Split screen on a tablet with Android is a convenient way to work with two applications at the same time without switching between them. The function is especially useful for owners of devices with large displays (from 10 inches), where the space allows you to comfortably accommodate two windows. However, not all users know how to activate this mode, and some encounter problems due to the firmware or tablet model.

In this article we will look in detail at how to split the screen on tablets of different brands (Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei, Lenovo etc.), consider alternative methods for devices without a built-in function, and also give tips on optimizing multitasking. If your tablet does not support standard split-screen, you will learn how to bypass this limitation using third-party applications or developer settings.

Before you begin, check the version Android on your device: the split-screen function officially appeared in Android 7.0 Nougat, but some manufacturers added it to earlier versions through proprietary shells. If you are Android 6.0 or older, the chances of success are higher.

1. Standard method of splitting the screen (Android 7.0 and later)

Most modern tablets on Android support a built-in split-screen function through the recent applications panel. This method works on “pure” Android and most proprietary shells (One UI, MIUI, EMUI). Here's how to use it:

  1. Open the first applicationthat you want to place on half the screen. For example, Chrome or YouTube.
  2. Click on the button "Recent applications" (usually a square or three vertical lines at the bottom of the screen).
  3. B in the list of open applications, find the card of the desired application and press it with your finger for 1-2 seconds.
  4. In the menu that appears, select the item "Split screen" (or "Open in multitasking mode").
  5. The screen will split into two parts: the selected application will remain at the top, and the recent applications panel will open at the bottom to select the second one.
  6. Tap the second application so that it takes up the second half of the screen.

Done! Now you can work in two applications at the same time. chat in Telegram and watch videos on YouTube, or copy text from Google Docs to Word.

Both applications must support multitasking (some games and video players do not)

Make sure the tablet is not in power saving mode (may block the function)

Check that the “For one application” mode is not disabled in the settings (see section 3)

-->

Note: On some tablets (for example, Samsung Galaxy Tab) split screen is activated not by holding, but by drag and drop application cards at the top of the screen If the standard method. didn’t work, try this option.

Which applications support split screen?

Not all apps can work in multitasking mode. Usually the restrictions concern:

  • 🎮 Games (due to high CPU load)
  • 📺 Some video players (for example, Netflix or Disney+ may block the function due to DRM protection)
  • 🔒 Banking applications (for security reasons)
  • 📱 Applications with vertical orientation (for example, Instagram or TikTok)
💡

If the application does not support split screen, try enabling forced mode for it via Developer settings (see section 4).

2. Split screen on Samsung tablets (One UI)

Devices Samsung (for example, Galaxy Tab S8, Tab A7, Tab S6 Lite) have their own implementation of multitasking - DeX and the classic split-screen mode.

Method 1: Classic separation (for all models)

  1. Open the first application.
  2. Click on the button "Recent" (three vertical lines).
  3. Tap the application icon at the top of the card (not the preview itself, but the icon).
  4. In the menu, select "Open in split screen mode".
  5. Select the second application from the list of recent ones.

Method 2: DeX mode (for flagship models)

Samsung DeX is an advanced multitasking mode that turns the tablet into a kind of desktop PC. To activate it:

  1. Open panel). notifications and find the icon "DeX" (or go to Settings → Additional features → Samsung DeX).
  2. Activate the mode. The interface will change to a desktop with windows.
  3. Now you can open multiple applications in separate windows, resize them and drag them.

Important: DeX mode is not available on all Samsung tablets. It is supported on flagship models (for example, Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra), but may not be available on budget devices.

📊 Which Samsung tablet do you have?
Galaxy Tab S8/S9
Galaxy Tab A7/A8
Galaxy Tab S6 Lite
Another Samsung
Not Samsung

Setting up split screen in One UI

On tablets Samsung you can configure the behavior of multitasking mode:

  1. Go to Settings → Advanced functions → Multitasking.
  2. Enable or disable the option "Show split screen button".
  3. Adjust "Panel transparency tasks" for convenience.

3. Split screen on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO (MIUI)

Tablets Xiaomi (for example, Pad 5, Pad 6) and devices on MIUI support split screen, but the inclusion algorithm may differ from standard Android. Here are step-by-step guide:

  1. Open the first application.
  2. Click on the button "Recent" (square at the bottom of the screen).
  3. In the list of applications, find the one you need and Swipe up (do not hold!).
  4. The screen will split and you can select the second application.

If swipe does not work, try an alternative method:

  1. Open Settings → Accessibility → Split screen mode.
  2. Enable the function if it is disabled.
  3. Now, when you hold the application icon in the recent panel, a split option will appear.
What to do if there is no separation function on Xiaomi?

On some models (for example, Xiaomi Pad 5> with firmware for the global market), the function may be hidden. Try:

1. Update MIUI to the latest version.

2. Install Google Launcher (it supports standard Android split mode).

3. Use third-party applications (see section 5).

MIUI limitations

B MIUI there are several nuances:

  • 🔄 Not all applications support resizing windows (for example, Mi Video may block scaling).
  • 📱 On some devices, division works only in landscape orientation.
  • 🔒 The function may be disabled in regional firmware (for example, for China).

4. Split screen through Developer Settings

If your tablet does not support split screen out of the box, you can try enabling forced mode through Developer SettingsThis method works on most devices, but requires caution.

Step 1: Activate developer mode

  1. Go to Settings → About phone (About tablet).
  2. Find item "Build number" and click on it 7 times in a row.
  3. A notification will appear: "You have become a developer!".

Step 2: Enable forced split screen

  1. Go back to Settings and open a new section "For developers".
  2. Find the option "Force resizing windows" (or "Force resize activities") and enable it.
  3. Also activate "Multitasking for all applications"if such an item exists.

Now try splitting the screen in the standard way (through the recent panel). Some applications that previously did not support the mode may work.

💡

Enabling the forced mode may result in some applications displaying incorrectly. If the interface is broken, return the settings back.

Dangers of developer mode

⚠️ Attention: Not all options in Developer settings are safe. For example, turning on "Do not turn off the screen" or "USB debugging" in public places may lead to data leakage. After experimenting with split screen, it is recommended to disable unnecessary parameters.

5. Third-party applications for split screen

If the built-in tools do not work, you can use third-party utilities. They are suitable for tablets with outdated versions Android or non-standard firmware. Let's look at the top 3 applications:

Application Features Cons Link (Google Play)
Split Screen Launcher Allows you to create pairs of applications for quick launch in split mode. Requires rights ADB for full operation. Available in Play Market
Multi Window Supports up to 4 windows simultaneously, flexible size adjustment. Advertising in the free version, plugins for some applications paid. Available in the Play Market
Floating Apps Creates floating windows on top of other applications (an alternative to splitting). Not all applications are displayed correctly in floating mode. Available in the Play Market

How to install and configure Split Screen Launcher

  1. Download the application from Google Play.
  2. Open it and provide the necessary permissions.
  3. In the main menu, click "Add pair" and select two applications.
  4. Save the pair and run it - applications will open in split mode.
💡

For full operation Split Screen Launcher the command may be required ADB: 

adb shell pm grant com.example.splitscreen android.permission.WRITE_SECURE_SETTINGS
(replace com.example.splitscreen with a real application package).

Risks of using third-party applications

⚠️ Attention: Some split-screen utilities ask for permission to access accessibility features (Accessibility Service). This can be dangerous if the application is from an untrustworthy developer. Before installation, check reviews and ratings Google Play.

6. Split screen on tablets of other brands

If you have a tablet Huawei, Lenovo, Realme or another manufacturer, the algorithm may differ. Let's look at the features of popular brands:

Huawei (EMUI/HarmonyOS)

On tablets Huawei MatePad the function is called "Multitasking":

  1. Open the first application.
  2. Swipe up from the bottom and hold (the panel will open recent).
  3. Click on the application icon and select "Split screen".

On HarmonyOS (for example, MatePad 11) mode is also available "PC", similar Samsung DeX.

Lenovo (ZUI)

Tablets Lenovo Tab (for example, P11 Pro) support the standard separation mode through the recent panel. Features:

  • 🔄 The size of windows can be changed by dragging the dividing line.
  • 📱 The function works only in horizontal orientation.
  • 🔒 Some system applications (for example, Lenovo Launcher) do not support the mode.

Realme (Realme UI)

On tablets Realme Pad split screen is activated as follows:

  1. Open the recent applications panel.
  2. Touch and hold the application icon.
  3. Select "Split screen".

If the option is missing, check the settings in Settings → Accessibility → Split screen mode.

7. Common problems and their solutions

Even if your tablet supports split-screen, difficulties may arise. Let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

Problem 1: The split screen function is missing in the menu

Possible causes and solutions:

  • 📱 Outdated version of Android → Update the firmware via Settings → Software update.
  • 🔧 Disabled in settings → Check Settings → Additional features → Multitasking.
  • 🛠️ The manufacturer has disabled the function → Use Developer settings or third-party applications.

Problem 2: The application does not support split screen

What to do:

  • 🔄 Try running the application in browser (for example, web version Instagram).
  • 📱 Use floating windows (for example, through Floating Apps).
  • 🔧 Enable forced mode in Developer settings (see section 4).

Problem 3: Split screen is unstable

Tips to resolve:

  • 🔄 Restart the tablet.
  • 📱 Clear the application cache in Settings → Applications.
  • 🔧 Disable power saving mode (it can limit multitasking).
  • 🛠️ Update the firmware and applications to the latest versions.
What to do if the screen is frozen in split mode?

If the tablet stops working respond to touches after splitting the screen:

1. Press and hold the button power for 10 seconds to force a reboot.

2. After turning on, check if the device is overheated (multitasking increases the load).

3. If the problem persists, disable the split mode in the settings or reset the interface settings (Settings → System → Reset settings).

8. Optimizing multitasking

Split screen is convenient, but can slow down the tablet and faster drain your battery. Here's how to optimize performance:

Tip 1: Close unnecessary applications

Even in split mode, background processes continue to consume resources. Regularly clear the recent applications bar of unnecessary tasks.

Tip 2: Set up auto-rotate screen

Some applications (for example Google Docs) work better in landscape orientation. Turn on auto-rotation in the notification panel or along the path:

Settings → Display → Screen auto-rotation

Tip 3: Use gestures for convenience

Customize gestures to quickly switch between windows:

  • 👆 Swipe up from the bottom → return to the home screen.
  • 👉 Swipe to the right → quickly switch between recent applications.
  • 🔄 Hold the dividing line → resizing windows.

Tip 4: Monitor the temperature and charge

Multitasking increases the load on the processor, which can lead to:

  • 🔋 Rapid battery drain (15-30% faster than in normal mode).
  • 🌡️ Overheating (especially on budget tablets).

Recommendations:

  • 🔌 Connect the tablet to a charger if you plan to multitask for a long time.
  • 🧊 Use a stand for better cooling.
  • ⚙️ Disable background synchronization of unnecessary applications.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about split screen on Android

Is it possible to split the screen on a tablet with Android 6.0?

The function officially appeared in Android 7.0, but some manufacturers (for example, Samsung or Xiaomi) added it to their shells on earlier versions. Try:

  1. Update the firmware to the latest version.
  2. Use Developer settings (section 4).
  3. Install a third-party application (section 5).
Why do some applications not support split screen?

It depends on the developer. Reasons:

  • 🎮 Games the mode is often blocked due to high CPU load.
  • 📺 Streaming services (for example, Netflix) may prohibit division due to DRM content protection.
  • 🔒 Banking applications limit multitasking for security reasons.
  • 📱 Applications with fixed orientation (for example, Instagram) are not adapted for horizontal mode.

Workaround: use web version applications in the browser or floating windows (Floating Apps).

How to resize windows in split mode?

In most cases enough:

  1. Find dividing line between the windows (usually a vertical or horizontal stripe).
  2. Click on it and drag in the desired direction.

If the line is inactive:

  • Check if the application supports resizing.
  • Update the tablet firmware.
  • Try another application for division (section 5).
Is it possible to split the screen into three or four parts?

Standard Android does not support splitting into more than two windows. However, there are workarounds:

  • 📱 Samsung DeX (on supported devices) allows you to open multiple windows.
  • 🔧 Third-party applications, for example Multi Window (section 5).
  • 🖥️ Connecting the tablet to an external monitor (some shells, for example EMUI, support multitasking on a large screen).

Please note that working with 3-4 windows at the same time requires a powerful processor and a large screen (from 11 inches).

How to disable split screen if it gets in the way?

To return to normal mode:

  1. Drag dividing line to the edge of the screen (one of the windows will close).
  2. Or click on the "Home" button —one of the windows will be minimized.
  3. Or close one of the applications through the recent panel.

To completely disable the function:

Settings → Additional functions → Multitasking → Disable