button if it is set to close the active window.