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The modern pace of life requires users of mobile devices to be highly productive and multitasking. Often there is a need to chat in messenger while watching a video or compare data from a table by drawing up a report in a text editor. Fortunately, the operating system Android provides powerful tools for solving such tasks without the need to constantly switch between windows.
The ability to run multiple apps simultaneously saves time and simplifies interaction with content. However, the implementation of this function may differ depending on the version of the operating system and the shell installed by the manufacturer of your smartphone. In this article we will analyze in detail all the available ways to activate the split-screen mode and other tools for parallel use of software.
You will learn not only about the standard methods built into the system, but also about specific settings for devices Samsung, Xiaomi and other popular brands. We will look at the nuances of working with incompatible applications and give recommendations for optimizing the operation of the device under high load on the processor and RAM.
Built-in split screen mode (Split Screen)
The most common and reliable way to run two apps side by side is to use the native function split screen. This mode is available on most devices running Android 7.0 Nougat and above. It divides the display into two independent areas, each of which displays the active application.
To activate this feature, you usually need to open the recent applications menu. This is done either by pressing a special navigation button (square or three bars), or by swiping from bottom to top while holding your finger in the center of the screen. In the list of running tasks, find the icon of the desired app.
Press and hold the application icon or tap the app icon above its thumbnail. In the context menu that appears, select Split screen or Split screen. The upper part of the display will be occupied by the first application, and in the lower part the system will offer to select a second app from the list or launch it through the home screen.
After launch, you can change the proportions of the occupied space by dragging the dividing bar between windows. This allows you to make one application the main one, and use the second as a reference. Please note that some older or specific apps may not support this operating mode.
⚠️ Attention: If you do not see a split-screen button in the recent applications menu, your smartphone manufacturer may have disabled this feature in its shell or it is only available in landscape mode.
Use pop-up windows (Pop-up View)
An alternative to hard split screen mode is pop-up windows. In this scenario, one application runs full screen, and the second opens in a small floating window on top of it. This approach is especially convenient when you need to quickly respond to a message without interrupting your movie or game.
To open the application in floating mode, also go to the recent tasks menu. Find the app you need and click on its icon. In the drop-down list, select the option Open in a pop-up window or Pop-up view. The window will appear on top of the current interface, and you can move it around the screen, changing its size.
Managing such a window is intuitive: you can drag the widget by the upper border, and by the lower right corner you can change its dimensions. Many shells, for example One UI from Samsung or MIUI from Xiaomi, allow you to collapse such windows into a sidebar for quick access at any time.
This method is less demanding on screen resolution, since it does not require a clear separation of pixels in half. You can open several pop-up windows at once, although an excessive number of them can lead to reduced device performance and difficulty navigating.
To quickly minimize a pop-up window, double-click on its top panel - it will turn into a compact icon that can be expanded with one touch.
Features of operation on Samsung and Xiaomi smartphones
Large manufacturers often modify the standard Android, adding their own unique features to improve multitasking. Device owners Samsung have access to an advanced function Multi Windowthat allows you not only to divide the screen in half, but also to create complex combinations of windows.
On flagship models Samsung Galaxy with the function DeX or just in normal mode you can activate the additional taskbar. It allows you to run up to three applications simultaneously: two in split-screen mode and a third in a pop-up window. For this, a special sidebar is used, called up by swiping from the edge of the screen.
Smartphone users Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO face the interface MIUI or HyperOS. The "Floating Windows" function is implemented here, which is activated by long pressing on the application in the recent tasks menu. There's also the option to drag an app from the sidebar directly onto the open screen.
The differences in implementation can be confusing when changing phone brands. For example, on some models Huawei with a shell EMUI split screen is activated by a gesture: drag your knuckle across the center of the screen from bottom to top. Such gestures must be enabled separately in the control settings.
Samsung secret feature
On Samsung devices, you can pin an application in split-screen mode so that it does not close when clearing the memory. Click on the three dots above the application window and select the pin icon.
Developer settings to force split-screen
What to do if your favorite application does not support split-screen mode? In such cases, you can take advantage of the hidden capabilities of the system through developer menu. This option allows you to force any app to work in multitasking mode, even if the developer did not provide for this.
First, you need to activate developer mode. Go to Settings → About phone and find the item Build number. Quickly click on it 7 times in a row until a message appears indicating that you have become a developer. After this, a new section will appear in the main settings For developers.
Inside this menu, find a parameter called Force to allow resizing or Force activities to be resizable. Activate the switch opposite this item. The system will warn you that you need to restart the device to apply the changes.
After rebooting, try running the previously unsupported application again in split-screen mode. It is worth remembering that forced resizing can lead to incorrect display of the interface, app crashes or unstable system operation, since the application layout was not designed for such conditions.
☑️ Activating developer mode
⚠️ Attention: Forced resizing of windows may disrupt the operation of banking applications and services with increased security protection. Use this feature with caution.
Comparison of multitasking methods
The choice of a specific method for launching applications at the same time depends on your goals and device characteristics. Below is a table comparing the main available methods by key parameters so that you can choose the best option for your situation.
| Method | Readability | Resource requirements | Compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Split screen | High (50% of screen) | Medium | Supported apps only |
| Pop-up window | Low (small size) | Low | Almost all applications |
| Forced mode | Medium (distortion possible) | High | Any applications |
| Side panel (Samsung) | High (flexible settings) | High | Depends on the shell |
As you can see from the table, classic split screen provides a better experience with content, but has compatibility limitations. Pop-ups are more versatile, but sacrifice usable display area. Forced mode is a last resort for enthusiasts.
When choosing a method, it is also worth considering the screen diagonal. On compact smartphones up to 6 inches, using two full windows can make the text unreadable. In such cases, it is better to give preference to pop-up windows or quick switching.
For comfortable work in split-screen mode, it is recommended to use devices with a display diagonal of at least 6.5 inches and Full HD+ resolution.
Problem solving and common errors
Despite the smooth functioning of the functions, users may encounter problems running two applications. A common mistake is that multitasking mode automatically exits when you try to open a third application. This is standard system behavior unless pop-up window mode is used.
Sometimes the separator bar disappears or becomes inactive. Try turning your device to landscape mode - this will often reactivate the window controls. Also check to see if the power saving mode is turned on, which may limit background activity of applications.
If applications crash when working together, most likely the device is running low RAM. Close unnecessary background processes before running heavy apps. On devices with 4 GB of RAM or less, running two resource-intensive applications simultaneously can be difficult.
In rare cases, the problem lies in a specific system update. If the function stops working after a software update, you should check the support forums for your phone model or reset the interface settings without deleting personal data.
⚠️ Attention: Interfaces and menu item names may differ depending on the Android version and custom shell. Always check the official user manual for your specific model.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to launch two identical applications at the same time?
It is impossible to launch two instances of the same application (for example, two WhatsApp) in a split screen using standard system tools. This requires a function Clone applications or Dual profile, which is in the settings of many modern smartphones (Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei). It creates a copy of the application with another account, which can then be opened in a second window.
Why is the split screen button gray or inactive?
This means that a particular application does not support multitasking. The application developer may have blocked this function in the application manifest. Try using pop-up window mode or activating forced resizing through the developer 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 display also consumes more power since it is constantly active and displays content in two zones.
Is it possible to resize windows after they are launched?
Yes, in split-screen mode there is a special separator strip in the center. By pressing and holding it, you can move the border up or down, changing the proportions of space occupied by each application.
Does this mode work in games?
Most games block split-screen mode to prevent cheating and ensure graphics stability. However, some simple games or emulators can work in this mode. Trying to run a game in a split screen often results in it automatically expanding to the entire display.