Multitasking on Android has long ceased to be a luxury - it is a necessity for productive work. But not all users know how open multiple windows at the same time on a smartphone or tablet. Unlike iOS, where multi-window is limited to a couple of applications, Android offers flexible tools: from standard split screen to freely resizing windows in free form.

In this In this article you will find 5 proven methods launching several windows, including hidden functions for different versions of Android (from Android 7 Nougat to Android 14). We will look at the nuances for devices Samsung, Xiaomi, Google Pixel and other brands, and also tell you how to bypass manufacturer restrictions. If you often work with documents, correspondence and the browser at the same time, this guide will save you hours of time.

1. Standard split screen (split screen) on pure Android

Basic function split screen is available on all devices with Android 7.0 Nougat and newer. It allows you to run two applications in parallel, splitting the screen in half. Here's how it works on "pure" Android (for example, on Google Pixel or Motorola):

1. Open the first application you want to pin to the top of the screen.

2. Click on square ("Recents" button applications") in the navigation panel.

3. In the list of recently opened applications, find the card of the desired application and hold it (or tap on the application icon at the top of the card if you have gesture navigation).

4. Select item Split screen or drag the application to the top of the screen.

5. A list of applications will open at the bottom of the screen - select the second one.

  • 🔹 Pros: works without root access, does not require additional applications.
  • 🔹 Cons: not all applications support the mode (for example, some games or banking applications).
  • 🔹 Nuance: on Android 12+ you can change the window proportions by dragging the dividing line.
📊 Which multitasking mode do you use more often?
Split screen
Free windows
Gestures
Launcher applications
I don’t use

If you have Android 10 or newer, you can quickly switch between pairs of applications in split mode. To do this:

  1. Open the split screen as described. above.
  2. Swipe up from the bottom of the second app.
  3. Select another app from the recently opened list.
⚠️ Attention: On some devices (for example Samsung Galaxy S22 with One UI 5) after updating to Android 13 swipe to activate split screen has changed. Now you need to hold the application icon in the multitasking panel longer than 1 second, otherwise the context menu will open.

2. Free multitasking window (Pop-up View) on Samsung

Devices Samsung with shell One UI (starting from Android 9 Pie) support a unique mode Pop-up View. Unlike the split screen, here windows can be freely moved, resized and even minimized. floating icons.

The mode is activated as follows:

  1. Open Recent applications (swipe up with a delay or the "square" button).
  2. Tap on application icon at the top of the card.
  3. Select Open as a pop-up window.
  4. The window will open on top of the current interface You can:
  • 📱 Drag the window behind the top panel.
  • 🔄 Change the size by pulling the corners.
  • 📌 Dock the window on the screen (double tap on the top panel).
  • 🗑️ Minimize it into a floating icon ("shrink" gesture with two fingers).

On Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra and other flagships with One UI 6 there is an opportunity to open up to 3 pop-up windows simultaneously.To do this:

  1. Open the first window in Pop-up View.
  2. Repeat the steps for the second application.
  3. To add a third, swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the notification panel and tap the icon Multitasking.

Check the One UI version (Settings → About phone → One UI version)

Activate the mode in the Lab (Settings → Additional features → Lab)

Disable battery optimization for the desired applications

Update applications to the latest versions-->

Samsung model Max. number of Pop-up windows Gesture support
Galaxy S20/S21 (One UI 3-4) 2 windows Yes (swipe from the edge)
Galaxy S22/S23 (One UI 5-6) 3 windows Yes + tap gesture
Galaxy Tab S8/S9 4 windows Yes + S Pen support
Galaxy A52/A53 2 windows No

3. Freeform mode on Android 12+

Starting with Android 12, Google added an experimental mode free form (Freeform), which allows you to open applications in arbitrary windowsas on a desktop PC. Unfortunately, the function is hidden by default, but it can be activated through ADB or special applications.

Here's how to enable Freeform without root:

  1. Connect your phone to the PC and activate USB Debugging USB debugging Settings → System → For developers.
  2. Open the command line on your PC and enter: 
    adb shell settings put global enable_freeform_support 1
  3. Reboot your device.
  4. Now, when you hold an application icon in the multitasking panel, the option will appear Freeform.

In Freeform mode you can:

  • 🪟 Edit the size of windows is arbitrary (up to a minimum size of 200×200 pixels).
  • 📲 Drag windows on top of others (z-order).
  • 🔄 Save the position of windows after a reboot (on some firmware).
⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi and some other brands, the ADB command may not work due to modified firmware. In this case, try the application Taskbar from Google Play, which emulates free windows.
How to return the standard split screen after Freeform?

If, after activating Freeform, the normal split screen disappears, run the command:

adb shell settings delete global enable_freeform_support

and reboot the device. On some firmware (for example, ColorOS on Oppo/Reno), you may need to reset the launcher settings (Settings → Applications → Launcher → Storage → Clear data).

4. Multitasking using gestures (for advanced users)

If you prefer gesture navigationyou can set up quick swipes to open multiple windows. For example, on Android 11+ a hidden gesture is available. split screen:

  1. Activate gesture navigation in Settings → System → Gestures → System navigation.
  2. Open the first application.
  3. Swipe up from the bottom edge and hold your finger to open the multitasking panel.
  4. Without releasing your finger drag the second application icon to the top or bottom of the screen.

On devices OnePlus (with OxygenOS) and Realme (with Realme UI) there is a unique gesture "double swipe up":

  • 👆 A quick swipe up from the bottom edge → opens the multitasking panel.
  • 👆👆 Double swipe up → activates split screen with the last used application.

For advanced users we recommend the application Fluid Navigation Gestures (requires ADB or root). It allows you to configure:

  • 🎛️ Custom gestures to open windows (for example, swipe from a corner).
  • 🔄 Dynamic resizing windows by swiping.
  • 📱 Emulation of free windows (analogue Freeform).
💡

On Samsung DeX (desktop mode) you can open up to 5 windows at the same time. Activated through the quick settings panel or when connected to a monitor via HDMI.

5. Applications for advanced multitasking

If the built-in Android functions do not suit you, you can use third-party applications. Here are the top 3 solutions:

  1. Taskbar (free, requires Android 7+):
    • 🖥️ Emulates the taskbar as on Windows.
    • 🪟 Supports free windows (including resizing).
    • 🔄 Compatible with Samsung DeX i LG ThinQ.
  2. Floating Apps (shareware):
    • 📱 Creates floating windows for any applications.
    • 🎨 Customizable size and transparency.
    • 🔒 Works without root, but requires permissions Overlay on top of other applications.
  • Split Screen Launcher (for older versions of Android):
    • 📟 Supports Android 5.0-6.0.
    • 🔄 Allows you to save pairs of applications for quick launch.

    When using third-party applications keep in mind:

    • 🛡️ Security: avoid applications with suspicious permissions (for example, access to SMS or calls).
    • 🔋 Performance: multitasking increases the load on the processor and battery. On weak devices (for example, Redmi 9A) are possible. lags.
    • 📱 Compatibility: some banking applications (for example, SberBank Online) block work in multitasking modes.
    ⚠️ Attention: On Huawei i Honor s EMUI/HarmonyOS many multitasking applications are unstable due to manufacturer restrictions. In this case, it is better to use the built-in mode Multitasking (available via swipe left/right on the bottom panel in some). models).

    6. Multitasking on Android tablets

    Android tablets (for example, Samsung Galaxy Tab, Lenovo Tab, Xiaomi Pad) support advanced multitasking modes thanks to the large screen. what is available:

    • 📄 Split screen with 3 windows: on Android 12L and newer you can split the screen into three parts (for example, browser + document + chat).
    • 🖥️ Desktop mode: Samsung DeX, Huawei Desktop Mode or Motorola Ready For convert the interface into PC-like with support for multiple windows.
    • 🎨 Free windows with S support Pen: on Galaxy Tab S8 you can draw or make notes in a floating window Samsung Noteswhile the browser is open in the main window.

    To activate three-window mode on your tablet:

    1. Open the first application.
    2. Swipe from the right edge of the screen to open the multitasking panel.
    3. Drag the second application to the left or right side of the screen.
    4. A button will appear in the top panel More applications - tap on it and select the third one.

    On tablets with Android 13 i One UI 5.1+ you can save groups of applications in multitasking mode. For example, create a pair “YouTube + Notes” and launch it with one tap from the quick settings panel.

    💡

    On tablets, multitasking works more stable than on smartphones, thanks to the larger amount of RAM and optimization of Android 12L/13 for large screens.

    Solving problems with multitasking

    If If you are unable to open several windows, check the following points:

    Problem Possible cause Solution
    No "Split screen" option Disabled in settings manufacturer Check Settings → Additional features → Multitasking (for Samsung)
    The application does not open in Pop-up Developer limitation applications Try Taskbar or Floating Apps
    Windows lag or close Lack of RAM Close background applications or restart your device
    No free windows (Freeform) Outdated version of Android Update the firmware or use the ADB command (see section 3)

    If multitasking stops working after updating Android:

    1. Check if the settings have been reset in Settings → System → Gestures → Multitasking.
    2. Clear the launcher cache: Settings → Applications → [Your launcher] → Storage → Clear cache.
    3. If you use custom firmware (for example, LineageOS), update it to the latest version.
    ⚠️ Attention: On some devices (for example, Nokia c Android One) after updating to Android 13 the split-screen option in the multitasking panel disappears. In this case, only resetting the settings or installing a third-party launcher will help (for example, Nova Launcher).

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about multitasking on Android

    Is it possible to open more than 2 windows on a smartphone?

    On most smartphones - no, maximum 2 windows in split mode. Exceptions:

    • Samsung Galaxy S22/S23 - up to 3 windows in Pop-up View.
    • Tablets - up to 4 windows. on Android 12L+.
    • With Taskbar or Freeform you can open more, but it is unstable.
    Why do some applications not support split screen?

    This restriction is set by the developer in the application manifest (android:resizeableActivity="false"). Most often they block:

    • Games (for example, PUBG Mobile, Genshin Impact).
    • Banking applications (Tinkoff, VTB Online).
    • Applications with DRM protection (for example, Netflix, Disney+).

    You can bypass the restriction through Taskbar or ADB-command:

    adb shell settings put global force_resizeable_activities 1

    But this can lead to application failures.

    How to quickly switch between pairs of applications in split mode?

    On Android 10+:

    1. In split mode, swipe up from the dividing line.
    2. Select another pair from the list of recently used ones.

    On Samsung One UI:

    1. Tap on the three dots (⋮) in the dividing line.
    2. Select Switch places or Replace the application.
    Is it possible to use multitasking on Android Go?

    No. Android Go (simplified version for weaker devices) does not support split screen and free windows. The maximum is a quick switch between applications If your device runs on Android Go (For example, Nokia 1.4 or Samsung Galaxy A03 Core), multitasking is only available through third-party launchers like Square Home, but this will be an imitation.

    How to disable multitasking, if it interferes?

    If split screen or pop-up windows appear randomly:

    • On Samsung: Settings → Additional features → Multitasking → Turn off.
    • On pure Android: disable the gesture for split screen in Settings → System → Gestures → System navigation Settings → System → Gestures → System navigation.
    • For Taskbar or Floating Apps: revoke permission on top of other applications Overlay on top of other apps.