Modern automobile multimedia systems based on the Android operating system are becoming more and more functional, turning into full-fledged tablets behind the wheel. However, one of the main limitations that users face is the inability to use multiple applications at the same time. The driver often needs to see the map on Yandex.Navigator or Google Maps, listen to music and control messages without switching between windows.
Fortunately, the split-screen function is well known As Split Screen or multi-window mode, solves this problem by allowing two applications to fit on one display. The implementation of this feature on Chinese head units (HU) has its own characteristics that differ from standard smartphones. Depending on the version Android and the installed launcher shell, activation methods can vary from standard gestures to the use of hidden engineering menus.
In this article we will look in detail at how to activate and configure split screen on your Android radio tape recorder. We will look at the standard system tools, the capabilities of third-party launchers, and specific settings for popular device models. You will learn how to optimize your workspace so that navigation and multimedia work synchronously without interfering with each other.
Checking compatibility and system version
Before you start setting up, you need to make sure that your hardware and software version support multitasking. The Split Screen feature was introduced in Android starting with version 7.0 Nougat, but on many budget car radios, manufacturers can disable it at the firmware level to save RAM.
To check the system version, go to Settings → About device. Please note the build number and Android version. If you have a version lower than 7.0 installed, you won’t be able to split the screen using standard tools without flashing the device. It is also worth checking the amount of free memory RAM (RAM): for comfortable operation of two applications at the same time, it is advisable to have at least 2 GB of free memory.
Some manufacturers use their own shells, such as Hal9k, XY Auto or TopSpeedwhich may hide standard Android features. In such cases, the multitasking interface may be implemented differently or require activation through special codes. If in the standard settings menu you do not find options related to the size of applications or multi-window mode, the function is probably blocked by software.
⚠️ Attention: Attempting to install custom firmware on unfamiliar radio models may lead to loss of warranty or turning the device into a “brick”. Make sure you have the exact model of your head unit before tampering with the system.
Activating developer mode and screen settings
If the standard menu does not offer an obvious button for splitting the screen, you often need to activate hidden features through developer mode. This is standard procedure for Android devices and allows you to access advanced interface control options. On car systems, entering this mode may differ from smartphones.
Usually, to activate, you need to go to the section Settings → About device and quickly press 7-10 times on the item "Build number". After the message “You have become a developer” appears, a new section For developerswill appear in the main settings menu. This is where the keys to managing multitasking are often hidden.
Inside the developer menu, find the section related to Min Width or size display. Changing this parameter (smallest width) can force Split Screen support for applications that are not adapted to the radio screen by default. However, be careful: setting the value too small may make the interface unreadable.
Record the original "Min Width" value before changing. This will allow you to quickly return the settings to their original state if the interface becomes too small or incorrect.
This section may also contain an option Force to allow resizing of actions. Activating this switch allows you to run in split-screen mode even those applications that the developers have not optimized for this format. This is especially useful for older versions of navigators or players.
Using the standard Split Screen interface
On devices with Android version 9.0 and higher, as well as on radios with a clean interface, split screen is often available through the recent applications menu. The logic of operation is similar to smartphones, but the implementation of control buttons can be adapted for a large touch screen.
To start the mode, press the button Task menu (usually a square or three bars) to open the list of running apps. Find the icon of the desired application, for example, a navigator. On some launchers, a split screen icon (two vertical or horizontal bars) will appear above or next to the icon. Clicking on it pins the application to the top or left side of the screen.
After pinning the first application, the system will prompt you to select the second. Choose, for example, a music player or a weather widget. The screen will split into two active zones. You can change the proportions by dragging the dividing line to give more space to the map or track list.
- 📱 Click on the application icon in the task menu and select “Split screen”.
- 🔄 Select the second application from the list of recently opened or the main menu.
- ↔️ Drag the central one bar for resizing windows.
If the standard task menu does not respond to long presses or does not have split buttons, try using gestures. On some firmware, swiping from the edge of the screen or double tapping the Home button (if it is touch-sensitive) can activate the mode. Experiment with combinations, since there is no universal standard for all Chinese GIs.
☑️ Checking readiness for Split Screen
Third-party launchers and applications for multitasking
When the system has built-in capabilities limited or inconvenient, third-party solutions come to the rescue. Installing an alternative launcher is one of the most effective ways to get a full-fledged Split Screen on any Android radio. Shells such as AGAMA Car Launcher, CarWebGuru or Vividoften have built-in widgets for simultaneously displaying several functions.
However, if you want the classic split screen for any applications, you can install utilities like Split Screen Shortcut or Multi Window Manager. These apps create shortcuts on your desktop that, when launched, automatically open two apps of your choice in split mode. This bypasses the limitations of the standard interface.
The setup process is simple: download the application from Google Play or install the APK file from a flash drive. Launch the utility, select the first application (for example, maps) and the second (music). Save your profile. Now, when you click on the created widget, the system itself will expand the windows as needed.
| Application name | Solution type | Resource requirements | Configuration complexity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Split Screen Shortcut | Shortcut launch | Low | Low |
| AGAMA Car Launcher | Full launcher | Medium | Medium |
| Multi Window Manager | Management utility | Low | High |
| X-plore File Manager | Dual-panel mode | Low | Low |
It is worth noting that the use of heavy launchers can increase the load on the radio processor, which will slow down navigation. Choose lightweight versions of apps if your device has less than 2 GB of RAM.
Setting up audio during splitting
One of the common problems when using Split Screen is conflicting audio streams. When the navigation device speaks a voice prompt, the music may become too quiet or turn off completely. Correct setting of the audio channel is critical for a comfortable trip.
In most modern head units, this function is responsible Audio Focus (Audio focus). It allows you to set the priority of sounds. Go to the sound settings of your radio or specific navigation application. Find the “Mute Music” or “Duck Audio” option.
It is recommended to set the mute value to 20-30% so that the navigator's voice is heard clearly, but the background music does not disappear completely. In some systems, for example on the base Rockchip or Allwinner, these settings may be in the engineering menu Factory Settings (password entry is usually 8878, 1234 or 3368).
What to do if the sound disappears completely?
If the music turns off completely during voice prompts, check the settings in the navigator application itself. In Yandex.Navigator this is the section “Sound and notifications” → “Mute music”. Make sure the slider is not at maximum. Also try switching the audio output mode in the radio settings from “Mixing” to “Priority” or vice versa.
Also make sure that both applications are using the same audio channel. If the navigator outputs sound through the “System” channel, and music plays through the “Media” channel, they may not interact correctly. In rare cases, reassigning channels through ADB commands is required, but this is recommended only for experienced users.
Solving problems with scaling and sensor
When activating split screen, users often encounter that the application interface becomes too small or, conversely, parts of the buttons extend beyond the visible area. This is due to the system incorrectly detecting the screen resolution when switching to multi-window mode.
To correct the situation, you can use the screen density (DPI) settings. As mentioned earlier, this is done in developer mode. Select the value by trial and error: decreasing DPI makes the elements smaller, increasing it makes them larger. The optimal value for car screens with a diagonal of 9-10 inches is usually in the range of 240-320 dpi.
Another problem is the “dead zones” of the sensor in the area of the dividing strip. If you can't drag the window border, try calibrating your touch screen. Go to Settings → Screen → Calibration or use the engineering menu. Draw crosses across all corners of the screen, including application interface areas.
⚠️ Attention: Radio firmware interfaces are updated by manufacturers quite often. The location of the Calibration or Developer options may vary depending on the release date of your device. Check the documentation for your specific model if you can’t find the partition you need.
If applications crash when you try to split the screen, this is a signal of insufficient RAM. Close all background processes before running Split Screen. Also check if the device is overheating: at high temperatures, the processor may reset heavy tasks to protect components.
Stable operation of Split Screen directly depends on the amount of free RAM. Close unnecessary background applications before activating multi-window mode to prevent crashes.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to split the screen into three parts?
It is impossible to split the screen into more than two active areas using standard Android tools. However, some advanced launchers (for example CarWebGuru) allow you to create widgets that simulate the division into three zones: navigation, music and car data. For a full three-window mode, superuser rights (Root) and specific system mods are required.
Why doesn’t YouTube work in split screen?
The YouTube application blocks work in Split Screen mode under the terms of the license agreement if you do not have a Premium subscription. To get around this limitation, you can use third-party clients (for example SmartTube) or activate the "Force Allow Resizing" option in the developer menu, although in the latter case the video may not play correctly.
Does split screen affect GPS operation?
No, split screen is a function of the interface display and does not affect the operation GPS module. However, if the radio's processor is heavily loaded due to multitasking, updating the coordinates on the map may occur with a slight delay. It is recommended to close heavy applications that are not currently in use.
How to exit split-screen mode?
To exit the mode, just drag the dividing bar to the very top or bottom of the screen, thereby expanding one of the applications to the entire display. You can also press the “Home” button, which will minimize both applications, or close one of them with a cross in the window title.