How to Use Split Screen on Android: Multi-Tasking Made Easy

Split screen functionality has become an essential feature for smartphones, enabling users to multitask effortlessly by running two apps simultaneously on the same screen. In this detailed guide, we will walk you through the process of using split-screen on your Android device, making multitasking a breeze.

So, let’s dive in and explore the steps to unlock the full potential of your Android device with split-screen capabilities.

1. Contents hide

   1 Check Your Device’s Android Version

   2 Enable Split Screen Mode

   3 Add the Second App

   4 Adjust the Split Screen Divider

   5 Exiting Split Screen Mode

   6 Additional Split Screen Tips and Tricks

   6.1 Use App Pairs (Samsung Devices Only)

   6.2 Quickly Swap Apps in Split Screen Mode

   6.3 Use Pop-up View for More Flexible Multitasking (Samsung Devices Only)

   6.4 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Using Split Screen on Android Devices

   Check Your Device’s Android Version

Before we begin, it’s important to verify that your device is running on an Android version that supports split-screen functionality. Typically, Android 7.0 Nougat and later versions come with this feature built-in. To check your device’s Android version, follow these steps:

• Go to ‘Settings‘ on your device
• Scroll down and tap on ‘About Phone‘ or ‘About device‘
• Find the ‘Android version’ information

If your device runs on Android 7.0 Nougat or later, you can proceed with the guide. If not, consider updating your device to a compatible version to enjoy the split-screen feature.

2. Enable Split Screen Mode

Now that you’ve confirmed your device’s compatibility, let’s enable the split screen mode. Follow the steps below:

• Open the first app you want to use in split-screen mode
• Press the ‘Recent Apps’ button on your device (usually a square or three vertical lines icon)
• In the ‘Recent Apps’ view, find the app you want to use in split-screen mode
• Press and hold the app’s title bar or the app icon (depending on your Android version)
• Drag the app to the top or left side of the screen (a prompt saying ‘Drag here to use split screen’ may appear)
• Release the app when it’s positioned correctly

At this point, the first app will be locked into the top or left side of the screen, depending on your device’s orientation. The bottom or right side of the screen will display the ‘Recent Apps’ view.

3. Add the Second App

Now it’s time to add the second app to your split screen view. Follow these steps:

• In the ‘Recent Apps’ view, scroll to find the second app you want to use
• Tap on the second app to add it to the split-screen view

Both apps will now be displayed side-by-side (or top-and-bottom, depending on your device’s orientation).

4. Adjust the Split Screen Divider

You can adjust the split screen divider to allocate more or less screen space to each app. Follow these steps:

• Locate the divider between the two apps (usually a small white or black line or circle)
• Press and hold the divider
• Drag the divider up or down (or left or right, depending on your device’s orientation) to adjust the screen space allocated to each app
• Release the divider when you’re satisfied with the new screen allocation

5. Exiting Split Screen Mode

When you’re done using split screen mode, you can easily exit and return to a single-app view. Follow these steps:

• Press and hold the split screen divider
• Drag the divider to the edge of the screen (either top or bottom, or left or right, depending on your device’s orientation)
• Release the divider when one of the apps fills the entire screen

The split screen mode will be exited, and you’ll be back to using a single app on your screen.

Split screen functionality on Android devices has made multitasking easier and more efficient than ever before. By following this comprehensive step-by-step guide, you can quickly master the split screen feature and enhance your productivity while using your Android device.

Additional Split Screen Tips and Tricks

To further improve your multitasking experience, consider exploring these additional tips and tricks for using split screen on Android:

1. Use App Pairs (Samsung Devices Only)

If you’re using a Samsung device, you can create an ‘App Pair‘ to quickly launch two apps in split screen mode simultaneously. To do this:

• Open the ‘Edge Panel‘ on your Samsung device
• Tap on the ‘+‘ button to create a new App Pair
• Select the two apps you want to pair
• Tap ‘Done‘ to save the App Pair

Now, you can launch both apps in split-screen mode with just one tap.

2. Quickly Swap Apps in Split Screen Mode

If you want to switch the position of the two apps in split screen mode, follow these steps:

• Tap on the split screen divider to reveal the split screen controls
• Tap on the ‘Swap‘ icon (usually two arrows or a circular arrow icon)
• The apps will switch positions on the screen

3. Use Pop-up View for More Flexible Multitasking (Samsung Devices Only)

The pop-up view is another multitasking feature available on Samsung devices, allowing you to open apps in resizable floating windows. To use this feature:

• Open the app you want to use in the pop-up view
• Swipe down diagonally from either top corner of the screen
• The app will be displayed in a resizable floating window

You can open multiple apps in pop-up view and arrange them on the screen according to your preference.

By exploring these additional tips and tricks, you can further enhance your multitasking capabilities and make the most of your Android device’s split screen feature. Happy multitasking!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Using Split Screen on Android Devices

1. Q: Which Android devices support the split screen feature? A: The split screen feature is available on Android devices running Android 7.0 Nougat or later. To check if your device supports split-screen, go to ‘Settings’ > ‘About phone’ or ‘About device’ and look for the ‘Android version’ information.
2. Q: Can I use more than two apps in split screen mode? A: By default, Android’s split-screen mode only supports two apps running side-by-side. However, some manufacturers like Samsung offer additional multitasking features such as pop-up view, which allows users to open multiple apps in resizable floating windows.
3. Q: Can I use split-screen mode in landscape orientation? A: Yes, split screen mode works in both portrait and landscape orientations. Depending on your device’s orientation, the apps will be displayed either side-by-side or stacked vertically.
4. Q: Does split screen mode affect my device’s performance or battery life? A: Running two apps simultaneously in split screen mode may slightly impact your device’s performance and battery life, especially if both apps are resource-intensive. To maintain optimal performance and battery life, consider closing unused apps and adjusting your device’s settings.
5. Q: Are there any apps that don’t support split screen mode? A: Some apps may not support split-screen mode due to their design or functionality. If an app doesn’t support split screen, you may see a message stating that the app doesn’t support split-screen when you try to add it to the split screen view.
6. Q: Can I use split screen mode on Android tablets? A: Yes, split-screen mode is also available on Android tablets running Android 7.0 Nougat or later. The process of enabling split screen mode on tablets is similar to that on smartphones.
7. Q: How can I switch between the two apps in split screen mode? A: To switch between the two apps in split screen mode, simply tap on the app you want to interact with. The selected app will become active, allowing you to interact with it, while the other app remains visible but inactive.