Multitasking is a key feature of a modern operating system Android, which allows users to perform several actions simultaneously without the need to constantly switch between applications. The split-screen feature, often called dual-window mode, turns your smartphone into a powerful work tool, allowing you to watch video while chatting in instant messenger or reading the news. However, not all users know how to activate this useful mode, since the methods for enabling it can vary significantly depending on the device manufacturer and firmware version. YouTube and simultaneously chat in messenger or read the news. However, not all users know how to activate this useful mode, since the methods for enabling it can vary significantly depending on the device manufacturer and firmware version.
In this article we will analyze in detail all existing methods for activating split screen on smartphones with pure Android and shells from Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei and other vendors. You will learn not only about standard navigation gestures, but also about hidden system capabilities that allow you to launch applications in a floating window or freeze a specific application on the screen. Understanding these mechanisms will help you significantly increase the productivity of using your gadget in everyday life.
Standard methods for activating split screen
Most modern smartphones running Android 7.0 Nougat and above support the native split-screen function. The most common activation method is using the recent applications menu. To do this, you need to open the list of running apps by pressing the corresponding navigation button or swiping from bottom to top while holding your finger (depending on the type of navigation).
After opening the list of recent applications, find the icon of the selected app. At the top of the application card there is usually a logo or name. Click on this icon to open the window management context menu. In the list of options that appears, select Split screen or Split screen. If this option is not available explicitly, try holding your finger on the application icon in the list of recent tasks - on some shells this action will automatically activate the two-window mode.
After selecting the mode, the upper half of the display will be occupied by the first application, and the lower part of the screen will prompt you to select a second app from the list of recently used or the complete list of installed applications. You can drag the dividing line between windows, changing the proportions of the space occupied. This is especially convenient when one application requires more space to display content than another.
It is worth noting that not all applications support split-screen mode. Software developers may limit this feature to their products for design or functionality reasons. If an application does not support multitasking, the system may issue a notification that it will not work correctly in split form, or simply open it in full screen, ignoring the split request.
Features of working on Samsung smartphones
Company devices Samsung with shell One UI offer some of the most advanced multitasking tools on the Android smartphone market. In addition to the standard screen splitting, a function is implemented here Pop-up Viewthat allows you to launch applications in the form of floating windows on top of other apps. To activate split screen Samsung you need to open the recent applications menu and click on the application icon at the top.
In the menu, select the option Open in split screen mode. After this, the system will prompt you to select a second application. A unique feature One UI is the ability to save pairs of applications as shortcuts on the taskbar or desktop. This allows you to launch two favorite apps simultaneously with one touch, which saves time during daily use.
⚠️ Attention: On some models Samsung with a small screen, the split screen function may be limited by software or require activation in special developer settings. If you don't find a split option, check to see if performance mode is enabled, which sometimes disables background processes.
The center divider bar is used to control the size of windows in Split Screen mode. Samsung . You can drag it up or down, changing the display area of each application. The app swap feature is also available: tap the three dots on the split screen and select the swap option to swap the top and bottom windows without closing apps.
On Samsung smartphones, you can collapse one of the split-screen apps into a floating window by tapping the arrow on the split strip. This will allow you to temporarily free up space for other content.
Setting up multitasking on Xiaomi and Huawei
Shells MIUI from Xiaomi and EMUI (as well as HarmonyOS) from Huawei have their own unique algorithms for working with windows. On Xiaomi devices, activating split screen is often done through the recent tasks menu, but can also be accessed through the app sidebar. To do this, you must first activate the sidebar in the system settings.
Go to Settings → Additional settings → Sidebar and enable this feature. Once activated, when using any application, you can bring up the sidebar by swiping from the edge of the screen. In the menu that opens, select the application you want to open in the second window and hold its icon while dragging it onto the screen. The system will automatically offer placement options: split screen or floating window.
On smartphones Huawei the process is similar, but has its own nuances in gesture control. Swiping from the corner of the screen or using a special button in the navigation bar is often used.
Hidden developer settings
In the menu for developers you can find the item “Force actions to be resized”. Enabling this option allows you to run in split screen even those applications that do not officially support this mode, but their interface may not be displayed correctly.
Using floating windows and picture-in-picture
In addition to the classic split screen in half, the operating system Android supports the mode Picture-in-Picture (Picture-in-Picture). This mode is ideal for watching video content while performing other tasks. Unlike split screen, where both apps occupy fixed areas, a floating window can be moved and resized across the entire display.
To activate Picture-in-Picture mode, you can usually just press the Home button while playing a video in a supported app, for example YouTube Premium or Google Maps. The video will continue to play in a small floating window that can be moved to any corner of the screen. Some manufacturers allow you to turn any application into a floating window through the recent tasks menu.
Floating windows have the advantage of portability: you can temporarily move them to the edge of the screen so they are out of the way, and then return them back. This makes them a more flexible tool for short-term multitasking compared to static screen splitting. However, it is worth considering that too many floating windows can lead to reduced device performance.
| Mode type | Window arrangement | Moving ability | Application support |
|---|---|---|---|
| Split screen | Top/Bottom or Left/Right | None (fixed) | Wide (depending on the developer) |
| Floating window | On top of other applications | Yes (free) | Limited (often requires settings) |
| Picture-in-picture | Small window in the corner | Yes (limited) | Media and navigation only |
The choice between split screen and floating window depends on your current tasks. If you need to actively interact with both apps, such as copying text from the browser into notes, it's better to use split screen. If a secondary task requires only periodic monitoring, such as watching a video or tracking a route, a floating window will be a more convenient solution.
☑️ Checking multitasking support
Troubleshooting and troubleshooting
Users often encounter a situation where the split screen function does not work or does not work correctly. One of the common reasons is lack of RAM. If your device has less than 3-4 GB of RAM, the system can block two heavy applications from running at the same time to prevent freezes. In this case, try closing all unnecessary background processes before activating the mode.
Another reason may be an outdated version of the operating system or a specific application. Developers are constantly updating their products, adding support for new functions Android. Make sure your apps are updated to the latest version via Google Play or the manufacturer's store. Also check for system updates in the section Settings → About phone → Software update.
⚠️ Attention: Some Chinese firmware versions may have reduced multitasking functionality for the global market. If you imported the device, check whether the split-screen function is disabled in the hidden region settings or through the engineering menu.
If the application crashes when you try to open it in a second window, this may indicate a resource conflict or an error in the code of the app itself. Try clearing the cache of the problematic application through the system settings. In extreme cases, you can use third-party launchers or window management utilities that emulate the split-screen feature at the system level.
If split-screen does not work, first check for system and application updates, and also make sure that the device has enough free RAM to run two active processes.
Third-party apps to improve multitasking
In cases where the standard capabilities of the system do not meet your needs, third-party applications from the store come to the rescue Google Play. There are utilities that allow you to create complex multitasking scenarios, pin applications to specific areas of the screen, or create your own quick launch bars for pairs of apps.
One popular solution is to use launcher applications that offer advanced window management settings. Such launchers can add new gestures to activate split-screen or allow you to run more than two apps at once in a grid layout. However, using third-party software requires caution, as it can consume additional battery resources.
When choosing a third-party tool, pay attention to user reviews and the rating of the application. It is important that the developer regularly updates his product, ensuring compatibility with new versions Android. Remember that installing unverified applications may lead to unstable system operation or leakage of personal data.
⚠️ Attention: Interfaces and menu names in different versions of Android and manufacturers' shells may differ. If you do not find this option, look for similar items or refer to the official documentation for your specific smartphone model.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why is there no split-screen button on my phone?
The absence of a button may be due to the Android version (below 7.0), manufacturer settings, or the fact that the application does not support this mode. Try holding down the recent apps button or checking the settings in the developer menu.
Is it possible to open three apps at the same time on one screen?
Standard Android tools usually only support two apps in split-screen mode. The third application can only be opened as a floating window, if this feature is supported by your shell.
How to exit split-screen mode?
To exit the mode, drag the separator bar all the way up or down to the edge of the screen. You can also press the Home button or the close application button in one of the windows.
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, which can lead to slower performance and faster battery drain.
Does split screen work in games?
Most games do not support split-screen mode, as they require full focus and device resources. An attempt to launch the game in the second window often leads to its automatic closing or incorrect operation.