We have to admit it, we love it. multitaskNowadays, we take advantage of every opportunity our devices offer to do several things at once, whether it's working, studying, watching videos, or socializing online. And with the evolution of Android and its mobile devices, this capability has been enhanced, allowing us to use two apps at the same time in split screen without having to spend large sums on foldable devices or resort to external apps. If you want to take advantage of all the multitasking features of your Android, here's how. How to split screen on Android and what possibilities it offers.
What is split screen on Android and what is it for?
The function of split screen or "split screen" on Android allows split the screen in two halves to run two apps at the same time. This way, you can, for example, read an email while taking notes, watch a YouTube video while chatting on WhatsApp, or check your calendar and browse the website at the same time. This feature is especially useful for take advantage of mobile phones with large screens or to improve productivity in daily or creative tasks.
Additionally, you can adjust the size of each app by sliding the divider bar, prioritizing one over another according to your needs. It's even possible to use two windows of the same application In certain browsers such as Chrome or Brave, a little-known but very practical option, allowing you to compare information or perform parallel tasks.
Which Android phones and versions support split screen?
La Split screen was introduced natively in Android Nougat 7.0 and has been improving in later versions such as Oreo, Pie and the most recent ones. Practically all mobile phones and tablets with Android 7 or higher include this feature, although the exact way to activate it may vary slightly depending on the manufacturer and customization layer.
Manufacturers such as Samsung, Xiaomi, OnePlus, Motorola or TCL offer the split screen function in most of their recent models, although they may incorporate gesture shortcuts or your own quick access. If your Android is very old or the manufacturer has removed the feature, there are third-party applications that allow you to simulate this multitasking, but in most cases it will not be necessary to install anything extra.
How to enable and use two apps in split screen on Android
The process for use two apps simultaneously in split screen It's very simple, and although it may vary slightly depending on your phone's interface or controls (buttons, gestures, etc.), these are the most universal steps:
- Open both applications you want to use. For example, YouTube and WhatsApp.
- Keep both open in the background (don't close them, just minimize them).
- Access the recent applications menuYou can do this by swiping up from the bottom edge if you have gestures enabled, or by tapping the “recent apps” button (usually a square) if you're using the navigation bar.
- Find the first application that you want to have in split screen. Press and hold its icon (not the app thumbnail, but the icon), until a context menu appears.
- Click on the option “Split screen” or “Split Screen.” The app will occupy the top half of the screen (or the side, if the phone is horizontal).
- In the lower half, select the second application from the list of recent apps, or search in your app drawer.
- Now you will have both applications running simultaneouslyYou can adjust the spacing between each one by sliding the horizontal or vertical divider bar.
Some phones offer other shortcuts. On Xiaomi or Huawei, for example, you can also activate split screen with a long press on the recents button or from the app preview by dragging it to the top of the screen.
In the latest layers based on ColorOS, Realme UI or OxygenOS, there is even the option to achieve this. swiping up with three fingers If you have gestures enabled, look in your system settings to see if your phone has any. custom gesture to open split screen.
App compatibility and split screen limitations
Importantly, Not all apps support split screen. Commonly used apps like browsers, messaging (WhatsApp, Telegram), videos, and email usually work perfectly. However, some gaming apps, banking apps, or protected apps may not allow split screen sharing, and a warning will appear if you try.
Additionally, behavior may vary between apps. For example, watch YouTube videos in split screen It's possible, and the video will continue to play. But if you want to watch two videos at once, only one will have audio (and the main focus). When using two video apps (like Instagram and TikTok), only one can be actively playing at a time, and audio is prioritized based on which one is in use.
In the case of web browsers such as Google Chrome or Brave, Can you open two independent windows of the same browser in split screen, very useful for comparing information, researching or working with multiple accounts simultaneously.
Customize your multitasking experience: How to adjust the size and exit split screen
One of the great advantages of split screen is that You can modify the space that each application occupies intuitively. You just have to drag the splitter bar Swipe up or down (or left or right if you're using your phone in landscape mode) to make one app larger and another smaller depending on your priorities. This is useful if, for example, you want to watch a large YouTube video while answering messages in a smaller window.
To exit split-screen mode, simply drag the splitter bar to the edge so that only one app takes up the entire screen. Another universal option is to tap the home button, which will close multitasking and leave only one app in the foreground.
Advanced uses: true multitasking, copy and paste, and picture-in-picture
Split screen enables much more efficient multitasking on Android. Not only can you view and use apps at the same time, but you can also copy and paste information between them Easily. For example, you can copy text from a website in Chrome and paste it directly into a WhatsApp conversation, or compare two data tables without closing any apps.
An additional little-known feature is the option to picture in picture, available in apps like YouTube, Maps, and messaging consoles. With this mode, you can keep a video or Google Maps navigation in a small floating window while using any other app in full screen, without having to be in split-screen mode. To find out which apps are compatible, go to How to put YouTube on floating screen on Android.
The picture-in-picture feature can be disabled app-by-app as desired in this section. To return the video to full size, just double-tap the floating window. To close it, drag it to the bottom of the screen.
Tips, tricks, and solutions to common split-screen problems on Android
If the split screen option does not appear or does not work on your mobile, try these tips:
- Make sure your Android is up to date to a compatible version (7.0 or higher). See how to update Android.
- Check if The manufacturer has modified the gestures or the recent apps menu and check the system settings.
- Some apps, for security or digital rights reasons, block the split screen functionIf this is the case, try other similar apps.
- On older models or those with highly customized layers, it may only allow you to open split screen from certain apps or in certain modes (gestures, navigation bar). Learn how to drag text between apps.
- If you want to take multitasking further, there are third-party apps to split the screen or create shortcuts from quick settings.
Also remember that on some models you can use the split screen on Android tablets to multiply productivity, having up to three active windows in some cases (depending on the manufacturer and Android version).
Featured Android smartphone models with split screen
The vast majority of current smartphones from brands such as Samsung, Xiaomi, TCL, Motorola, OnePlus or Google Pixel support split screen. Some popular examples are:
- Samsung Galaxy A55 5G: 6,6-inch Super AMOLED display and advanced multitasking. See more mobile phones with large screens.
- Samsung Galaxy A35 5G: 8GB RAM and large screen, ideal for productivity and intensive use.
- TCL 30+: Affordable, Android 12, and a nearly 7-inch screen for comfortable multitasking.
- Motorola: : Their recent phones integrate split-screen view and support for picture-in-picture.
If you are looking for a mobile phone with an updated Android and a large screen, you will be guaranteed a smooth multitasking experience and split screen support.
What can you do with two apps on screen? Ideas and practical examples
The possibilities of split screen on Android are endless. Here are some useful examples:
- Writing emails while consulting documents or your calendar.
- Watch YouTube videos while browsing the web, you answer messages or take notes.
- Follow a recipe while shopping for ingredients online. or you write down a list.
- Compare prices or specifications of products by opening two browser windows (Chrome and Brave allow this with different accounts or tabs).
- Plan a route on Google Maps and listen to music or reply to messages without losing navigation.
- Check social media and take notes instantly.
What are your favorite app combinations for multitasking? Let us know in the comments what you find most useful for using split screen.
La split screen feature on Android It has evolved to become an essential tool for those seeking to maximize productivity, creativity, or entertainment. Whether for professional, academic, or personal use, knowing and mastering these functions will allow you to Get the most out of your Android phone or tablet Without having to buy expensive devices or resort to hacks. Experiment with different apps and methods and discover a new way to interact with your Android.
