Multitasking on a radio tape recorder Android is not a luxury, but a necessity for many drivers. Imagine: on one half of the screen Google Maps or Yandex.Navigatorworks, and on the other half plays music from Spotify or displays a list of incoming messages. But how to activate this mode if radio manufacturers (like Pioneer, Joying or Xtrons) often hide the function in the depths of the settings?

The problem is that the standard Android Auto does not support split screen, and In the firmware of radio tape recorders, this feature is implemented in different ways - somewhere through gestures, somewhere through the engineering menu. In this article, we will look at all the working methods for popular models, including workarounds for devices without a built-in function. We will also find out why the mode may not work on some radios even after the correct settings.

If your radio was released before 2019, the chances of having a “native” split screen are minimal. In this case, third-party software or custom firmware will help - but more on that later. In the meantime, check whether your device officially supports the function.

📊 What radio are you using?
Pioneer
Joying
Xtrons
Atoto
Other
I don’t know

1. Checking support for split screen on your model

Not all Android radios can split screen out of the box. The function depends on the version Android, firmware and hardware capabilities. Here's how to quickly check compatibility:

🔹 Models with official support (usually on Android 8.0+):

  • 📌 Pioneer AVH-Z series (for example, AVH-Z5200BT) - the mode is activated through the display settings.
  • 📌 Joying s processor Rockchip PX5/PX6 (for example, Joying JY-UQ128N4G).
  • 📌 Xtrons based on Android 10/11 (for example, Xtrons PB7868AP).
  • 📌 Atoto S8 and newer - support "floating windows" as an alternative.

🔹 Models without support (more often on Android 5.1–7.1):

  • 🚫 Most Chinese radios on MTK processors (for example, Eonon GA2166).
  • 🚫 Devices with firmware from Malaysk or Hal9k (require manual activation via the engineering menu).

🔍 How to check manually:

  1. Open Settings → Display or Settings → System → Multitasking.
  2. Look for items like Split Screen, Multi-Window or Split screen.
  3. If there is nothing, try holding the button Recent applications (square) 2–3 seconds.
⚠️ Attention: On some radios (for example, Dasaita PX6) the function is hidden in the engineering menu. Its activation may lead to failures if the firmware is not optimized for multitasking.

2. Standard method: enable via Android settings

If your radio supports split screen at the OS level, the algorithm will be similar to a smartphone. Here are the universal instructions for Android 8.0–12:

📱 step-by-step guide:

  1. Open the first application. (for example, a navigator).
  2. Press the button Recent applications (square or three vertical lines).
  3. Hold the application icon at the top of the screen until the menu appears.
  4. Select Split screen (or Split Screen).
  5. Select a second application from the list or from the main screen.

🎛 Split settings (if available):

  • 🔄 Changing proportions: pull the dividing line up/down.
  • 🔒 Fixing applications: in some firmware you can block windows from accidentally closing.
  • 📱 Gestures: on Joying and Atoto sometimes swiping from the edge of the screen works for quick division.

Check the Android version (settings → about phone)

Close all background applications

Connect the radio to charging (splitting the screen increases the load)

Update the firmware to the latest version (if available)

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❌ What to do if the button Split screen is inactive?

This means that either the application does not support multitasking, or the function is disabled in the developer settings. Try:

  1. Enable Developer mode (click on Build number 7 times in the settings).
  2. Activate option Multitasking or Do not limit background processes.

3. functions

If the standard method does not work, do not despair. There are at least 3 workarounds:

🔧 Method 1: Using "floating windows"

Some firmware (for example, on Xtrons PB7868AP) support floating windows instead of full separation How. enable:

  1. Open Settings → Accessibility → Floating windows.
  2. Add the desired applications to the list of allowed ones.
  3. Launch the application, then swipe down from the top edge - it will collapse into a small one window.

👉 Minus: windows overlap each other rather than dividing the screen in half.

🔧 Method 2: Third-party launchers with Split Screen support

Install an alternative launcher, for example:

  • 🛠 Nova Launcher + plugin Nova TeslaUnread (for notifications).
  • 🛠 Microsoft Launcher - supports gestures for multitasking.
  • 🛠 POCO Launcher (if the radio is on Android 9+).

🔹 How to set up: 

1. from Google Play (if the radio supports it).

2. Set it as the default launcher in the settings.


3. In the launcher settings, find the "Split Screen" or "Double window" option.


4. Assign a gesture (for example, swipe up from the bottom edge).

⚠️ Important: Some launchers may conflict with the firmware of the radio, causing slowdowns. Before installing, make a backup of your settings!

🔧 Method 3: Applications for forced screen splitting

If none of the methods worked, try specialized ones utilities:

Application Android support Features Link
Split Screen Launcher 5.0–10 Creates a virtual button for division Google Play
Multi Window 7.0+ Works without root, but requires overlay permission. data-i="157">Overlay on top of other applications APKMirror
Floating Apps 6.0+ Floating windows for any application Google Play
⚠️ Attention: Applications like Multi Window require permission Overlay on top of other apps (Settings → Applications → Special access). Without this they will not work!

4. Split screen through the engineering menu (for advanced)

If your radio is based on Rockchip or MTK, there is a chance to enable split screen through hidden settings ⚠️ This method is risky —wrong actions can cause the system to crash.

🔧 Instructions for Rockchip (for example, Joying PX5/PX6):

  1. Download the application MTK Engineering Mode or Rockchip Factory Tool.
  2. Open it and go to the section Display Settings.
  3. Find the parameter Multi Window Support or Split Screen Enable.
  4. Set the value 1 (enabled) and reboot the radio.

🔧 Instructions for MTK (for example, Eonon GA2166):

  1. Dial the code in the dialer: ##3646633##.
  2. Go to Engineering Mode → Display → Multi Window.
  3. Activate option and save the settings.

🛑 What to do if after the changes the screen becomes glitchy?

Go back to the engineering menu and reset the display settings to factory settings. If the radio does not turn on, you will need to flash it via USB OTG.

What is the engineering menu?

This is a hidden menu for engineers and developers, where low-level device parameters are configured. It is not intended for ordinary users, so changes may lead to unstable operation or even “bricking” the radio. Use at your own risk!

5. Optimizing work in split-screen mode

Even if you managed to activate the split, there are nuances that will make use more comfortable:

⚡ How to reduce the load on the system:

  • 🔋 Close all background applications before activating the mode.
  • 📉 Reduce screen brightness up to 70–80% (in Settings → Display).
  • 🎵 Disable window animation in the developer settings (Window animation scale → No animation).

🎯 Best application combinations for the radio:

First window Second window Why do you need
Google Maps / Yandex.Navigator Spotify / VLC Navigation + music
WhatsApp / Telegram Rear view camera Reading messages + overview when parking
Browser (weather, traffic jams) DSP Manager (equalizer) Information + sound settings

🚫 Applications that CANNOT be used in split mode:

  • 🎮 Games (for example, Asphalt 9) will slow down greatly.
  • 📺 Video players with hardware decoding (for example, MX Player in mode HW+).
  • 🔒 Banking applications (may block the session due to “suspicious activity”).
💡

If the navigator in split mode starts to “lag”, try disabling 3D maps in its settings.

6. split screen

Most often, users encounter three types of problems. Let's look at them in order:

🔴 Problem 1: The "Split screen" button does not appear

🔹 Causes and solutions:

  • 📱 Outdated firmware: update the software. radio via Settings → About device → System update.
  • 🔧 Absent support: check the model in first section article.
  • 🛠 Manufacturer restriction: some brands (for example, Sony XAV-AX) block the function for the sake of stability.

🔴 Problem 2: Applications do not open in split mode

🔹 What to do:

  1. Check whether the application supports multitasking (for example, Waze works, but 2GIS does not).
  2. Clear application cache in Settings → Applications.
  3. Try alternative software (for example, instead of Google Maps use OsmAnd).

🔴 Problem 3: Strong brakes or overheating of the radio

🔹 Solutions:

  • 🌡 Reduce screen brightness and disable auto-brightness.
  • 🔄 Close all background processes through the task manager.
  • 🔌 Connect the radio to additional cooling (for example, a USB fan for electronics).
  • 📥 Install light firmware (for example, LineageOS for car head units).
⚠️ Attention: If the radio overheats in split mode, this may indicate wear of the thermal paste or a malfunction of the cooling system. Long-term operation in this state shortens the life of the device.

Manufacturers often modify Android to suit their needs, so the methods for activating the split screen are different. Let's consider the nuances for top brands:

📌 Pioneer (AVH-Z, AVH-X series). DMH-Z)

🔹 On models with Android Auto Wireless (for example, AVH-Z5200BT):

  1. Hold the button HOME for 3 seconds.
  2. Select Split View in menu appears.
  3. Select two applications from the list.

🔹 On older models (for example, AVH-X3800DAB), the function is only available through a firmware update to version 1.060 or higher.

📌 Joying (series JY-UQ, JY-VL)

🔹 On firmware Joying Auto PC (Android 10+):

  1. Go to Settings → Display → Multitasking mode.
  2. Enable the option Split screen.
  3. Use a gesture: swipe from the bottom right corner up.

🔹 On Android 8.1 (for example, JY-UQ128N2G):

  • Hold the button Recent applications.
  • Tap on the application icon and select Split screen.

📌 Xtrons (PB, TB, TA series)

🔹 On models with Android 11 (for example, PB7868AP):

  • Activate Floating windows in Settings → Accessibility.
  • Launch the application, then pull the top panel down - it will collapse into a window.

🔹 On Android 9 (for example, TB975B):

  • Install the launcher Nova Launcher and enable the plugin TeslaUnread for notifications.
  • Use the double-tap gesture for separation (configurable in the launcher).

📌 Atoto (S8, A6, F7 series)

🔹 All models on Android 10+ support "floating windows":

  1. Open Settings → System → Multitasking.
  2. Enable Windows on top of other applications.
  3. Launch the application, then swipe down from the top edge to convert to a window.
💡

On radios Atoto i Xtrons there may not be a full screen split, but floating windows solve the same problem with less load on the system.

8. Custom firmware and root access for split screen

If your radio does not support split screen, and alternative methods do not. helped, there is a radical way - installing custom firmware ⚠️ This is risky: you can lose the warranty or “brick” the device.

🔧 How to flash a radio to support Split Screen:

  1. 📥 Download firmware with support for multitasking (for example, Hal9k Mod or Malaysk ROM for your model).
  2. 🔌 Connect the radio to the PC via USB OTG.
  3. 🛠 Use utility Rockchip Batch Tool (for Rockchip) or SP Flash Tool (for MTK).
  4. 📤 Follow the firmware instructions (usually there is a video on YouTube for a specific model).

🔹 Advantages of custom firmware:

  • ✅ Full-fledged Split Screen even on old radios.
  • ✅ Performance optimization (fewer brakes).
  • ✅ Additional functions (for example, gestures, dark theme).

🔹 Disadvantages and risks:

  • ❌ Loss of warranty (if the radio is under warranty).
  • ❌ Possible bugs (for example, non-working Bluetooth or GPS).
  • ❌ Difficulty rolling back to stock firmware.

🔓 Root access as an alternative

If the firmware is not suitable, you can get root and manually activate split screen by editing the file build.prop: 

1. Install Magisk or SuperSU.

2. data-i="318">in the editor (for example, /system/build.prop in the editor (for example, BuildProp Editor).


3. Add the line: ro.multitasking.enable=true


4. Save and reboot the radio.

⚠️ Attention: On some radios (for example, Pioneer with protection Secure Boot) obtaining root will lead to blocking of the device. Before taking action, read reviews about your model on forums like 4PDA or XDA-Developers.

📌 Where to look for firmware and instructions?

🔹 Official sources:

  • Manufacturer's website (section Support → Firmware).
  • Forum 4PDA (section "Car Radios").

🔹 Unofficial:

  • Group Joying/Rockchip in Telegram.
  • Repository GitHub (search by radio model).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about splitting the screen on an Android radio

❓ Is it possible to split the screen on a radio with Android 5.1?

📉 There is no native support, but you can try:

  • Install a launcher that supports multitasking (for example, Nova Launcher).
  • Use an application Floating Apps for floating windows.
  • Update firmware to Android 6.0+ (if available for your model).

🔹 Important: On Android 5.1, split screen will work extremely unstable due to OS limitations.

❓ Why does the radio start to slow down after splitting the screen?

🔋 Reasons:

  • Lack of RAM (radio tape recorders usually have 1–2 GB of RAM).
  • Weak processor (for example, Rockchip PX3 or MT8163).
  • Background processes (for example, updating maps in a navigator).

🔧 Solutions:

  • Close all unnecessary applications before activating the mode.
  • Reduce the screen resolution in the settings (if available).
  • Disable animation in the developer settings.
❓ How to return normal mode after splitting screen?

🔄 Methods:

  • Drag the dividing line to the edge of the screen.
  • Press and hold the button Recent apps, then select Exit split mode.
  • Reboot the radio (if the screen is frozen).

🔹 On some firmware (for example, Malaysk) you need to tap on the dividing line twice to exit.

❓ Does split screen work with Android Auto?

❌ No, Android Auto does not support multitasking. But there are workarounds:

  • Use Android Auto in one window, and launch a second application (for example, music) on top via Floating windows.
  • Disable Android Auto and use native radio applications (for example, Google Maps directly).
  • Install Headunit Reloaded an alternative launcher with multitasking support.
❓ Is it possible to split the screen on a radio without a touchscreen screen?

⚠️ Difficult, but possible:

  • If the radio is controlled by buttons, check if there is an option in the menu Split Screen (for example, on some Pioneer with physical buttons).
  • Connect a wireless mouse via USB OTG or Bluetooth for control.
  • Use voice commands (for example, Google Assistant to launch applications).

🔹 Most push-button radios do not have a split-screen function due to limitations interface.