Owners of modern multimedia systems are often faced with the need to use several applications simultaneously. Imagine the situation: you are driving along an unfamiliar route, and you need to see navigator on the full map, but at the same time you want to run YouTube or a music player in the background. The standard Android Auto interface often limits such capabilities, but the standard operating system of the radio allows much more.
The split-screen function, known as Split Screen, turns your device into a full-fledged multimedia center. This is not just a convenience, but a necessity for those who are used to multitasking on a smartphone. However, unlike phones, in car head units (GU) this process has its own characteristics, depending on the version Android and processor model.
In this article we will look in detail at how to activate and configure split screen, what alternative modes exist like Picture-in-Picture, and how to avoid common mistakes when configuring the system. We will touch on both software methods and the settings of the device itself.
Preparing the system and checking compatibility
Before you start setting up, you need to make sure that your device is technically ready to work in multi-window mode. Most modern radios based on Android 8.0, 9.0 and 10.0 support this function out of the box, but it can be hidden in the depths of the menu or disabled by the manufacturer to save resources.
The first step is to check the version of the operating system. Go to Settings → About phone (or About tablet) and find the line Android version. If the value is below 7.0, native split-screen support may not be available or may not work correctly. In this case, you will have to use third-party launchers.
⚠️ Attention: Installing unofficial firmware or launchers on the radio may lead to unstable operation of the touch screen or loss of warranty. You perform all actions at your own peril and risk.
It is also important to check the amount of RAM. For comfortable operation of two applications at the same time, the system requires a minimum 2 GB RAM. If you have a budget model with 1 GB of memory, the system may begin to slow down, and the background application will be constantly unloaded.
Activating developer mode to access functions
In many Chinese radios, such as Teyes, Junsun or Atouch, Advanced interface features are hidden in the developer menu. This is done to prevent inexperienced users from accidentally messing up important system settings. To access hidden parameters, you need to perform a number of actions.
Find the section in the menu Settings → About device. Find the line Build number (Build Number). You need to quickly click on it 7-10 times in a row until the “You have become a developer” notification appears. After this, a new item will appear in the main settings menu.
What to do if the password does not work?
Passwords are often required to enter the engineering menu. Popular combinations: 8888, 1234, 0000, 1617. Try entering them in the password request field if the system requires authorization.
In the menu that opens For developers pay attention to the following items:
- 🔹 Force action activity —allows applications to run in split mode, even if they are not optimized for this.
- 🔹 Minimum width (Smallest Width)—changing this parameter may affect the display of the interface in landscape mode.
- 🔹 Limiting background processes —make sure this is set to "No restrictions", otherwise the second application will constantly go to sleep.
Changing these settings requires caution. Do not change values whose meaning you do not understand, as this may lead to cyclic reboot radio.
Setting up native Split Screen on different versions of Android
The method of activating split screen directly depends on the version of the operating system installed in your head device. In older versions Android 9 Pie and lower, the algorithm of actions differs from the current ones. Android 10+.
For devices based on Android 9 and below the fast switching method is used. Open the first application (for example, a navigator). Press the "Menu" button (the square at the bottom of the screen) twice quickly or once but for a long time to open a list of running applications. An icon with two rectangles should appear above the application window - click on it.
On devices with Android 10 and later the mechanics have changed. Open the app, press and hold your finger on the Menu button (or swipe up and hold your finger in the center of the screen if gesture navigation is enabled). The screen will split into two parts, and the system will prompt you to select the second application.
If standard methods do not work, check the settings of the launcher itself. Some shells, for example CarLauncher or Zcarhave their own window settings. Look for the section Settings → Display → Split screen and activate the checkbox.
Using Picture-in-Picture (PiP) mode
An alternative to full screen splitting is the mode Picture-in-Picture (picture in picture). This is an ideal option for radios, since it does not require horizontal division of the display, which is especially important for devices with a non-standard aspect ratio.
In this mode, one application (usually a video player or navigator) runs in a floating window on top of another. To activate PiP, launch a supported application (for example YouTube Premium or Google Maps) and minimize it or press the Home button.
For this mode to work correctly, you must allow applications to display on top of other windows. Go to Settings → Applications → Special access → Display on top of other applications. Find the desired service in the list (for example, Yandex.Navigator) and turn on the switch.
| Function | Split Screen | Picture-in-Picture (PiP) | Multi-touch (Multiwindow) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Location | Order 50/50 or 70/30 | Floating window | Several windows at the same time |
| Management | Full | Limited (content only) | Full in each window |
| CPU load | High | Average | Very high |
| Best use | Navigation + Music | Video + Navigation | Professional tasks |
It is important to understand that PiP mode may not work with some video codecs or protected content due to limitations DRM.
Third-party split-screen applications
If it is not possible to activate the separation using standard means, specialized applications from the store come to the rescue Google Play. They create an artificial shell that emulates the operation of several windows.
One of the most popular solutions is the application Split Screen Launcher. It adds a widget to the desktop that allows you to select two applications that will run in split mode. Installation is simple: download the APK file, install and provide the necessary permissions.
☑️ Check before installing the launcher
Another option is to use launchers with built-in multi-window support, such as Taskbar or Floating Apps. These apps allow you to create floating windows of any size, drag them around the screen and scale them.
However, it is worth remembering about performance. Third-party applications consume additional processor resources. If your radio starts to heat up or slow down, it is better to abandon heavy launchers in favor of native functions.
Problems with orientation and scaling
One of the main problems with split screens on car radios is incorrect orientation. Since car screens often have a non-standard resolution (for example, 1024x600 or 1280x720), when split, one of the applications may end up upside down or stretched.
To fix this, you may need an orientation fixing application, for example Rotation Control. Install it, select Landscape (horizontal) mode for all applications. This will force systems to display content correctly.
⚠️ Warning: Forcing orientation changes in some system applications (such as Bluetooth or phone settings) may make the interface unreadable. Be prepared to reset the rotation settings.
The problem may also lie in DPI (pixel density). If the windows are too small, change the DPI value in the developer settings. The standard value for automotive GIs is usually 160 or 240. Increasing this number will reduce the size of interface elements, freeing up space for content.
Optimizing performance when running two applications
Running two heavy applications at the same time is stressful for automotive electronics. Processors in radio tape recorders, even modern Octa-core, often have passive cooling and can throttle (reduce frequency) when overheated.
To minimize lags, close all background processes before starting the separation mode. Use a built-in memory cleaner or an application like Greenifythat freezes unused apps.
Disable live wallpapers and heavy widgets on your desktop. This will free up up to 15% of RAM and reduce the load on the GPU.
If you use navigation and music streaming at the same time, make sure that the navigator does not use the “3D map” mode with building details unless it is absolutely necessary. Switching to the "Scheme" mode will significantly reduce the consumption of GPU resources.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Is it possible to split the screen on radios without the Internet?
Yes, the split screen function is part of the operating system Android and does not require connection to networks. However, for the initial installation of third-party launchers or map updates, you will need the Internet.
Why does sound come from only one application?
In Android there is the concept of "Audio Focus". Typically the active application captures the audio output. To hear sound from both sources (for example, the navigator speaks over music), you need to enable the “Duplicate sound” option in the navigator settings or allow audio mixing.
Does split screen affect the operation of Bluetooth and calls?
When there is an incoming call, the system prioritizes the telephone module. Windows may be minimized or blocked by the bell interface. After the conversation ends, the windows should return to their original state, but sometimes manual switching is required.
Is it safe to watch video in the lower window while driving?
From the point of view of traffic rules and safety - absolutely not. The driver should not be distracted by video content. Many radios have a video lock while on the go (Parking Brake), which users often bypass, but this poses a direct threat to life.
What to do if the screen turns black after activating Split Screen?
This means a failure of the graphics driver or launcher. Try briefly pressing the Reset button (usually a small hole on the panel) or holding down the power button for 10 seconds to force a reboot.