How to enable two applications on Android at the same time: a complete guide

Running two applications on one Android screen is a function that saves time and simplifies working with multimedia, instant messengers or documents. However, not all users know that modern smartphones support multi-window mode (split-screen) or even floating windows (pop-up view). In this article, we will analyze all the available methods - from standard tools to hidden settings and third-party solutions.

It is important to understand that multitasking capabilities depend on the version Android and device manufacturer. For example, Samsung offers advanced functionality in the shell One UIand Xiaomi in MIUI hides some options in the function laboratory. We will look at universal methods that work on most devices, and also point out the nuances for popular brands.

If you often switch between YouTube and Telegram, edit the text in Google Docs in parallel with viewing reference materials or simply want to manage your workflow more conveniently - this instruction is for you. Let's start with the simplest method, which is available on all devices with Android 7.0 Nougat and newer.

1. Standard multi-window mode (Split-Screen)

The most reliable and universal method is the built-in one split screen mode. It works on most smartphones without installing additional applications. Here's how to activate it:

1. Open the first application you want to use.
2. Tap the button Recents applications (usually a square or three horizontal lines at the bottom of the screen).
3. In the list of open applications, find the card of the desired application and press it with your finger (on some devices - swipe up).
4. In the menu that appears, select Open in split mode or Split screen.
5. Select a second application from the list or from the main screen.

After this, the screen will be divided into two parts. You can Adjust windows sizeby dragging the dividing line up or down. To exit the mode, simply drag the line to the edge of the screen or press the button Home.

If you have Android 12 or newer, the interface may be slightly different. For example, on Pixel and some other devices, instead of holding the card, you need to click on application icon in the upper corner of the card and select Split screen.

⚠️ Attention: Not all applications support the mode multi-window. For example, some games or banking applications may block this feature for security or optimization reasons.

2. Floating windows (Pop-up View) on Samsung, Xiaomi and other brands

Some manufacturers add to their shells floating window modewhich allows you to open applications in small windows on top of others. This is convenient for instant messengers, a calculator or notes.

On devices Samsung (with One UI):

1. Open Recent applications.
2. Click on application icon at the top of the card.
3. Select Open as a pop-up window.

On smartphones Xiaomi (c MIUI):

1. Go to Settings → Accessibility → Floating window mode.
2. Activate the function.
3. Now swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen and hold your finger to open the application in the small window.

Brand	Function name	Where to enable	Features
Samsung	Pop-up View	Recent → Application icon → Pop-up window	Works with most applications except games
Xiaomi	Floating windows	Settings → Special. features → Floating window mode	Requires manual activation
Huawei	Multi-Window	Recents → Hold application → Split screen	Supports up to 3 windows simultaneously
Oppo/Realme	Split-Screen + Pop-up	Recents → Swipe down card	Floating windows only for selected applications

On devices with Android 10 and newer, floating windows may conflict with navigation gestures. If the window does not open, try temporarily switching to the navigation buttons in the system settings.

3. Hidden functions of Android: free form and application icons

Few people know, but Android there are hidden capabilities for working with several applications at the same time. One of them is free form of windows (freeform mode), which allows you to resize windows arbitrarily, like on a computer.

To activate this mode:

1. Enable Developer mode (go in Settings → About phone → Build number and press 7 times).
2. Return to Settings → System → For developers.
3. Find the option Free form of windows or Force activities to be resizable and enable it.
4. Reboot the device.

Now When you open an application in split mode, you can change the size of windows independently of each other, and not just vertically. This feature is especially useful on tablets or smartphones with large screens.

Another life hack - long press on the application icon in the menu Recent. On some devices, this opens a context menu with an option Open in new windowthat allows you to launch two copies of the same application (for example, two accounts WhatsApp).

⚠️ Attention: Free form mode may be unstable on some devices. If applications start to close or slow down, disable this option in the developer settings.

4. Third-party launchers with multi-window support

If the built-in functions of your smartphone are limited, you can use third-party launchers, which expand multitasking capabilities. Here are the most popular options:

• 🔹 Microsoft Launcher —supports mode Continue on PC, as well as split screen for applications. Suitable for users who synchronize work between their phone and computer.
• 🔹 Nova Launcher —allows you to customize gestures for quickly opening applications in a multi-window. Requires manual configuration, but offers maximum flexibility.
• 🔹 Taskbar —adds a taskbar, like on Windows, with the ability to launch applications in floating windows.
• 🔹 Square Island —launcher with. support floating panelsthat can be placed on top of other applications.

To set up a multi-window in Nova Launcher:

1. Install the launcher from Google Play.
2. Go to Nova Settings → Gestures and inputs → Swipe up gesture.
3. Select action Split-screen.
4. Now swiping up on the Dock will open the application in split mode.

Third-party launchers are especially useful on devices with Android Go or outdated versions of the OS, where there is no standard multi-window. However, remember that some functions may require root access or ADB commands for full operation.

How to return the standard launcher after experiments?

To roll back to the native launcher, go to Settings → Applications → Default launcher and select the standard option. If the launcher has been disabled, find it in the list of all applications and click Enable.

5. Using ADB to force multi-window to be enabled

If your device does not support split-screen mode, but works on Android 7.0+, you can force activation this function via ADB (Android Debug Bridge). This method requires a connection to a computer, but gives access to the hidden capabilities of the system.

Instructions:

1. Install ADB on your computer (download Platform Tools from the website developers Android).
2. Enable USB debugging on the phone (Settings → About phone → Number assembly → 7 times → return to Settings → For developers).
3. Connect the phone to the PC and run in the command line:

   adb shell settings put global enable_freeform_support 1

4. Reboot the device.

After that, the menu Recent applications will have the option to open applications in arbitrary windows. To get everything back, run the command:

adb shell settings put global enable_freeform_support 0

⚠️ Attention: Incorrect use ADB may lead to system malfunctions. Do not change other parameters unless you are sure of their purpose.

This method works on most devices, but on some firmware (for example, ColorOS from Oppo) additional configuration may be required via build.prop.

6. Alternative solutions: cloning applications and a second user

If you need to run two copies of one application (for example, two accounts Instagram), a standard multi-window will not help. In this case, the following will come in handy:

• 🔹 Clone applications via built-in functions (MIUI, Huawei, Samsung have the option Dual applications or Parallel Apps).
• 🔹 Third-party applications like Parallel Space or 2Accountswhich create an isolated environment for the second account.
• 🔹 Multiple user mode (Settings → System → Users), which allows you to create a separate profile with others applications.

For example, on Xiaomi:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Dual applications.
2. Select the application you want to clone (for example, WhatsApp).
3. After cloning, open both instances in a multi-window.

On Samsung a similar function is called Dual Messenger and is located in Settings → Additional functions.

If your device does not support cloning, use Parallel Space:

1. Install the application from Google Play.
2. Add the desired application to the "space".
3. Launch the clone and the original in a multi-window.

7. Problems and solutions: why the multi-window does not work

Sometimes the split-screen mode refuses to turn on. Considerable reasons and ways to eliminate them:

Problem	Possible cause	Solution
No "Split screen" option in the menu	Outdated version of Android (< 7.0)	Update the firmware or use ADB
The application does not open in a multi-window	The application is blocking the mode	Try another application or use floating windows
Multi-window only works with some applications	Manufacturer has limited the function	Install a third-party launcher or use ADB
The screen is divided only vertically	No free-form support	Activate Free-form windows in the developer settings
Floating windows do not appear	The function is disabled in the settings	Check Settings → Accessibility

If none of the methods worked, check:

• 🔹 System updates (Settings → Software update).
• 🔹 Battery settings: some applications in power saving mode may block the multi-window.
• 🔹 Conflicts with other functions (for example, Game Mode on Xiaomi disables split screen).

⚠️ Attention: On devices with Android 13 and newer, some manufacturers have begun to limit access to hidden settings via ADB. If the commands do not work, check for updates for Platform Tools.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about multi-window on Android

Is it possible to launch two windows of one application (for example, two Chrome)?

No by standard means, since Android does not support duplication of processes of one application. However, you can:

• Use cloning applications (via Dual applications or Parallel Space).
• Enable multi-user mode and launch the application in each profile.
• On some devices (for example Samsung DeX), you can open the application in a window and on the main screen.

Please note that cloned applications take up additional memory and may not work slower.

Why is there no multi-window mode on my phone?

Probable reasons:

1. Outdated version of Android (below 7.0). Solution: update the firmware or install a custom one (for example, LineageOS).
2. The manufacturer has disabled the function (often found on budget devices). Solution: use ADB or a third-party launcher.
3. The shell does not support multi-window (for example, on some devices Nokia with pure Android Solution: install Nova Launcher or Taskbar.

Check your device model and Android version in Settings → About phone.

How to change the size of windows in split mode?

In standard mode Split-Screen you can:

• Drag the dividing line up or down to resize vertically.
• On some devices (for example, Samsung), holding the dividing line allows you to change the proportions (for example, 70/30).

If necessary arbitrary resizing (as on a PC), activate Free form of windows in the developer settings (see section 3).

On tablets with Android 12L or newer is supported Desktop mode, where windows can be freely dragged and scaled.

Is it possible to use a multi-window in games?

Most games do not support split screen mode for the following reasons:

• Technical limitations: games often require full control over the screen and resources.
• Protection against cheats: multi-window can be used for unfair play (for example, simultaneous viewing of guides).
• Performance: simultaneous operation games and other applications may cause lags.

Exceptions:

• Some casual games (for example, Among Us or Brawl Stars) may run in a floating window on devices Samsung.
• Emulators (for example, PPSSPP or Dolphin) sometimes support multi-window.

To stream gameplay with a chat overlay, use specialized applications like Omlet Arcade.

How to disable the multi-window if it gets in the way?

If split-screen mode is activated accidentally, you can disable it:

• Simply drag the separating bar line to the edge of the screen.
• Press the button Home —one of the windows will close.
• On some devices, swiping down the dividing line closes the multi-window.

To completely lock random activation:

• On Samsung: Settings → Additional features → Multi-window → Turn off.
• On Xiaomi: Settings → Display → Multi-window mode → Disable.
• On pure Android: disable the multi-window gesture in the launcher settings.