The modern rhythm of life requires us to constantly switch between tasks, and the capabilities of a smartphone play a key role here. Previously, you had to minimize one application to open another, but today split screen has become the standard for most devices. This feature allows you to simultaneously watch videos in YouTube and chat in Telegram, or compare data in the browser by filling out a table in the office.
However, not all users know how to activate this mode or why it may not work on their device. In this article, we will look in detail at all the ways to activate multitasking, from standard gestures to hidden developer settings. You will learn how to effectively manage the workspace of your gadget without unnecessary movements.
It is worth noting that the interface may differ depending on the version of the operating system and the manufacturer's shell. For example, on a pure Android 14 operation logic may differ from the proprietary interface One UI from Samsung or MIUI from Xiaomi. However, the basic principles remain the same throughout the ecosystem.
Compatibility check and system requirements
Before attempting to activate Split Mode, you must ensure that your device technically supports this feature. Most modern smartphones released after 2018 have built-in support multitasking. However, budget models with a small amount of RAM can programmatically limit this ability to maintain performance.
The critical parameter is the version of the operating system. Starting from Android 7.0 Nougat, the multitasking function was implemented at the system level. If you have an older version, native support will not work and you will have to resort to third-party solutions. You can check the version in the menu Settings → About phone → Android version.
⚠️ Attention: On some devices with low resolution screens (less than 6 inches), the manufacturer may artificially disable the split screen, as the application interface will become unreadable.
It is also important to consider the requirements specific applications. Developers may prevent their software from running in a smaller window for security or ease of use reasons. For example, banking applications often block operation in Split Screenmode to prevent data from being intercepted by other apps.
Standard method through the recent applications menu
The most common and universal method of activating two windows is to use the running applications menu. This method works on most devices with classic navigation or gesture control, unless the manufacturer has made significant changes to the logic of the interface.
First, open the first application you want to use, for example, a browser. Then minimize it and open a second application, such as Messenger. After that, press the “Recent applications” button (square or swipe up and hold) to see the list of open tasks.
In the list of tasks, find the card of the first application. The app icon is usually located at the top of the card. Click on this icon to bring up the context menu. In the list that appears, select "Split screen" or "Run in split screen mode."
- 📱 On devices with buttons: press square, then the application icon at the top of the card.
- 🖐️ On devices with gestures: swipe up from the bottom and hold your finger, then tap the icon.
- 🔄 If the item is not in the menu, try long pressing on the application icon.
After selecting a mode, the screen will split in half: the first application will remain on top, and a list of other apps will open below to select the second task. Select the application you want from the list and it will occupy the bottom of the display. The border between windows can be moved, changing the display proportions.
If you often use the same pairs of applications, some shells allow you to save this configuration as a pair of tasks for quick launch with one touch.
Control gestures on different interfaces
Smartphone manufacturers often modify the standard behavior Android, adding your own gestures for convenience. Understanding these nuances will help you activate multitasking faster without going into unnecessary menus. Let's consider the differences in the approaches of popular brands.
On smartphones Samsung with a shell One UI there is a unique gesture. Once the app is open, swipe from the bottom edge of the screen up to the middle and hold. The screen will instantly collapse to the top half, prompting you to select a second application. This significantly speeds up the process compared to the standard menu.
In devices Xiaomi and Redmi with a shell MIUI or HyperOS the logic is similar to stock Android, but there is an additional option in the recent tasks menu. By holding your finger on the application card, you can immediately drag it to the top or bottom of the screen, activating the split mode without unnecessary clicks on icons.
| Brand / Shell | Main gesture | Alternative method |
|---|---|---|
| Stock Android (Pixel, Motorola) | Clicking on icon in the task menu | Drag a card |
| Samsung One UI | Swipe from bottom to middle and hold | Edge panel |
| Xiaomi MIUI | Long press on the task card | Button in the task menu |
| OxygenOS (OnePlus) | Swipe down with three fingers | Recent apps menu |
Some users prefer to use the three-finger gesture, which is available on many devices after activation in the settings. By swiping three fingers from top to bottom of the screen, you can instantly split the display. However, this function requires preliminary configuration in the accessibility section.
☑️ Setting up the three-finger gesture
Configuration through developer options
If standard methods do not work or you want to force multitasking for applications that do not officially support it, hidden settings will help you. To access them, you need to activate the developer mode by clicking 7 times on the build number in the section About phone.
After activation, a new item will appear in the main settings menu "For developers". Inside this section you need to find the parameter responsible for forcing task resizing. In different versions Android it may be called differently, but the essence remains the same - allowing any application to run in free form.
Settings → System → For developers → Forced resizing of tasksActivation This switch allows you to run in split-screen mode even those apps that usually expand to the entire display. However, you should be careful: the interfaces of some applications may not display correctly, buttons may overlap, and text may become unreadable due to incorrect scaling.
⚠️ Warning: Forced resizing may lead to unstable operation of applications or their crashes. Use this function only if you understand the risks and are prepared for possible malfunctions in the software.
You can also find the Smallest Width setting in the developer menu. By changing this value, you can emulate the experience on a tablet, which often makes the app interface more responsive and suitable for multitasking. Remember the original value before making changes to return everything to how it was.
How to return the original screen width?
If you changed the "Minimum Width" setting and the interface became too small or large, simply enter the original numerical value back into the settings field. Standard values usually vary from 360 to 411 dpi depending on the smartphone model.
Use of third-party launchers and utilities
When the built-in capabilities of the system are exhausted, third-party solutions come to the rescue. There are many applications in Google Playthat emulate the operation of a second window on top of the main interface. Such utilities create a floating window that can be moved and scaled regardless of the main task.
One of the popular solutions is the application Floating Apps. It allows you to launch a browser, calculator, notes, and even a video player in a small floating window. This solution is ideal for devices that don't support native split screen, or for those who need more than two windows at once.
- 🚀 Floating Apps: A wide selection of mini-applications within one window.
- 📺 Xiaomi Multi Window: A specialized solution for older devices.
- 🛠️ Taskbar: Adds a PC-like taskbar, making switching easier.
The use of such apps requires special permissions, in particular the right to display on top of other applications. Without this permission, the utility will not be able to create a floating window. Typically, a request for permission appears when you first start the app, or it can be issued manually in the system settings.
It is worth considering that third-party applications consume additional processor and RAM resources. On weak devices, this can lead to a noticeable decrease in performance and rapid battery drain. It is recommended to close floating windows when not in use.
Third-party launchers are a great solution for older smartphones, but they can consume more power than the system's built-in multitasking features.
Solving common problems and errors
Despite the smooth running of the system, users often encounter with situations where split screen does not activate or does not work correctly. One of the most common reasons is the incompatibility of a particular application with multitasking mode. Developers may intentionally block this feature.
If, when you try to split the screen, the second application does not open or the first application closes, check for updates to both applications. Often, support for new functions Android is added in the latest versions of the software. Also try clearing the cache of the problematic application through the menu Settings → Applications.
Another common problem is randomly blocking a function in the interface settings. Some shells have a separate switch in the multitasking menu that can be disabled by the user. Check the settings of the recent applications panel to make sure that the function is not deactivated.
⚠️ Attention: Interfaces and menu names are constantly updated by manufacturers. If you do not find the described item, use a search in the smartphone settings by entering the query “split screen” or “multitasking.”
In rare cases, the problem may lie in a system failure. Rebooting the device often resolves temporary process conflicts that prevent windows from working correctly. If all else fails, resetting accessibility access settings can restore the functionality of the function.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to run three applications simultaneously on one screen?
Standard tools Android you can split the screen into only two parts. However, some manufacturers, for example Samsung in mode Pop-up Viewallow you to open additional floating windows on top of two main applications, effectively creating multitasking with three or more apps.
Why is the "Split Screen" button grayed out?
This means that the current application does not support multitasking mode. The developer may have disabled this feature, or the application may require a full screen to function correctly (for example, DRM-protected games or video players). Try starting with a different application.
Does dual window 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 system is forced to process data for two apps in parallel, which is more energy-consuming than working with one active window.
How to close split-screen mode?
To exit the mode, drag the dividing line completely up or down so that one of the applications takes up the entire screen. Or press the Home button to minimize both applications, or the Back button if it is set to close the current focus.