Modern mobile devices have long ceased to be just “dialers” or tools for checking mail. The processor power and display sizes of Androidsmartphones today allow you to perform several tasks simultaneously with high efficiency. Multitasking has become the norm, and users want to be able to watch videos, chat on messenger and check the news in one window. It is for these purposes that the Google operating system implements the split-screen functionality.
Activating this feature can significantly increase your productivity, especially if you work on the road or simply like to keep everything under control. However, despite its popularity, many gadget owners do not know where the necessary switches are hidden or how to properly manage windows. In this material we will look in detail at how to enable multi-screen modewhat hidden settings exist for developers and how to bypass the limitations of some applications.
It is worth noting that the interface may differ depending on the manufacturer's shell. What works on “pure” Android in smartphones Pixelmay be called differently or located in a different menu on devices Samsung, Xiaomi or Huawei. We will look at universal methods and specific nuances so that you can set up your device as conveniently as possible.
What are split screen and floating windows
Multi-screen mode, often called Split Screen, is a feature that allows you to display two active applications simultaneously on one display. The screen is divided into two independent areas, each of which is controlled separately. This is not just a picture, but a full-fledged work of two apps that can interact with each other, for example, when dragging text or images.
In addition to the classic split in half, there are more advanced options for implementing multitasking. In tablets and folding smartphones, the floating windows (Pop-up view) mode is often found. In this case, one application runs full screen, and the second opens in a small moving window on top of it. This solution is ideal for quick answers in chats or a calculator without interrupting the main work.
Technical implementation depends on the version of the operating system. Since Android 7.0 Nougat, support for multi-window mode has become standard. However, manufacturers often add their own improvements. For example, in the shell One UI from Samsung you can launch up to three applications at once, and in MIUI there are convenient gestures for calling up the sidebar with your favorite apps.
⚠️ Attention: Not all applications support working in split mode. Social networks, banks and some games can be forced to expand to full screen, ignoring system settings.
Standard methods of activation through the recent applications menu
The most common and intuitive way to enable multi-screen mode is to use the recent applications menu. This method works on most devices running Android 9 and higher without the need to dig into deep settings. The algorithm of actions is quite simple, but requires some skill the first time you use it.
First, open the application that you want to pin to the top or left side of the screen. Then bring up the recent tasks menu. On smartphones with navigation buttons, this is usually a square button at the bottom of the screen, and on devices with gesture controls, it is a swipe from the bottom up with a delay in the center of the screen. You will see cards of all running apps.
Find the card of the desired application and click on its icon at the top of the card (or hold the card itself, depending on the model). In the context menu that appears, select Split screen or Split screen. After this, the application will occupy the upper half of the display, and in the lower part the system will offer to select a second app from the list of recent tasks or the main menu.
- 📱 On devices Samsung you need to hold the application icon in the recent tasks menu until it “sticks” to the top.
- 🔄 On “clean” Android often you need to drag the application card up until the message “Release to split screen” appears.
- ⚙️ In some shells Xiaomi i Oppo the function is activated by long pressing the button “Menu” (square) when the application is open.
After activating the mode, you will see a dividing line between the two windows. By dragging it, you can change the proportions of the occupied space. To exit the mode, simply drag the separator to the very edge of the screen or close one of the applications in the standard way.
☑️ Checking readiness for split screen
Configuration through options for developers
If standard methods do not work or you want to force applications that do not support this to run in split mode (for example, YouTube or games), you will need access to advanced system settings. To do this, you need to activate the developer mode, which is hidden by default for the safety of the average user.
To gain access, go to Settings → About phone (or About device). Find the item Build number and quickly click on it 7 times in a row. The system will ask for your PIN code or pattern, after which it will issue a notification that you have become a developer. Now a new section will appear in the main settings menu For developers.
Inside this section you need to find the parameter responsible for forcing the resizing of applications. The name may vary: Force applications to resize, Force resize activities or “Allow window resizing”. Enabling this switch allows the system to ignore requests from applications to run only in full screen mode.
Settings → System → For Developers → Force applications to resizeUsing this feature requires caution. Some applications may not work correctly, crash, or display interface elements in the wrong order because they were not adapted by the developers to work in small windows. This is a powerful tool, but should only be used when absolutely necessary.
⚠️ Warning: Enabling developer features may affect the stability of some banking applications and security systems. It is recommended to disable developer mode after completing the settings.
Features of working on tablets and folding smartphones
Owners of tablets and devices with flexible screens, such as Samsung Galaxy Fold or Pixel Foldhave access to more advanced multitasking scenarios. The large size of the display allows you to comfortably place not two, but three or more windows at the same time, turning the mobile device into a kind of desktop.
On tablets running Android 12L and newer, a special taskbar has appeared, similar to the one found in Windows. It allows you to launch applications in floating mode with one click. Simply drag the application icon from the taskbar onto the screen, and it will open as a separate window that can be scaled and moved.
In the ecosystem Samsung there is a function App Pair (App Pairs). It allows you to save a combination of two apps and launch them simultaneously in a split screen with one click. This is incredibly convenient for combinations like “Browser + Notes” or “Maps + Messenger”. You can create such a pair through the panel Edge Panel or the recent tasks menu.
Samsung DeX secret feature
If you connect a compatible Samsung smartphone to a monitor, it will switch to DeX mode, which provides a full desktop with windows, a taskbar and mouse and keyboard support, turning the phone into a PC.
Compatibility table of modes in different shells
Different manufacturers implement window management in different ways. To make it easier for you to navigate, we have compiled a summary table showing the features of activating multi-screen mode in popular shells.
| Shell / Brand | Function name | Activation method | Maximum windows |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stock Android (Pixel) | Split screen | Recents menu → Application icon | 2 |
| One UI (Samsung) | Split screen / Pop-up | Edge panel / Recents menu | 3 (more in the pop-up) |
| MIUI / HyperOS (Xiaomi) | Floating windows | Side panel / Gestures | 2 + floating |
| ColorOS (Oppo/Realme) | Smart Split | Recents menu → Three dots | 2 |
As can be seen from the table, the possibilities vary greatly. If it is critical for you to have more than two windows, you should pay attention to devices Samsung or tablets, where the implementation of multitasking is the most profound. At the same time, “pure” Android offers the most stable, albeit basic operation of two applications.
Use the sidebar (if your firmware has it) for quick access to frequently used applications in floating window mode. This saves time switching between menus.
Problem solving and common errors
Despite the system being well-functioning, users may encounter situations where the multi-screen mode does not turn on or does not work correctly. Most often, the problem lies not in a breakdown, but in the settings of a particular application or version limitations Android. Let's look at the main scenarios.
The first common problem is that the split screen button is inactive or missing from the menu. This means that the application developer has prohibited its operation in multi-window mode. This often occurs in video players protected by DRM content or in games. In this case, only the method with the developer options described above helps, but there are no guarantees of stable operation.
The second problem is the automatic exit from the mode when minimizing one of the applications. Some systems are configured so that if you close one window, the second one automatically expands to full screen. This behavior can be changed in the multitasking settings, if such an option is provided by the manufacturer. Look for the item Close applications when exiting mode and disable it.
It is also worth considering RAM limitations. If your device has less than 4 GB RAM, the system may aggressively unload background applications when trying to run two heavy processes at the same time. In this case, one of the applications will constantly restart when switching.
⚠️ Attention: Interfaces and names of menu items may change with operating system updates. If you do not find the specified setting, check the official reference materials for your specific device model.
The stability of multi-screen mode directly depends on the amount of RAM and optimization of applications by developers.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Is it possible to enable split screen on Android 6 and below?
Officially, the multi-window mode function was implemented only in Android 7.0 Nougat. On older versions of the system, this feature is not available at the kernel level. There are third-party applications that emulate this effect, but they are unstable and require Rootrights.
Why doesn't YouTube work in split screen?
Google has limited the operation of the official application YouTube in the background and in windows for users without subscriptions Premium. To get around this limitation, you can use the browser version of the site or third-party clients, but the standard application will expand to fill the entire screen.
How to close all applications at once in split mode?
Usually it is enough to drag the dividing bar to the very top or bottom of the screen. You can also press the Home button and then clear all recent applications through the task menu, which will close both apps at the same time.
Does multi-screen mode affect battery consumption?
Yes, running two active applications at the same time increases the load on the processor and display, which leads to faster battery drain. It is recommended to use this mode only when necessary and disable it when not needed.