Multitasking on smartphones has long ceased to be a luxury - now it is a necessity. Imagine: you are chatting in messenger and at the same time checking your schedule in the browser, or copying data from Google Sheets directly into a document Word. All this is possible thanks to the function split screen (split-screen) on Android. But how do you turn it on if there's no obvious button on your device? And why does this mode work differently on some phones than on others?

In this article we will look at all the ways to activate multi-window mode - from standard tools to hidden tricks for older versions. Android. You'll learn which apps support split screen, how to resize windows, and what to do if the feature suddenly disappears after an update. We will also compare the implementation of multi-window on Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei and "pure" Android —because there is a difference, and it is significant.

Spoiler: on some devices, one gesture is enough to enable the mode, while on others you will have to delve into the settings. But in any case, you can set up two active windows in less than 5 minutes - if you follow our instructions.

1. Standard method: how to enable split screen on any Android

On most modern smartphones (starting from Android 7.0 Nougat), the multi-window function is built into the system. Here is a universal algorithm that will work on 90% of devices:

  1. Open the first application that you want to pin to half the screen.

  2. Click on square (the "Recent Apps" button) in the bottom navigation bar. If you have gesture control, swipe your finger up from the bottom edge of the screen and hold for a second.

  3. In the list of recent applications, find the card of the desired application and hold it (on some firmware - tap on the application icon at the top of the card).

  4. In the menu that appears, select the item Open at the top of the screen or Split screen (the name may vary).

  5. Select the second application from the list of recent ones or through the main menu.

Done! Now two windows are displayed on the screen simultaneously. There will be a dividing strip between them - pull it to change the proportions of the windows (for example, make one wider than the other).

☑️ Check before enabling multi-window

Done: 0 / 3
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If the Split Screen button does not appear, try first opening both applications in normal mode, and then repeat the steps.

On some firmware (for example, Xiaomi MIUI) instead of holding cards, you need to click on three dots in the upper right corner of the application card and select Split screen. And on Samsung One UI, just pull the card up - a hint will appear Drag here to split screen.

2. Alternative methods: if the standard method does not work

What to do if your Android does not support split screen out of the box? Or is there a function, but it’s unstable? Here are some workarounds:

Method 1: Using Freeform mode (Android 12+)

Starting in Android 12, Google added an experimental mode Free formthat allows you to place windows of any size (not just 50/50). To activate it:

  1. Enable Developer options: go to Settings → About phone → Build number and tap on it 7 times.

  2. Go back to Settings → System → For developers.

  3. Find the option Enable free form for multi-window (or Enable freeform windows) and activate it.

  4. Reboot the device.

Now, when you hold down the application card, an additional item will appear in the recent menu Open in free form.

Method 2: Applications for forced multi-window

If your version Android is outdated (below 7.0) or the manufacturer has disabled the function, you can use third-party utilities. The best options:

  • 🔹 Split Screen Launcher — creates shortcuts for launching pairs of applications in split mode.
  • 🔹 Multi Window Mode — works on devices with root access, allows you to flexibly customize window sizes.
  • 🔹 Floating Apps — opens applications in floating windows (like on Samsung DeX).
📊 Which Do you use the multi-window method more often?
Standard split screen
Free form (Android 12+)
Application side
I don’t use

⚠️ Attention: Applications for forced multi-window may conflict with system processes. Before installation, check reviews and ratings Google Play —some utilities require ADB commands or root access.

3. Features of multi-window on different firmware

Smartphone manufacturers often modify the standard one Android, adding their own features (or, conversely, removing them). brands.

Firmware / Brand How to enable multi-window Features Limitations
Samsung One UI Hold the application card in the recent menu and select Open at the top of the screen. Support floats (floating windows), a gesture for quickly switching between pairs of windows. Some applications (for example, Instagram) block split mode.
Xiaomi MIUI Tap on the application icon in the recent menu → Split screen. There is a mode Small window for floating applications (for example, for YouTube). On older versions of MIUI (below 12) may not work with games.
Huawei EMUI Swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen and hold the application card. Support three windows simultaneously (on some models). The function may not be available on budget models (Huawei Y-series).
Google Pixel (pure Android) Hold the application icon in the recent menu → Split screen. Minimalistic interface, no unnecessary options. No support for floating windows without third-party applications.

On Samsung i Huawei there are additional features: for example, you can save frequently used application pairs in Favorites or quickly switch between them by swiping along the dividing line. And on Xiaomi in the multi-window settings (Settings → Special features → Split screen) you can enable automatic screen rotation only for split mode.

Why are there no multi-windows on some phones?

Manufacturers can disable the function on devices with a small amount of RAM (less than 3 GB) or on budget models to save resources. Also, split screen may not be available on custom firmware (for example, LineageOS without). Gapps).

4. Which applications support split screen?

Theoretically, any application can be opened in multi-window mode. But in practice, many services (especially social networks and instant messengers) block This is what you need to know:

  • ✅ Almost always work: Google Chrome, YouTube (in the background), Google Docs/Sheets, Telegram, VLC, File manager.
  • ⚠️ Work with restrictions: WhatsApp (only chats, not camera), Instagram (no Stories in divided mode), TikTok (video pauses).
  • ❌ Do not work: most games (due to protection against cheats), some banking applications (SberBank Online, Tinkoff), Netflix (blocks playback).

If the application refuses to open in split mode, try:

  1. Update it to the latest version.

  2. Clear cache (Settings → Applications → [name] → Memory → Clear cache).

  3. Use mode Free form (if available).

Important: some applications (for example, 1C or AutoCAD) technically support multi-window, but may slow down due to high CPU load. In this case, it is better to use a tablet or PC.

5. How to resize and manage windows

After activating the split screen, you will see between the windows dividing strip (usually gray or blue). data-i="181">divider bar

  • 🔄 Change aspect ratio: drag the bar up or down so that one window takes up 25%, 50% or 75% of the screen.
  • 🔀 Swap windows: to Samsung i Huawei you can tap on the strip twice or pull it to the side. On a clean one Android you will have to close one window and open it again.
  • 🗑️ Close one window: swipe down from the top edge of the window (as when closing an application normally) or tap on the cross on the separator bar.
  • 🔒 Pin a window: on some firmware you can lock one of the windows so as not to accidentally close it (the option appears when you long press the separating bar).

On Samsung Galaxy s One UI 5.0+ there is a hidden trick: if you pull the dividing bar towards the left or right edge screen, one of the windows will collapse into floating window (as on DeXThis is convenient for quick access to the messenger or). calculator.

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On devices with AMOLED screens long-term use of the split mode can lead to uneven wear of the matrix (burn-in). windows.

6. Solving problems: the multi-window does not work or has disappeared

If the split screen suddenly stopped working, here are the most common reasons and ways to solve them:

Problem Possible reason Solution
There is no "Split screen" button in the recent menu The function is disabled in the settings or not supported by the firmware Check Settings → Accessibility → Multi-window or update Android
The application does not open in split mode The application is blocking the multi-window or requires an update Try Clear data applications or use Free form
Windows slow down or close themselves Lack of RAM or conflict with others processes Close background applications or restart the phone
Split screen disappears after update The manufacturer has disabled the function in the new firmware version Check the settings or roll back to the previous version of the software

⚠️ Attention: If the multi-window stops working after the update Android, this may be due to the manufacturer's policy. For example, Xiaomi limited split screen for applications with high memory consumption. In this case, only rolling back the firmware or using third-party utilities will help (see MIUI 14 limited split screen for applications with high memory consumption. In this case, only rolling back the firmware or using third-party utilities will help (see. Section 2).

If none of the methods helped, check if your device has energy saving mode or battery optimization for system processes These functions may block background work. multi-window.

7. Advanced features: multi-window for professionals

Split screen is not only two windows on the screen On some devices you can squeeze out the function. maximum:

  • 🖥️ DeX mode (Samsung): Connect your phone to the monitor via USB-C → HDMI and use a multi-window on a large screen with mouse and keyboard support. Applications will open in separate windows, like on a PC.
  • 🎮 Games + chat: On ASUS ROG Phone and Black Shark you can launch the game in the main window, and open a floating window on top Discord or Telegram to communicate with the team.
  • 📱 Two phones in one: On Huawei s EMUI 11+ there is a function Multi-screenthat allows you to connect a second smartphone via Wi-Fi Direct and manage it in a separate window.
  • 🔄 Quick switching: On OnePlus s OxygenOS you can assign a gesture (for example, swipe down with three fingers) to instantly open the last pair of applications in split mode.

For developers and enthusiasts, there is another life hack: using ADB commands you can force multi-window for any applications, even if they block this function. To do this:

  1. Connect your phone to the PC and activate USB Debugging.

  2. Enter the command:

    adb shell settings put global force_resizeable_activities 1

  3. Reboot the device.

Now even Instagram or TikTok will open in split mode (although not always correct).

8. Multi-window on Android tablets: what you need to know

On tablets (for example, Samsung Galaxy Tab, Lenovo Tab or Xiaomi Pad) split screen works differently than on smartphones:

  • 📏 Flexible proportions: Windows can be divided not only vertically, but also horizontally (for example, the browser on top, the keyboard on the bottom).
  • 🔄 Drag and drop content: On Samsung you can drag text or images from one window to another (for example, from Gallery to Messages).
  • 🖼️ Floating panels: Some firmware allows you to dock a window on top of others (like on iPad s Stage Manager).
  • ⚡ Performance: On tablets with 6+ GB RAM multi-window works more stable than on smartphones.

⚠️ Attention: On tablets with Android 12L (optimized version for large screens), the split screen can be automatically activated when the device is rotated to landscape orientation. If this interferes, disable the option in Settings → Display → Large screen mode.

For owners Samsung Galaxy Tab there is a bonus: in mode DeX you can open up to five windows at the same time (three main + two floating). This turns the tablet into a full-fledged workstation.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to enable multi-window on Android 6.0 and below?

On devices with Android 6.0 Marshmallow and older, split screen is not officially supported. However, you can try:

  1. Use custom firmware (for example, LineageOS with a patch for multi-window).

  2. Install the application Multi Window Mode (requires root).

  3. Connect to the device via Vysor and emulate a multi-window on a PC.

Please note that on older devices with 1-2 GB of RAM, split screen will be very slow.

Why do some applications not open in split mode?

The reasons may be different:

  • 🔒 The application clearly blocks the multi-window (for example, Netflix or banking services due to security).
  • 📱 The manufacturer has disabled support for specific applications (often found on Xiaomi i Huawei).
  • 🐞 A bug in the firmware - try updating your phone or clearing the application cache.

Workaround: use mode Free form (if available) or third-party utilities like Floating Apps.

How to make three windows on the screen?

Three windows at the same time support only some firmware:

  • Huawei EMUI 11+: Activate the mode in Settings → Smart assistant → Multi-window.
  • Samsung One UI 4.0+: In DeX mode, you can open three windows (two main + one floating).
  • Android 12L: On tablets, up to 4 windows are supported (need to be enabled in the settings for developers).

On most smartphones, three windows cannot be opened - a limitation systems.

Is it possible to use a multi-window in games?

Technically yes, but with reservations:

  • ✅ Works with turn-based games (for example, Moves and moves or Civilization).
  • ⚠️ Partially works with MOBA (for example, Mobile Legends), but the controls become inconvenient.
  • ❌ Doesn't work with shooters (PUBG, Call of Duty) - the game either closes or the window turns black.

For streamers: on Samsung you can launch the game in the main window and open the floating one on top window Twitch or YouTube for broadcasting.

How to disable split screen if it turns on by itself?

If the multi-window is activated accidentally (for example, when swiping across the screen), check:

  1. Not enabled Is there a mode Gestures for multi-window in the settings (Samsung and OnePlus).

  2. Does any application conflict with the system (for example, launchers like Nova Launcher sometimes crash settings).

  3. Is the option activated Automatic screen rotation for multi-window only (Xiaomi).

To completely disable the function, go to Settings → Special features → Multi-window and deactivate the slider.