Multitasking is one of the key benefits of a modern mobile operating system, allowing users to work on several tasks simultaneously without having to constantly switch between them. Owners of Androiddevices are often faced with the need to watch videos during correspondence or copy data from one source to another, which requires knowledge of specific interface functions.
There are several ways to implement such functionality, depending on the version of the operating system and the shell installed by the smartphone manufacturer. Standard tools split screen are available on almost all modern devices, but there are more advanced methods, such as floating windows, which require activating hidden settings.
In this guide, we will take a detailed look at all the available methods for launching apps simultaneously, from basic functions to advanced tools for tablets and foldable devices. You will learn how to effectively manage your workspace, increasing your productivity and ease of use of the gadget in everyday life.
Using standard split screen
The most common and affordable way is to use the built-in split-screen function, which does not require installing additional software. To activate this mode, you need to open the recent applications menu by pressing the corresponding navigation button or by swiping from bottom to top with a delay, depending on the type of control.
In the list of running apps, find the desired application and tap its icon at the top of the preview. In the context menu that appears, select the option "Split screen"** or "Split screen", after which the selected app will occupy the top or left part of the display, and in the remaining area you can launch a second application.
⚠️ Attention: Some applications, especially video games or apps with vertical orientation, may not support split screen mode, and the system will notify you about impossibility of launching in this format.
After activating the mode, you can adjust the size of windows by dragging the dividing line between them, which allows you to give priority to one of the processes. This is especially useful when you need to constantly see the contents of one window, for example, a navigator or video player, while working in another.
To exit the split mode, just drag the dividing line all the way towards one of the windows or simply close one of the applications in the standard way. The system will automatically return to full-screen display of the remaining active app.
Floating window mode and free form
A more flexible tool for working with multiple tasks is the floating window mode, which allows you to place applications in the form of small windows on top of the main interface. This function is especially popular on tablets and smartphones with large screens, where the display area allows you to comfortably use several sources of information at the same time.
To launch an application in a floating window, you often need to hold the app icon in the recent tasks menu and drag it to the center of the screen or select the corresponding item in the action menu. On devices from Samsung this function is called Pop-up view, and on other shells it may be called “Floating Window” or “Free Form”.
Floating windows can be moved across the screen, resized, and minimized to miniatures that remain active in the background. This creates the effect of real desktop multitasking, allowing you to keep your messenger, calculator or video player visible on top of any other open app.
Some manufacturers implement the ability to launch several floating windows at once, although their number may be limited by the device’s performance and the amount of RAM. If you are actively using many windows, the system may begin to forcefully close background processes to free up resources.
Activating advanced developer features
If standard split-screen methods do not suit your needs or do not work with certain applications, you can take advantage of the hidden features of the developer menu. To access these settings, you need to go to the section Settings → About phone and quickly click on the build number seven times, which will unlock access to hidden options.
In the developer menu that opens, find the section related to multitasking and activate the option "Force resizable activities". This feature allows you to run in split-screen mode even those applications that do not officially support this feature.
Settings -> System -> Developer options -> Force resize activitiesAlso in this section there may be an option to enable free form for all applications, which allows you to run any app in a floating window of any size. However, it is worth remembering that using experimental features may lead to unstable operation of some apps or the interface as a whole.
⚠️ Warning: Enabling developer features and changing system multitasking settings may affect the stability of the operating system, so use these tools with caution.
Once you enable the necessary flags, changes take effect immediately, and you can try running previously unavailable applications in split-screen mode via recent tasks menu. If you are not satisfied with the result, you can easily reset the settings by turning off the corresponding switches.
Multitasking on Samsung and Xiaomi devices
Major Android smartphone manufacturers often implement their own unique solutions to improve multitasking, which significantly exceed the standard system capabilities. For example, the company Samsung offers a feature Multi Active Windowavailable on flagship models and tablets that allows you to open up to three applications simultaneously.
Users of Xiaomi i Huawei devices can use the “Floating Window” feature called by swiping from the corner of the screen or through a special control panel. These tools allow you to create complex use cases, for example, conducting a video conference while working with documents and responding to messages.
| Manufacturer | Function name | Maximum windows | Activation method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung | Multi Active Window | 3 | Taskbar / S Pen |
| Xiaomi | Floating windows | 2+ | Swipe from the corner / Menu |
| Huawei | App Multiplier | 2 | Side panel |
| Google Pixel | Split Screen | 2 | Recent tasks menu |
Owners of folding devices such as Galaxy Fold or Pixel Foldget an extra level of multitasking thanks to a large internal screen that automatically adapts the interface to work with multiple windows. When you open such a smartphone, applications can automatically switch to tablet mode with advanced capabilities.
Secrets of working with the side panel
On many Samsung and Xiaomi devices there is a hidden side panel that can be called up by swiping from the edge of the screen. It stores shortcuts to frequently used applications that can be dragged directly into split-screen mode, which greatly speeds up work.
Customizing the sidebar and shortcuts
For quick access to multitasking features, many shells provide a sidebar that you can customize to your needs. This menu usually stores shortcuts to frequently used applications that can be dragged onto the screen, instantly launching them in split or floating window mode.
To activate this panel, go to the interface settings and find the item "Side panel"**, "Edge panel" or "Smart sidebar". Here you can add the necessary applications, change the size of the panel and adjust the sensitivity of its call so that it does not interfere with the normal use of the device.
Using the side panel significantly speeds up workflow, as it allows you to launch a second application with literally one touch, without interrupting work in the main app. This is especially true for those who often copy text, links or images between different sources.
☑️ Setting up perfect multitasking
Some manufacturers allow you to place not only applications in the sidebar, but also widgets, contacts or tools, which turns it into a powerful task management center. Experiment with the arrangement of elements to find the most convenient option for organizing your workspace.
Solving application compatibility problems
Despite the extensive capabilities of the system, some applications may not display correctly or work in split-screen mode due to the nature of their layout. This often applies to older apps or games that have not been adapted to modern multitasking standards and require full-screen mode.
If the application behaves unstable in split mode, try changing the screen orientation or forcing it to run in full screen mode through the compatibility settings. To do this, hold down the application icon in the menu and select "Application Information"**, then find the advanced settings section.
In some cases, updating the application to the latest version solves the problem, as developers are constantly improving the compatibility of their products with new versions of Android. If the problem persists, you may have to stop using this particular application in multitasking mode.
⚠️ Attention: Interfaces and names of menu items may differ depending on the version of Android and the installed shell, so look for similar options in the settings of your device.
It is also worth considering that the simultaneous operation of several heavy applications may lead to increased consumption battery charge and device heating. Monitor the temperature of your smartphone and close unused apps if you notice a decrease in performance.
Use Do Not Disturb mode when working with multiple windows so that notifications do not overlap important information in the active application and do not distract from the process.
Optimizing performance when multitasking
Running multiple applications at the same time creates additional load on the processor and RAM of the device, which can lead to system slowdown. To ensure a smooth experience, it is recommended to close background applications that are not currently in use, especially if your smartphone has less than 6 GB of RAM.
Modern versions of Android have advanced memory management algorithms that automatically suspend inactive processes, but manual optimization can still be useful. Regularly clearing the cache and deleting unused apps will help free up resources for important tasks.
If you plan to actively use split-screen mode for work or school, consider using cloud services for data storage. This will reduce the load on the internal memory of the device and speed up switching between tasks, since data will be loaded as needed.
Effective multitasking requires a balance between the number of open applications and the technical capabilities of your smartphone, so do not overload the system with unnecessary processes.
Remember that the number of simultaneously running applications is limited not only by software, but also by the physical characteristics of your devices. The optimal scenario for most smartphones is the simultaneous operation of two, maximum three light applications.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why does split screen not work on my phone?
Split screen may not work due to limitations of the Android version (requires version 7.0 and higher), lack of external support the application itself or the energy saving settings. Check if the function is enabled in the system settings and try rebooting the device.
Can you run more than two applications at the same time?
Standard Android supports two applications in split-screen mode, but some manufacturers (Samsung, Xiaomi) and tablets allow you to open a third application as a floating window. The exact amount depends on the device model and the amount of RAM.
Does multitasking affect the rate at which your battery drains?
Yes, running multiple active applications at the same time increases the load on the processor and screen, which leads to faster battery drain. It is recommended to close unnecessary apps to save energy.
How to exit split-screen mode?
To exit split-screen mode, drag the dividing line all the way towards one of the windows or close one of the applications with the “Close” button in the window title bar. The system will automatically switch to full screen mode.