Multitasking has long ceased to be the prerogative of desktop computers, and modern smartphones based on Android allow you to effectively manage several tasks simultaneously. The ability to run two applications on one screen significantly increases productivity, allowing, for example, to chat in messenger while watching a video or compare data in a table without minimizing the browser. However, despite the popularity of the function, many users still do not know how to activate this mode or face difficulties in setting it up on different device models.
The implementation of split screen depends not only on the version of the operating system, but also on the user shell installed by the manufacturer. While pure Android offers a standard algorithm of actions, companies like Samsung or Xiaomi often add their own gestures and settings for convenience. Understanding these differences is critically important, since trying to apply a universal method on a specific device may lead to the fact that the function simply will not work, and you will waste your time.
In this material, we will analyze in detail all existing methods of activating the split-screen mode, consider the nuances of working with different launchers and answer questions that arise when using this technology. You will learn which applications support this function and which require special settings, as well as how to fix common errors when the window simply does not open or closes immediately after launch.
Preparing the device and checking compatibility
Before you try to activate multitasking, you need to make sure that your technical equipment supports this function. Split-screen mode has become a standard since version Android 7.0 Nougat, so if you have older firmware, you won’t be able to implement the task using native means without obtaining root access or installing third-party launchers. Most modern smartphones released after 2017 already have built-in support for this technology at the system kernel level.
However, having a suitable OS version is only half the battle. The critical factor is support for the feature from the applications themselves. Software developers can programmatically prevent their product from running in a smaller window to maintain interface integrity or protect content. For example, many banking applications and streaming services with DRM protection block operation in multi-window mode.
⚠️ Attention: Some applications may not display correctly in split mode, causing buttons to shift or text to overlap. Before important work, check the stability of the interface in test mode.
To check the compatibility of specific software, you can use the developer mode, where there is an option to force the activity size to change. This allows you to run even those apps that do not officially support split screen, although the result may be unpredictable. Activating this mode requires caution, since changing system parameters may affect the stability of other services.
If the application does not open in the second window, try updating it to the latest version via Google Play - developers often add support for multitasking in new patches.
Standard method through the recent applications menu
The most universal method that works on most devices with stock Android and minimal modifications, involves the use of the recent tasks menu. This method is intuitive and does not require a deep dive into the system settings. The algorithm of actions is quite simple, but requires some dexterity of the fingers, especially on devices with small screens.
First, open the first application that you want to pin to the top or left side of the screen. Then minimize it and go to the recent applications menu, usually brought up by swiping up from the bottom and holding or pressing the corresponding navigation button. In the list that opens, find the card of the desired application and tap its icon located at the top of the card.
- 📱 Click on the application icon at the top of the recent tasks card.
- 🖥️ Select the item "Split screen" or "Split screen" in the appeared menu.
- 🔍 On the bottom half of the screen, select a second application from the list of recents or the main menu.
- ↔️ Drag the dividing bar to resize the windows as you wish.
After completing these steps, the screen will be divided into two independent areas, in each of which runs its own application. You can interact with both windows at the same time, scroll through ribbons, enter text and press buttons.
Features of operation on Samsung smartphones
The South Korean giant's devices run on a shell One UIthat offers some of the most advanced multitasking tools on the market. In addition to the standard split screen, users Samsung have access to a function Pop-up Viewthat allows you to open applications in floating windows of any size. This provides much greater flexibility compared to strictly dividing the screen in half.
To activate a split screen on Samsung you can use not only the recent tasks menu, but also the panel Edge Panel. If this feature is enabled in Settings, you can pull out the sidebar, long-press the app icon, and drag it to the top or bottom of the screen. The system will automatically prompt you to select a second application to fill the remaining space, which significantly speeds up the process of switching between tasks.
One of the unique features One UI is saving pairs of applications. You can configure the system so that when you click a specific icon on the desktop or taskbar, two specific applications will immediately open in split-screen mode. This is ideal for scenarios where you constantly use the same bunch of apps, such as a calculator and an Excel spreadsheet.
☑️ Setting up a pair of applications on Samsung
Specifics of Xiaomi and Huawei interfaces
Chinese manufacturers often make their own adjustments to the standard behavior Android, which can confuse a user accustomed to the stock system. In shells MIUI from Xiaomi and EMUI from Huawei the algorithm for calling the split screen may differ in the presence of additional steps or hidden settings that must be activated manually before first use.
On many devices Xiaomi multitasking may be disabled or limited by default. To activate it, you need to go to settings, find the section about additional features and make sure that the "Split screen" switch is in the "On" position. Without this step, the menu item in recent tasks may simply be missing or inactive.
Users Huawei and Honor often encounter the fact that splitting the screen is caused by a specific gesture. Instead of tapping an icon in the task menu, you often need to swipe up from the bottom of the screen with three fingers, or swipe up from the bottom while holding your finger in the middle of the screen until a dividing line appears. This approach saves time, but requires getting used to the accuracy of movements.
⚠️ Attention: The MIUI and EMUI interfaces are often updated, changing the location of the settings. If the described methods do not work, use the search in the phone settings by entering the query “split screen”.
Hidden gestures on Xiaomi
On some Redmi and POCO models, split screen can be triggered by pulling the application card up in the recent tasks menu until “Pin” appears and then releasing it.
Manage windows and resizing
Once you have successfully opened two applications, you are faced with the task of effectively managing screen space. The dividing strip between windows is a key element of the interface in this mode. By dragging it, you can give priority to one of the applications, making its window larger, or split the screen exactly in half to work equally with both apps.
It is worth considering the restrictions on the minimum window size. System algorithms do not allow the application to be compressed indefinitely, as this will make the interface unreadable and unusable. If you try to drag the divider too close to the edge of the screen, the system will automatically return the window to the minimum allowed size or offer to minimize one of the applications in the background.
| Action | Result | Nuances |
|---|---|---|
| Drag the bar | Changing window proportions | There is a minimum size threshold |
| Clicking on the application menu | Closing or minimizing | You can swap windows |
| Double click on a strip | Alignment 50/50 | Does not work on all shells |
| Swipe from the edge of the screen | Exit mode | Depends on the type of navigation |
To close split-screen mode, just drag the dividing bar to the very top or bottom of the screen, depending on which window you want to close. You can also use the Home button or swipe to return to the main screen, which will minimize both applications, but save their state in memory for quick resumption of work.
Flexible window resizing allows you to adapt the interface to a specific task, giving more space to the application that requires more attention at the moment.
Troubleshooting and frequently asked questions
Despite the well-functioning technology, users periodically encounter situations where split screen does not work as expected. This may be due to a lack of RAM, a conflict between application versions, or a malfunction of the system process responsible for rendering the interface. In such cases, simply restarting the device will often resolve the issue by clearing the cache and restarting services.
If the split screen button is gray or missing, check to see if Power Saving Mode is enabled. Aggressive battery saving settings can block the background activity of a second application, making it impossible for it to launch in an adjacent window. Disabling battery optimization for specific applications may restore functionality.
⚠️ Warning: When using split screen, RAM and battery consumption increases. Keep an eye on the device's heating when running two heavy applications for a long time.
It is also worth mentioning that on some devices with a very small screen (less than 5 inches), manufacturers may artificially limit this feature, considering it inconvenient for the user. In such cases, the only solution is to use external monitors through USB-C to HDMI or purchase a device with a large display.
Why don’t all applications open in split-screen mode?
Application developers can disable working in multi-window mode through the app manifest. This is often done to ensure security (banking applications) or protect copyright content (video services). Also, some older applications are simply not adapted to window resizing.
Is it possible to open more than two applications at the same time?
Android standard mode only supports two applications. However, on some devices (for example, Samsung with Pop-up View), you can open a third application as a floating window on top of the two main ones. This creates the effect of three active apps.
How to disable split screen if it is frozen?
If the interface is frozen and does not respond to touches, try pressing the combination of the power and volume down buttons to take a screenshot - this sometimes reloads the GUI. As a last resort, force restart the device by holding the power button for 10-15 seconds.
Does split screen affect the speed of the phone?
Yes, running two active applications at the same time increases the load on the processor and RAM. On older or budget models, this can lead to noticeable interface slowdowns and faster battery drain.
Is it possible to drag text or pictures between windows?
In the standard Android implementation, direct Drag-and-Drop between split-screen windows is not supported. However, on some custom shells (for example, new versions of One UI or MIUI), this function can be implemented for the gallery and notes.