Modern smartphones have computing power that a few years ago was only available to desktop computers. However, many users use only a small part of the potential of their devices, switching between applications one at a time. The split-screen function, or Split Screen, allows you to radically change the approach to interacting with the gadget, turning it into a full-fledged working tool.
Activation multi-window mode does not require obtaining root access or installing complex third-party software, since this option is built into the kernel of the operating system Android since version 7.0 Nougat. However, activation methods may differ significantly depending on the shell manufacturer: what works on a pure Pixelmay look different on Samsung Galaxy or Xiaomi.
In this guide we will analyze in detail all existing methods for activating a dual screen, consider the nuances of working with various launchers and Let's answer questions about why the feature may not be available in certain usage scenarios.
Device preparation and system requirements
Before you try to activate split screen, you need to make sure that your device technically supports this feature. Although Android 7.0 and above is a basic requirement, some manufacturers artificially limit multitasking on budget models with a small amount of RAM.
The optimal condition for comfortable work in dual-window mode is the presence of at least 4 GB RAM. On devices with 2 GB or 3 GB RAM, the system can forcefully unload one of the applications when trying to launch the second, which makes using the function pointless.
It is also important to check the developer settings if standard methods do not work. Sometimes the feature is forcibly disabled in the hidden menu. To access these parameters, you need to go to Settings → About phone and quickly press 7 times on the item Build number.
⚠️ Attention: Enabling developer mode and changing animation settings or the background process limit may lead to unstable operation of the system. Revert to default values if you notice any glitches.
Make sure that both applications you plan to use at the same time support interface adaptation mode. Some apps, especially games and video players with a fixed orientation, block the ability to resize the window.
Before activating the dual screen, close all unnecessary applications from memory to free up resources for the stable operation of two active apps.
Standard activation method through the recent applications menu
The most universal method that works on most devices running clean Android and shells MIUI, ColorOSis to use the recent tasks menu. This method is intuitive and does not require memorizing complex gestures.
To begin, open the first application, which should occupy the top or left side of the screen. Then minimize it and go to the recent applications menu. This can be done by swiping up and holding (for gesture navigation) or pressing the square button (for push-button navigation).
In the list that opens, find the card of the running application. You should see the app logo or three dots at the top of the card or next to the icon. Click on this area to open the context menu.
- 📱 Select the item "Split screen"** or the icon depicting two rectangles.
- 👆 After selection, the upper part of the screen will be occupied by the first application, and the lower part will offer to select the second.
- 🔄 Touch the second application icon in the list of recent tasks to complete the activation of the mode.
After completing these steps, the screen will be divided into two equal or proportional parts. The border between windows can be moved by dragging the black separator bar, thereby changing the area allocated for each application.
Features of Split Screen on Samsung smartphones
The devices of the South Korean giant use their own shell One UIwhich offers the most advanced implementation of multitasking. Not only the classic split screen is available here, but also the Pop-up View mode, which allows you to launch applications in floating windows.
To activate the double screen on Samsung Galaxy, open the recent applications menu and click on the application icon at the top of the card. In the drop-down list, select the option "Open in split screen mode". The system will automatically prompt you to select a pair for the second window.
An alternative and faster method is available directly from the open application. On many Samsung models, it is enough to swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen and hold your finger until the application “sticks” to the upper half of the display.
| Samsung model | Minimum version of One UI | Support for floating windows | Limitations RAM |
|---|---|---|---|
| Galaxy S20 and newer | One UI 2.0+ | Full | From 6 GB |
| Galaxy A50 and newer | One UI 1.5+ | Limited | From 4 GB |
| Budget series M | One UI Core | Split Screen only | From 3 GB |
| Tablets Tab S | Any | Extended (Multi-Active) | No restrictions |
Owners of the tablet series Galaxy Tab have the unique ability to run up to three applications simultaneously thanks to the function Multi-Active Window. This turns the tablet into a full-fledged replacement for a laptop for working with documents and a browser.
☑️ Checking Samsung's readiness for multitasking
Specifics of multitasking on Xiaomi and Huawei
Chinese manufacturers often hide useful functions deeper in the settings or implement them through specific gestures. On smartphones Xiaomi with shell MIUI or HyperOS the standard path through the recent tasks menu works stably, but there are nuances.
In some firmware versions, to activate, you need to press and hold the “Menu” button (square) when the application is open. The screen will split in half and the system will ask you to select a second application. If this method does not work, check the settings in the section Additional settings → Buttons.
Devices Huawei and Honor with shell EMUI or MagicOS They often use a swipe from the corner of the screen to open the sidebar of smart windows. This allows you to drag and drop application icons directly onto the desktop, creating floating windows or splitting the screen.
⚠️ Attention: On Huawei devices without Google services, activating some multitasking features may require logging into your Huawei ID account and accepting the user agreement in the Services application.
It is worth noting that aggressive memory optimization on devices of these brands may result in to “killing” background processes. If the second application in the dual screen constantly restarts, add it to the list of exceptions in the battery settings.
Secret method on Xiaomi
In the settings for developers you can find the item “Force multi-window mode”. Enabling it allows you to run in split screen even those applications that do not officially support this function, although the interface may not be displayed correctly.
Problem solving: when the split screen button is inactive
A frequent situation is the absence of the “Split Screen” item in the menu or its inactive state (gray color). This is not due to a breakdown, but due to software limitations of the application itself or system settings.
Some application developers, especially encrypted instant messengers or banking clients, deliberately block work in the background or in a split screen for the sake of security. In such cases, the system Android respects the application manifest and does not allow you to change its size.
The problem may also lie in the screen orientation. Many apps are locked into portrait mode. Trying to enable dual screen in landscape orientation on such apps will result in an error or automatic rotation of only one of the windows.
- 🚫 The application is not adapted for tablets and large screens.
- 🔒 Do Not Disturb mode or accessibility features that block overlays are enabled.
- 📉 There is not enough free RAM to hold two heavy processes.
For diagnostics, try running obviously compatible applications, for example YouTube i Browser. If the mode works with them, then the problem is solely in the compatibility of the first application you select.
If the split screen button is gray, this 90% means that the application developer has prohibited working in multi-window mode at the code level, and it is impossible to bypass this without root access.
Advanced settings and controls windows
After successful activation of the dual screen, the user has access to additional control tools. The separator bar doesn't just visually separate windows; it is an interactive resource control.
By dragging the separator to the edge of the screen, you can minimize one of the applications into a floating window or close it completely. On some devices, long pressing on the separator brings up a menu for quickly changing applications in one of the sectors.
It is important to remember about resource consumption. Running two active applications at the same time consumes significantly more energy and CPU time. When using Split Screen, it is recommended to reduce the screen brightness by 10-15% to compensate for the increased load on the cooling system.
To exit the mode, simply drag the divider to the very top or bottom of the screen. You can also press the Home button, but in this case both applications will remain in memory, which can be convenient for quickly returning to work.
⚠️ Attention: Android shell interfaces are updated regularly. The location of the buttons and the names of menu items may differ in new firmware versions released in 2026-2026. Always check the latest help materials from your device manufacturer.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Can you open three applications at the same time on a regular smartphone?
On standard smartphones with a diagonal of up to 6.7 inches, the system usually limits the operation to two windows. The third application can only be launched in pop-up mode if this function is supported by the manufacturer, for example, on Samsung or Xiaomi.
Why does the YouTube video stop when I open the second window?
This is a limitation of the free version of the YouTube application. Playing a video in the background or in a small window (picture-in-picture) simultaneously with other applications requires a YouTube Premium subscription or the use of third-party clients.
Does split screen affect the speed of battery drain?
Yes, it does significantly. Running two active processes at the same time, especially if one of them uses a video stream or geolocation, increases energy consumption by 30-40% compared to using a single application.
How to take a screenshot of the entire split screen?
Use the standard button combination (Volume Down + Power). Some devices, such as Samsung, have a Scrolling Screenshot option that allows you to save the contents of both windows in one long image if you select the appropriate option immediately after the snapshot.
Can you resize the windows unevenly, such as 30% to 70%?
Yes, you can freely move the splitter bar anywhere on the screen by setting arbitrary aspect ratio. However, some applications have a minimum window size threshold, below which they are automatically minimized or closed.