Multitasking is one of the key advantages of a modern mobile operating system. Users often need to use multiple applications at the same time, for example, chatting while watching a video or copying information from the browser into notes. In version Android 10 Google has significantly improved gesture navigation and window management, making the split-screen function more accessible, but at the same time less obvious for those who are accustomed to classic buttons.
Activating split-screen mode allows you to effectively use the display space of large-diagonal smartphones. However, the setup interface may vary depending on the device manufacturer, be it Samsung, Xiaomi or OnePlus. In this guide, we will take a detailed look at standard activation methods, working with hidden developer settings, and ways to solve common problems when an application refuses to launch in a window.
To get started, make sure that your device is updated to the latest available firmware version. Although the basic functionality is the same for the entire ecosystem, manufacturers often add their own shells, such as One UI or MIUIthat can change the location of controls. Understanding the general principles of windowed mode will help you adapt to any interface.
The standard method of activation is through the recent applications menu
The most common and intuitive method of enabling multitasking is available through the recent applications menu. This method works on most devices out of the box without the need to change system settings. You need to open the application that you want to pin to the top or left side of the screen, and then minimize it without closing it completely.
Next you need to bring up the multitasking menu. On smartphones with classic navigation, this is done by pressing the square button in the lower control unit. If you use gesture controls, you need to swipe up from the bottom and hold your finger in the center of the screen for a split second. In the list that opens, find the card of the desired application.
Click on the application icon located directly above its name or preview. In the context menu that appears, select Split screen or Split screen. After this, the selected application will occupy the upper half of the display, and a list of other running apps will appear at the bottom for selecting a second window.
- 📱 Click on the application icon in the recent tasks menu to open the context menu.
- 🖥️ Select the split screen option to capture the first windows.
- 👆 Tap the second application in the lower area to complete the setup.
- ↔️ Drag the black bar between windows to change their size.
☑️ Checking readiness for split screen
It is worth noting that not all apps support this function. Developers can programmatically prevent their software from running in windowed mode if the application interface is not adapted for small resolutions. In such cases, the menu item will be inactive or missing.
Using gestures for quick switching
For users who value speed and convenience, the system Android 10 offers an alternative method of managing windows using gestures. This approach allows you not to go to the multitasking menu, but to perform the action directly from the running application. The method is especially convenient on devices with large screens, where one-handed operation can be difficult.
To activate the mode in this way, open the first application and swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen, simulating returning to the desktop, but do not release your finger immediately. Hold your finger on the edge of the screen or use a special movement depending on the launcher. On some shells, for example One UI from Samsung, you just need to drag the application from the recent tasks menu up or down.
Gesture control requires some skill. If you accidentally release your finger too early, the app will simply crash. If you delay it too long, the voice assistant may work. Practice will help you find the ideal rhythm of movements for your smartphone model. Google Assistant. Practice will help you find the ideal rhythm of movements for your smartphone model.
⚠️ Attention: On devices with custom firmware, the logic of gestures may differ from the stock one Android. If standard swipes do not work, check the gesture settings in the system section.
To quickly resize windows, press and hold the black separating bar between applications, then drag it to the desired side.
After successful separation, you can swap applications. To do this, click on the three dots or the special exchange icon located on the dividing strip and select the “Swap applications” action. This is useful if you need the keyboard or instant messenger to be in a more convenient access area.
Setting through the menu for developers
Sometimes standard methods do not work, or the user needs to force launch an application that does not support multitasking. In this case, hidden system settings come to the rescue. The developer menu contains options that allow you to flexibly control the behavior of windows and force split-screen support.
To access this section, you must first activate developer mode. Go to Settings → About phone and find the item Build number. Click on it quickly seven times in a row until a message appears indicating that you have become a developer. After this, a new section will appear in the main settings menu System → For developers.
Inside the menu, find a category related to applications or multitasking. We are interested in the option Force Allow Resizing (Force resizable activities). Activating this switch will force the system to ignore the restrictions of application developers and allow them to be launched in split-screen mode.
Settings → For Developers → Force Allow ResizingUsing this function may lead to incorrect display of the interface of some apps. Buttons may collide with each other, and the text may become unreadable. Use this option only if absolutely necessary and test each application separately.
What to do if the phone freezes after enabling the option?
If the device starts to become unstable, simply disable the “Force allow resizing” option in the developer menu. If access to the menu is lost, reboot the device into safe mode by holding down the power button when the logo appears.
Features of working on smartphones of different brands
Although the core of the system is the same, electronics manufacturers make their own adjustments to the user experience. Understanding these differences will help avoid confusion when finding the right buttons. Below is a table showing the differences in the implementation of the function on popular devices.
| Brand / Shell | Activation method | Interface features |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung (One UI) | Application icon in the task menu | Support for launching up to 3 applications simultaneously |
| Xiaomi (MIUI) | Long press on the "Menu" button | Ability to pin windows in memory |
| Pixel (Stock Android) | Swipe and hold icons | Minimalistic interface without unnecessary buttons |
| OnePlus (OxygenOS) | Swipe up from the menu button | Quickly switch between split profiles |
On devices Samsung a unique function of pop-up windows has been implemented, which allows you to launch applications in floating mode on top of the split screen. This creates a truly multi-layered multitasking system. At the same time, pure Android on Pixel focuses on simplicity and speed of switching.
It is important to know that on some models of the budget segment the split-screen function can be software disabled by the manufacturer due to lack of RAM. If you do not find the corresponding items in the menu, check the technical specifications of your device.
Solving problems with incompatible applications
A common situation is refusal of a popular service to work in split-screen mode. This usually applies to video players, banking applications, or games that require complete immersion. The system blocks window resizing to preserve the integrity of the user experience or to ensure data security.
If your application is critical to multitasking, you can try workarounds. Some file managers and launchers allow you to create shortcuts to launch apps in forced windowed mode. There are also third-party utilities from the store Google Play, which emulate the operation of a second screen.
- 🚫 The application closes when you try to split - check the developer settings.
- 📉 The interface looks broken - try changing the screen orientation to landscape.
- 🔒 The banking application does not start - This is a security measure and is difficult to bypass.
- 🎮 The game is minimized - most games do not support multitasking.
In the case of video content, the “Picture in Picture” function often helps. It allows you to display video in a small floating window, leaving the main screen free for other tasks. This is not exactly a split screen, but solves the same problem of parallel content consumption.
⚠️ Warning: Forcing banking applications to run in windowed mode may violate security protocols. Be careful when entering sensitive data in a reduced window.
If an application does not support split-screen natively, use Picture-in-Picture mode for video or third-party launchers to emulate windows.
Power and performance management in multitasking mode
The simultaneous operation of two active applications creates increased load on the processor and RAM of the device. In Android 10 algorithms for resource distribution have been improved, but the user should understand the principles of operation of the system in this mode. Background processes can be limited to keep the foreground running smoothly.
Battery consumption increases when you actively use split screen. The system is forced to keep two interfaces active, update content in both windows, and process data input. If you notice a rapid drain, check to see if heavy applications, such as navigation or games, are running in the background.
To optimize performance, you can limit the background activity of a second application. Go to the battery settings and select the power saving mode for the specific app running in the lower window. This will save charge while leaving the functionality available.
Why does the phone heat up when the screen is split?
Heating is caused by the simultaneous operation of two graphical interfaces and data processors. This is a normal system reaction under high load, but if the device gets too hot, close one of the applications.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why is there no Split Screen button on my phone?
The missing button can be due to several reasons: Outdated version of Android (below 7.0), features of the manufacturer's shell, which hides this function in another menu, or lack of RAM. Check for system updates.
Is it possible to run three applications simultaneously on Android 10?
Normal, the system supports only two active windows. However, on Samsung devices with One UI, there is a Pop-up View feature that allows you to open additional floating windows on top of two main applications.
How to exit split-screen mode?
To exit, drag the black dividing bar to the very top or bottom of the screen. You can also press the Home button or the recent applications button, which will minimize both windows to the task menu.
Does split screen affect Internet speed?
No, split screen is an interface feature. However, if both applications actively use the network (for example, downloading a file and streaming a video), the total speed may be shared between them depending on the settings of the router and operator.
Is it possible to swap applications in a split screen?
Yes, it is possible. Click on the central split bar (usually there are three dots or arrows there) and select the option to swap apps. This is convenient for changing the host application.