Multitasking is one of the key features that turns a modern smartphone into a real pocket computer. The ability to open instant messenger next to your browser or watch a video while responding to messages on social networks significantly saves time and increases productivity. However, many users still do not know how to activate this mode or encounter difficulties setting it up on different versions of the operating system.
In this article we will analyze in detail all existing methods of launching Double window on devices running Android. We'll look at standard system tools, specific features from manufacturers like Samsung and Xiaomi, and also discuss the nuances of working with applications that don't support split-screen by default. You will learn how to control the size of windows and switch between tasks without unnecessary clicks.
Standard split-screen mode in Android
Starting with Android 7.0 Nougat, the Split-screen function is built directly into the operating system. This means that most modern smartphones do not require the installation of third-party software. To activate the mode, you need to open the recent applications menu. This is usually done by swiping up from the bottom of the screen (on devices with gestures) or by pressing a special button with a square image (on devices with navigation buttons).
After the list of running apps appears, find the icon of the application that you want to pin at the top of the display. On many skins, an icon in the form of two rectangles or the logo of the application itself appears above the application preview, which you need to press and hold. In the context menu that appears, select Split screen or Split screen. After this, the selected application will occupy the upper half, and a list of other apps will appear at the bottom for selecting a second task.
The border between the two windows is movable. You can drag the dividing line up or down to change the proportions of the occupied space. This is convenient when one application needs more space to display content, for example, a map in a navigator, and the second one needs less space, as is the case with a music player. It is worth noting that not all apps support this mode correctly: some games or video players can be forced to expand to full screen.
⚠️ Attention: When using split-screen mode, RAM consumption and battery charge increase significantly. The system is forced to keep two processes active at the same time, which can lead to heating of the device body during prolonged operation.
To exit the mode, simply drag the dividing line to the very top or bottom of the screen. You can also press the Home button to minimize one of the windows, or the Back button to close the active application. In some versions of Android, swiping along the dividing bar towards closing also closes one of the windows.
Interface features on Samsung and Xiaomi
Smartphone manufacturers often modify the standard Android interface, adding their own unique features to improve multitasking. Devices from the company Samsung with the One UI shell offer one of the most advanced tools - the Edge panel. If you have a phone of this brand, you can activate the panel in the display settings by selecting Edge panel. It contains application shortcuts that can be dragged directly onto the screen, instantly creating a double window.
Smartphone users Xiaomi (MIUI and HyperOS) also have advanced features. In the settings of additional functions, the "Floating windows" item is often hidden. By activating it, you can run applications not only in a split screen, but also in the form of small floating windows that can be moved around the display. This is especially convenient for a calculator, notes or instant messengers, which should always be at hand on top of other apps.
Differences in implementation may also concern control gestures. On some Samsung models, double-tapping the recent apps button automatically launches the most recently used app in split-screen mode. While on pure Android or Motorola smartphones such a gesture may not be available. Therefore, it is important to study the specific settings menu of your device to find the fastest activation method.
On Samsung smartphones, you can save a couple of applications as a shortcut on the home screen. After the first launch in split-screen mode, click on the three dots between the windows and select “Save a couple of applications.”
Using floating windows and Picture-in-Picture
In addition to the classic split screen in half, there is a mode Picture-in-Picture (picture in picture). This feature is ideal for watching video content. When you watch a video on YouTube (with a Premium subscription) or in the browser, pressing the Home button will shrink the video into a small window and continue to play on top of other applications. You can move this window to any corner of the screen and change its size.
Floating windows (Pop-up view) are a more flexible alternative to split screen. Unlike Split-screen, where applications occupy fixed areas, a floating window can be freely moved, minimized to an icon, or closed with one touch. To enable this mode on supported devices, you will often need to open an app in split-screen mode, then press the center window control button and select the floating window icon.
Some heavy applications may not display correctly in floating mode due to resolution limitations or screen orientation requirements. If you notice that the app interface has moved or the buttons cannot be pressed, try expanding the window to full screen or closing it. Developers are gradually adapting their products to these standards, but older versions of the software may be unstable.
| Mode type | Space occupied | Ease of navigation | Application support |
|---|---|---|---|
| Split-screen | 50% of the screen (fixed) | High | Wide |
| Pop-up / Floating | Window mode (free) | Medium | Limited |
| Picture-in-Picture | Mini window (video) | High | Media only |
| Side panel | Sliding panel | High | Depends on the brand |
Settings through the developer menu
If standard methods fail to launch the desired application in split-screen mode, you can use hidden system settings. To do this, you need to activate developer mode. Go to Settings → About phone and quickly click on the item Build number about 7 times until a message about successful activation appears. After this, a new section will appear in the main settings menu For developers.
Inside this section, find the item related to forced resizing of actions. It may be called Force change the size of actions or Force activities to be resizable. Enabling this option forces the system to try to run in split-screen mode even those applications that do not officially support this feature. This may be useful for older apps or specific software.
Settings → System → For developers → Force change the size of actionsHowever, using this function carries certain risks. An application that is not adapted to work in a reduced window may freeze, crash, or display an interface with errors. Text may become unreadable and controls may become unclickable. Use this option only if absolutely necessary and be prepared for unstable operation of the software.
⚠️ Attention: Enabling functions for developers may affect the stability of the entire system. Do not change other parameters in this menu if you are not sure of their purpose, as this may lead to malfunctions of the smartphone.
☑️ Check before enabling developer mode
Third-party applications for multitasking
Owners of old devices or smartphones with heavily stripped-down shells can turn to the help of third-party developers. There are many utilities in the Google Play store that emulate the split-screen function. One of the popular solutions is the application Split Screen Shortcut. It creates a widget on the desktop, which, when clicked, opens a menu for selecting two applications to launch simultaneously.
Another option is to use launchers (desktop shells), such as Niagara Launcher or specialized solutions for tablets. Some of them have built-in algorithms for window management, allowing you to run multiple tasks in a carousel or stack. This may be more convenient than standard division, especially on screens with a diagonal of less than 6 inches, where two full windows look too small.
When installing third-party software, pay attention to the requested permissions. Window management applications often require access to Accessibility Services, which gives them complete control over what's happening on the screen. Download apps only from trusted sources and carefully read reviews from other users to avoid installing malware.
Why can’t some applications be split?
Application developers can programmatically disable work in Split-screen mode. This is often done for games to prevent cheating, or for video players due to licensing agreement restrictions (DRM).
Solving double window problems
A common problem that users encounter is the split screen button is inactive or missing. Most often this is due to the fact that the application does not support this function. Try updating the app to the latest version through the app store. If the problem persists, the developer may have intentionally disabled this option.
Another reason may be that the power saving mode is enabled. In this state, the system limits background processes and multitasking to extend battery life. Turn off power saving mode in settings and try activating split screen again. Also check if Do Not Disturb mode or special access profiles are enabled, which may block changes to the interface.
If the dual window starts, but one of the applications immediately closes or the screen is black, try clearing the cache of the problematic application. Go to Settings → Applications, select the desired app and click Clear cache. In extreme cases, rebooting the device helps, which clears temporary errors in the operating system.
If standard methods do not work, check for system and application updates. Often, support for new multitasking functions is added with security patches and software updates.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to run three applications simultaneously on one screen?
It is not possible to split the screen into more than two applications using standard Android tools. However, on some Samsung tablets and smartphones with DeX or tablet mode, you can create more complex compositions. You can also combine one application in Split-screen mode and a second one as a floating window on top of them.
Why does the keyboard overlap the bottom application in a split screen?
This is a common interface problem. When you type in the bottom window, the keyboard takes up a significant portion of the available space, shrinking the app's display area. The solution may be to use a floating keyboard (if supported by the shell) or temporarily increase the size of the bottom window.
Does dual window work in games?
Most modern mobile games lock split-screen mode to ensure complete immersion and prevent the use of third-party tools. However, some simple games or emulators can work in this mode if you enable forced resizing in the developer menu.
How to save a pair of applications for quick launch?
On Samsung devices, after activating two applications in split-screen mode, click on the icon with three dots on the dividing bar and select the option to save the pair. A shortcut will appear on the main screen, allowing you to launch this combination with one touch in the future.