Multitasking is a key feature of a modern mobile operating system, allowing users to effectively manage several processes at once. The split-screen function, or Split Screen, makes it possible to run two applications in parallel, occupying the upper and lower parts of the display. This is incredibly convenient when you need to chat in messenger and simultaneously watch a video or copy data from one document to another without constantly switching between tasks.
Depending on the manufacturer of your device, the way to activate this mode may vary significantly. Some brands, such as Samsung or OnePlusoffer advanced window management capabilities, while stock Android from Google takes a more minimalist approach. Understanding how multi-window mode works on your specific model will help significantly increase the productivity of using a smartphone in everyday scenarios.
In this article we will take a detailed look at all the available methods for activating split screen, from standard gestures to hidden settings for developers. You will find out which applications support this feature and which may not work correctly in this mode. We will also touch on the topic of advanced tools that allow you to display not two, but even more windows at the same time.
The standard activation method is through the recent applications menu
The most common and universal way to launch two windows at the same time is to use the recent applications menu. This method works on most devices running Android 7.0 Nougat and higher, regardless of the installed shell. First, you need to open the first application that you plan to use in split-screen mode.
After launching the app, call up the multitasking menu. This is done either by pressing the dedicated navigation button (square or three bars), or by swiping up from the bottom and holding your finger if you have gesture controls enabled. In the list that opens, find the card of the desired application and tap its icon or name, usually located at the top of the card.
In the drop-down menu, select Split screen or Split screen. The smartphone interface will instantly change: the selected application will occupy the upper half of the display, and a list of other running apps or a desktop for selecting a second application will appear at the bottom. Now you can select the second app, and it will take up the remaining free space.
- 📱 Tap on the application icon in the recent tasks menu.
- 🖥 Select the "Split screen" option in the menu that appears.
- 🔽 Tap the second application to fill the bottom part.
It is worth noting that not all apps support working in this mode. Developers can prohibit scaling of their software if the application interface is not adapted for horizontal or reduced display. In such cases, the system may issue a notification that the application does not support split screen, or it will simply open full screen on top of the first window.
⚠️ Attention: Some banking applications and games with vertical orientation may automatically minimize or close when you try to activate split screen mode for security reasons or technical limitations.
Working features Split Screen on Samsung devices
Smartphones of the South Korean company Samsung have one of the most sophisticated implementations of multitasking among all manufacturers on the Android market. In the shell One UI the process of displaying two windows on the screen at the same time is maximally simplified and intuitive even for beginners. In addition to the standard method through the task menu, there is a faster activation method through the navigation bar.
To use the proprietary function, open the first application and swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen, but do not release your finger immediately, but hold it in the center. The recent applications panel appears in the form of a horizontal ribbon. Find the desired app, click on its icon at the top and select Open in split screen mode.
A unique feature of devices Galaxy is the ability to save pairs of applications. You can set up your system to launch two frequently used apps together with just one touch. To do this, in the split-screen menu, click on the three dots between the windows and select Save application pairs. After this, a special icon will appear on the desktop, launching which will immediately open both windows in the desired ratio.
| Action | Description | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Swipe and hold | Gesture from bottom to top with pause | Opening the multitasking panel |
| Clicking on the icon | Touching the application icon in the panel | Appearing the action menu |
| Selecting Split Screen | Activating split mode | Docking a window on top |
| Saving a pair | Creating a shortcut for two applications | Quickly launching both windows at once |
In addition, owners of tablets Samsung Galaxy Tab and folding smartphones series Fold have access to an even more advanced mode that allows you to open up to three windows simultaneously. This turns your mobile device into a full-fledged workstation where you can videoconference, work with documents and browse the web without constantly switching context.
On Samsung devices, you can resize windows by dragging the dividing bar. Try making one window very narrow to use it as a toolbar for the second main application.
Specifics of split screen on Xiaomi and Redmi
Users of devices from the company Xiaomirunning shells MIUI or new HyperOSmay encounter some differences in the logic of multitasking. In some firmware versions, the split-screen function may be disabled by default or hidden in additional settings, which often causes confusion among smartphone owners.
To activate the function, you must go to the device settings. Find the section Advanced settings, then select the item Advanced features. There should be a switch here Split screen. Make sure it is active. Once enabled, you can use a standard gesture or the task menu button to launch two windows.
An interesting feature is that on smartphones Redmi i POCO sometimes you need to swipe up from the Home button (if you are using classic navigation) to bring up the split menu. If you have gestures enabled, then the scheme is similar to stock Android: swipe from bottom to top with a hold, select an icon and activate the mode.
⚠️ Attention: The MIUI and HyperOS settings interface often changes with updates. If you do not find the “Split Screen” item in the specified location, use the search in the settings by entering the query “Division” or “Split.”
It is also worth considering that some budget models with a small amount of RAM may not work correctly in multitasking mode. The system can force one of the applications to shut down when the second one is launched in order to free up resources. In such cases, displaying two windows is possible, but stable operation is not guaranteed.
☑️ Checking Split Screen support on Xiaomi
Managing windows and resizing them
After you managed to display two windows on the screen, the question of managing them arises. The main control is the dividing bar that runs horizontally (in portrait mode) or vertically (in landscape mode) between two applications. By dragging this bar, you can change the proportions of the occupied space.
The system usually limits the minimum and maximum size of each window. You won't be able to shrink your app to a single line because each app has a minimum resolution to display controls correctly. If you try to shrink the window too much, the system will automatically offer to minimize it or close the split mode. interface There is a minimum acceptable resolution for correct display of controls. If you try to shrink a window too much, the system will automatically prompt you to minimize it or close split mode.
To exit split-screen mode, simply drag the dividing bar to the very top or bottom of the screen, completely closing one of the applications. An alternative method is to press the Home button, which will minimize both applications, or use the Back button if it is configured to exit the current mode.
When you rotate your smartphone, devices with autorotation support will change the window layout from vertical to horizontal. This is especially convenient when watching a video in YouTube in parallel with reading an article in a browser.
Flexible resizing of windows allows you to customize the workspace for a specific task, making one application the main one, and the second an auxiliary reference book.
Advanced settings and developer mode
For those users for whom the standard capabilities are not enough, there is a developer mode in Android. Enabling this section gives you access to hidden window management features, including forcing activity changes and setting the minimum window width. Be careful when changing these settings, as incorrect settings can lead to unstable system operation.
To activate developer mode, go to Settings → About phone and quickly click 7 times on the build number (or version MIUI/One UI). After a message appears that you have become a developer, a new section will appear in the main settings For developers.
Inside this section, find the item Force activity size (Force resize activities). Enabling this option allows you to run in split-screen mode even those applications that do not officially support this feature. However, the result may be unpredictable: the interface may not display correctly, buttons may become invisible, or text may extend beyond the screen.
Settings → System → For developers → Force activity sizeYou can also configure the minimum window width here DIP (density independent pixels). Decreasing this value makes the windows appear narrower, which is useful on high-resolution screens. However, setting values too low may render the application interface unusable.
⚠️ Warning: Changing settings in Developer mode is at your own risk. It is recommended to back up important data before experimenting, as some changes may require resetting the device.
What is DIP and why do you need it?
DIP (Device Independent Pixels) is a unit of measurement used in Android to ensure the same physical size of interface elements on screens with different pixel densities. By changing the minimum width in DIP, you actually change the scale of the system interface.
Common problems and ways to solve them
Despite the popularity of the function, users often encounter problems when trying to display two windows on the screen. The most common situation is the absence of the Split Screen button in the recent tasks menu. Most often, this is due to the fact that the function is disabled in the settings or a specific application does not support multitasking.
Another problem is the automatic closing of one of the windows when starting another. This usually indicates a lack of RAM. Android is forced to kill background processes to keep the active app running. In such cases, you should close unnecessary apps or clear the cache before starting the split mode.
- 🚫 The Split Screen button is missing: Check the system settings and application support.
- 🔄 The window closes itself: Free up the device's RAM.
- 📐 The interface is distorted: Disable forced changing the size of the activity.
If you updated your system to a new version of Android and the function stopped working, the way you access the multitasking menu may have changed. In new versions Android 14 i 15 the logic of gestures may differ from previous versions. In this case, you should refer to the official documentation of the manufacturer of your device.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Is it possible to run three applications simultaneously on one screen?
Using standard means of most smartphones, you can only launch two applications. However, owners of devices Samsung with support Multi Window or tablet users can activate a third window in the form of a floating mode (Pop-up view), which will be located on top of two split screens.
Why does split screen with YouTube not work?
Official application YouTube often blocks work in the background and in a small window for users without a subscription Premium. In split screen mode, the video may stop when switching to another application. The solution may be to use a browser or third-party clients.
How to exit split-screen mode?
The fastest way is to drag the black dividing bar to the very edge of the screen (up or down), thereby expanding the remaining application to the full screen. You can also press the Home button to minimize both applications, or close them through the multitasking menu.
Does Split Screen mode affect battery consumption?
Yes, running two active applications at the same time increases the load on the processor and screen, which leads to faster battery drain. The consumption increases especially strongly if both applications use the network or play media content.