Accidentally starting multitasking mode is one of the most common situations faced by users of modern smartphones. You just wanted to open one application, but instead the screen split into two parts, and now it’s not clear how to get everything back. This feature is useful for productivity, but when it is activated accidentally, it causes irritation and confusion in controlling the device.
Fortunately, exiting this mode is very simple, and there are several universal methods that work on most versions. Android. In this article, we will look in detail at how to remove the split screen on Android, consider the features of interfaces from different manufacturers, such as Samsung and Xiaomi, and also solve the problem if the mode is frozen and cannot be turned off using standard methods.
Regardless of the model of your gadget, be it a budget device or a flagship, the logic of the system remains the same similar. We have prepared step-by-step guide, checklists and answers to frequently asked questions so that you can instantly solve this problem and continue comfortable use of your smartphone.
Universal method of closing through the app menu
The most reliable and understandable method of deactivating Split Screen mode is to use the standard multitasking menu. This method works on “pure” Android, as well as on shells One UI i MIUI. You need to bring up the list of running applications to access window management.
Click the Recent Applications button (usually a square or three vertical bars at the bottom of the screen). In the list that opens, you will see two active windows separated by a horizontal or vertical line. Find the application icon located directly above the app window or on the dividing strip.
Click on this icon or the application icon. A pop-up menu with several options will appear in front of you. Among them will be the options “Close”, “Expand” or a cross to complete the work. Selecting any of these items will cause one of the applications to close and the second to take up the entire screen.
- 📱 Click the “Recent Applications Menu” button in the navigation bar.
- 👆 Tap the application icon above the split window.
- ❌ Select the “Close” or “Maximize to Full” option screen."
It is important to note that in some firmware versions the interface may differ slightly. For example, on older versions Android you had to drag the dividing line to the very edge of the screen. However, in modern builds of the system, the manufacturer has simplified this process by making control more intuitive through the context menu.
If you use gesture navigation instead of buttons, swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen and hold your finger in the center to open the recent applications menu.
Control through the dividing line
An alternative method, which does not require opening additional menus, consists of direct interaction with the dividing border between windows. This method is especially convenient when you need to quickly minimize one of the applications without closing it completely, or completely exit multitasking mode in one motion.
In the middle of the screen, you will see a dark or light bar that separates the two active applications. This is dividing line. Press and hold it for a second until you feel a slight vibration or visual response from the system. After that, without lifting your finger, drag the line to the very top or bottom edge of the display.
When you move the separator to the edge, one of the applications will automatically close, and the remaining one will expand to the entire screen area. If you drag the line up, the bottom application will close; if down - top. This method works on almost all devices that support the function Split Screen.
⚠️ Attention: On some smartphone models with a small screen (less than 6 inches), the system may block the ability to drag the separator if one of the applications is not optimized to work in a reduced window. In this case, use the recent tasks menu.
There is a nuance for tablets and folding smartphones, such as Samsung Galaxy Fold or Z Flip. On these devices, the dividing line may be wider and the capture area larger. If you can’t “catch” the line with your finger, try swiping from the center of the divider towards the edge of the screen with a sharper movement.
☑️ Checking the functionality of the divider
Disablement features on Samsung smartphones
The company's devices Samsung work on the basis of the proprietary shell One UI, which has its own unique features for managing multitasking. Users often get confused in the interface, as there are additional gestures and settings that are not in the stock one. To exit the split screen on Android.
To exit split screen to Samsung, find the small gray stripe in the center of the dividing line. There are three dots on this strip. Click on these dots to expand the window control menu. In the list that appears, select “Close app” or the cross icon.
Also on devices Samsung the quick exit function via swipe works. If you press hard on the dividing line (using the function Force Touch on supported models) or simply drag across it sharply, the mode may deactivate. However, the software method through the three dots menu is the most stable.
| Samsung model | Menu location | Action to exit |
|---|---|---|
| Galaxy S21-S24 | Three dots on the strip | Click “Close” |
| Galaxy A series | Application icon on top | Select “Expand” |
| Galaxy Fold/Flip | Central panel | Swipe down/up |
| Old models (S8-S10) | Drag a line | Drag to the edge of the screen |
It is worth paying attention to the “Split View” setting in the display options. If this feature is enabled, the system may prompt you to launch a second application when you minimize the first one. To completely disable this feature, go to Settings → Display → Split View and deactivate the switch.
Specifics of work on Xiaomi and Redmi
Shell MIUI (and new HyperOS) from the company Xiaomi offers its own approach to organizing screen space. Vertical division of windows is often used here, especially on devices with a large display, which can be confusing for users accustomed to horizontal division.
To exit the mode, find the thin strip between applications. Unlike other brands, here sometimes you need to click not on the icon, but on the bar itself to bring up the menu. If pressing does not work, try making a long tap on the application icon at the top of one of the windows. Xiaomi look for a thin line between applications. Unlike other brands, here sometimes you need to click not on the icon, but on the bar itself to bring up the menu. If pressing does not work, try making a long tap on the application icon at the top of one of the windows.
In some versions MIUI there is a hidden setting that allows you to pin the application in split-screen mode. If you can't close a window, it may be docked. To unlock the lock, click on the lock icon in the window control menu, after which standard closing will become available.
⚠️ Attention: On devices Xiaomi with a small amount of RAM, the system may automatically close one of the applications in split-screen mode when there is a lack of resources. This is normal behavior and not an error.
If you have difficulty operating it, check your system version. In older builds MIUI 11-12 the multitasking algorithms were different from modern ones. In this case, it is recommended to update the firmware to the latest version through the menu About phone → MIUI version.
Why does split screen not work on Xiaomi?
The split screen function on Xiaomi devices is not available for all applications. Firmware developers limit the operation of the mode for apps that are not adapted for multi-window, for example, some games or banking applications with a high level of security.
What to do if the mode is frozen and does not turn off
Sometimes a software glitch causes the split screen to “freeze”: the dividing line does not move, the menu does not open, and the buttons do not respond to pressing. In such a situation, standard exit methods do not work, and more radical measures must be taken to restore the functionality of the interface.
First of all, try to force a reboot of the device. Press and hold the power button for 10-15 seconds until the screen goes dark and the manufacturer's logo appears. This action will interrupt all ongoing processes, including the stuck multitasking process, and return the phone to normal state.
If a reboot does not help or the problem recurs with enviable regularity, the conflict may be caused by a specific application. Try to remember which apps were open at the time of the freeze. Go to Settings → Applications, find a suspicious app and clear its cache.
- 🔄 Force reboot your smartphone (10 sec power button).
- 🗑️ Clear the cache of the problematic application in the settings.
- 📉 Disable animations in developer mode if the problem is in the graphics.
In rare cases, the system launcher may be the culprit. If all else fails, reset the launcher to factory settings. This will not delete your data, but will return the arrangement of icons and desktop settings to their original form, which often eliminates interface glitches.
Forced reboot is the most effective solution for one-time interface freezes, as it completely clears the RAM of erroneous processes.
How to completely disable the split screen function
If you do not use multitasking mode at all and constantly activate it by accident, the logical solution would be to completely disable this function in the system settings. This will prevent accidental screen splitting in the future and will make navigation easier.
The path to disabling varies by manufacturer. On a “pure” basis Android this function is usually built into the system and does not have a separate switch, but it can be limited through the developer settings. On shells like One UI or ColorOS there is often a direct toggle switch.
Go to Settings → Accessibility or Settings → Display. Look for an item called "Split Screen", "Multi-window" or "Floating Windows". Turn the switch to the "Off" position. After that, when you try to activate the mode by swiping or through the recent tasks menu, the system will ignore the command.
⚠️ Attention: Disabling the function may affect the operation of some widgets and pop-up windows of instant messengers. If you notice strange behavior in other applications, return the setting to its original state.
For advanced users, it is possible to disable it via ADB (Android Debug Bridge). By connecting your phone to your computer, you can enter a command that will hide multi-window support at the system level. However, this method requires skills and is not recommended for ordinary users due to the risk of compromising the stability of the OS.
Before completely disabling the function, just try to be more careful when swiping. Often the problem is solved by changing the habit of holding the phone so as not to touch the bottom of the screen with your palm.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why is the split-screen button inactive (gray)?
This means that one of the applications you selected does not support multitasking mode. The app developer may have disabled this feature in the code, or the app may require certain permissions that conflict with split screen. Try replacing one of the windows with another app.
Is it possible to change the size of windows in a split screen?
Yes, this is the main function of the mode. Touch and hold the dividing line between applications, then drag it up or down (left or right on tablets) to change the proportions of space taken up by each application.
Does the sound in one of the applications disappear when you split the screen?
Typically, the system Android allows you to play sound in only one active one window that has focus, or mixes sounds. If you launched a video in two windows at the same time, most likely, the sound will only be in the window you launched last, or in the top window.
How to save a pair of applications for quick launch in a split screen?
In the recent tasks menu on many smartphones (for example, Samsungthere is a “Save in pair” function). After setting up two windows, click on the menu (three dots) and select that option. A shortcut for running these two apps simultaneously will appear on the desktop.
Does split-screen mode affect battery consumption?
Yes, running two active applications at the same time requires more processor resources and RAM, which leads to faster battery drain. In addition, the screen operates at maximum brightness for two zones, which also increases power consumption.