How to split the screen on Android: two windows at the same time

Multitasking on Android has long ceased to be an exclusive feature of flagships. Today, even budget smartphones support the split screenmode, allowing you to simultaneously work with two applications - for example, chat in messenger and watch videos, or copy data from one document to another. But not all users know how to correctly activate this mode and what hidden features it opens.

In this article you will find step-by-step guide for all popular manufacturers (Samsung, Xiaomi, Google Pixel, OnePlus and others), and also we will deal with floating windows (Picture-in-Picture), which work differently than the classic split screen. We will separately dwell on typical errors due to which the function may not launch, and give tips on optimizing performance when working with several applications simultaneously.

What is dual-window mode on Android and why do you need it

Mode split screen (split-screen) allows you to run two applications simultaneously, dividing the display into two parts. The top and bottom areas work independently: you can scroll the feed in Instagramwhile open Google Docs or maps in another part of the screen. This function is especially useful for:

• 📱 Multimedia: watching video on YouTube and simultaneously reading comments in Telegram.
• 📊 Works: compare data from two tables Excel or copy text between documents.
• 🗺️ Navigation: follow the route in Google Mapswithout closing the messenger with the driver.
• 🎮 Games: stream gameplay in Twitch, while simultaneously watching the chat.

Separately worth mentioning is the mode Picture-in-Picture (PiP) —this is not a full screen split, but a “floating” window (usually for video), which remains on top of other applications. PiP is supported YouTube Premium, Google Maps (for navigation), VLC and some instant messengers (for example, video calls in WhatsApp).

It is important to understand that not all applications support multitasking. For example, many games and banking apps block work in split mode for reasons security or performanceIf, when you try to open the second window, you see the message "Application". does not support split screen", this limitation is imposed by the developer.

How to enable two windows on Android: a universal method

Most modern smartphones Android 7.0+ support the standard method of activating the split screen via recent applications menu. The instructions are suitable for "pure" Android (for example, Google Pixel, Motorola, Nokiaand many other brands:

1. Open the first application that you want to pin at the top of the screen.
2. Click on square button (or swipe up from the bottom and hold your finger to open the multitasking menu).
3. In the list of recent applications, find application icon (at the top of the card) and click on it.
4. In the menu that appears, select Split screen (or Open in split view).
5. The bottom of the screen will show a list of other applications - select the second.
6. Adjust the border between the windows, by dragging separator bar up or down.

If you Android 12+, the interface may be slightly different: instead of clicking on the application icon, you will need to hold card in the multitasking menu and select Split screen in the context menu.

On some devices (for example, Samsung Galaxy s shell One UI) instead of the standard menu, it will appear toolbar with the "Two windows" button. If there is no such button, check the system settings - the function may be disabled.

Features of multitasking on smartphones of different brands

Manufacturers often modify standard Android by adding their own multitasking functions. Below - key differences for popular brands:

Brand	How to enable	Additional features	Limitations
Samsung (One UI)	Hold the application icon in the multitasking menu → "Open as a pop-up window" or "Two windows"	Floating windows (Pop-up View), saving pairs applications	Does not work with some games and banking applications
Xiaomi (MIUI)	Swipe up for the application menu → hold the icon → "Split screen"	Horizontal division, gestures for quick switching	On budget models it may slow down
Google Pixel	Standard method (see section above)	Integration with Google Assistant for voice control	No floating windows (PiP only)
OnePlus (OxygenOS)	Multitasking menu → swipe down on the application card	Gesture support, saving layouts	No official support on older models (OnePlus 3/3T)

On Huawei i Honor (EMUI) to activate split screen you need hold "Recents" button (square) for 1-2 seconds. After this, the top application will be “fixed”, and the lower part of the screen will display a list of compatible apps.

On some devices (for example, Sony Xperia) the function is called Multi Window and requires prior activation in the settings (System → Advanced → Multitasking).

Floating windows (Pop-up View) - an alternative to split screen

If you do not need a full screen split, but only need small window on top of the main application (for example, for video or chat), use the Pop-up Viewmode. It is available on smartphones Samsung, Xiaomi and some other brands.

How to enable a floating window on Samsung Galaxy:

1. Open the application (for example, YouTube or Google Maps).
2. Click on ellipsis (⋮) in the upper right corner or swipe diagonally from the corner of the screen inward (gesture).
3. Select Open as a pop-up window.
4. The window will shrink and float on top of other applications. It can be moved, resized and minimized to the corner of the screen.

On Xiaomi (MIUI) to activate Pop-up View:

1. Open the multitasking menu (swipe up).
2. Hold the application icon and select Floating window.
3. The window will appear on top of the current interface. To minimize it, drag the top border to the edge of the screen.

How to bring back the floating window if it disappeared?

On Samsung swipe inward from the right or left edge of the screen (a panel with minimized windows will appear). On Xiaomi double-tap the application icon in the dock.

Floating windows are convenient for:

• 🎥 Watching videos while working with other applications.
• 🗣️ Video calls in WhatsApp or Zoom in parallel with notes.
• 📍 Navigation in Google Maps, when you need to check messages at the same time.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware, floating windows can close when the screen is locked. To avoid this, add the application to the "Battery optimization exceptions" list (Settings → Battery → Battery optimization).

Why dual window mode does not work and how to fix it

If nothing happens when you try to split the screen happens, check the following points:

1. Android version: The function is only available on Android 7.0 Nougat and newer. Check the version in Settings → About phone.
2. Application compatibility: Some apps (for example, Netflix, TikTok, banking applications) block multitasking.
3. Manufacturer settings: On Xiaomi i Huawei the function can be disabled in Settings → Advanced → Multitasking.
4. Navigation gestures: If you use full screen gestures (without buttons), try temporarily switching to three-button navigation (Settings → System → Gestures).
5. Battery optimization: Android can force close background applications (Settings → Battery → Battery optimization).

If the problem persists, try reset settings multitasking:

1. Go to Settings → Applications.
2. Click on the ellipsis (⋮) and select Reset application settings.
3. Confirm the action and restart the device.

⚠️ Attention: On some devices Samsung after updating to One UI 5/6 the "Two Windows" function may disappear from menu. In this case, try holding your finger dividing line between the windows - the control panel will appear.

How to save pairs of applications for quick access

If you often use the same combinations of applications (for example, Chrome + Notes), you can save them as pairs, so as not to configure the split screen each time. This function is available on most smartphones with manufacturer's shells.

On Samsung Galaxy:

1. Open two applications in split screen mode.
2. Click on grey separating bar between the windows.
3. Select the icon Save pair (or Add to Edge Panel).
4. Next time the pair will be available in the side panel (Edge Panel), which can be called up by swiping from the edge of the screen.

On Xiaomi (MIUI):

1. Split the screen and set up windows.
2. Click on ellipsis (⋮) in the dividing bar.
3. Select Save combination.
4. To open a saved pair, hold the icon any application in the multitasking menu and select Open saved combination.

On "pure" Android (for example, Google Pixel), saving pairs of applications is not supported natively, but you can use third-party utilities like Split Screen Launcher or Taskbar (required developer rights).

Optimizing performance when working with two windows

Simultaneous operation of two applications loads the processor and RAMwhich can lead to slowdowns, especially on budget smartphones. To minimize problems:

• 🔋 Close background applications: Before starting multitasking, clear the memory through the multitasking menu.
• ⚡ Connect charging: Two windows consume the battery 20-40% faster. Use an adapter with support Quick Charge or Power Delivery.
• 🔄 Disable animation: Go to Settings → About phone → Build number (press 7 times to activate developer mode), then in Settings → System → For Developers and install Window Animation = Off.
• 📉 Reduce screen resolution: In Settings → Display → Screen resolution select HD+ instead FHD+ (if available).

If your smartphone is still slow, try:

• Use lite versions applications (for example, Facebook Lite, Messenger Lite).
• Disable background synchronization for unnecessary accounts (Settings → Accounts).
• Activate performance mode (on Samsung: Settings → Device maintenance → Battery → Performance mode).

⚠️ Attention: On devices c 4 GB of RAM or less long-term work in two-window mode can lead to forced closing of applications. In this case, save progress manually (for example, copy text from input fields).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about dual-window mode on Android

Is it possible to split the screen into three parts?

Standard Android does not support splitting into three windows, but some manufacturers (for example, Samsung on tablets Galaxy Tab) offer mode DeX, which allows you to open several PC-style windows. On smartphones, this will require third-party launchers (for example, Taskbar), but they require root access or ADB commands.

Why in some Scrolling in split mode does not work in applications?

This limitation is due to incorrect optimization applications for multitasking. Try:

• Restart the application in split mode.
• Update it to the latest version.
• Use an alternative (for example, Chrome instead of Samsung Internet).

How to make a horizontal split screen?

On most smartphones, the split works only vertical (top/bottom). Horizontal split (left/right) available:

• On tablets running Android.
• On smartphones with shell EMUI (Huawei) - hold the dividing bar and rotate the device.
• Through third-party utilities (required) data-i="320">; on root).

Is it possible to use two accounts of the same application in two windows?

Yes, but for this you need:

1. Activate function Clone applications (on Xiaomi: Settings → Applications → Dual applications; on Samsung: Settings → Advanced → Dual messenger).
2. Run both instances of the application (main and cloned) in split mode.

Please note: not all applications support cloning (for example, WhatsApp works, but Telegram may block the second account).

How to disable dual window mode if it is frozen?

If the dividing bar does not respond touches:

1. Slide your finger from the bottom edge screen up and hold (calls up the multitasking menu).
2. Close one of the windows by swiping up.
3. If this does not work, reboot smartphone.

On Samsung you can hold button Backto exit the mode.