Use only one app in full screen on your mobile device It's fine for checking social media or replying to a quick message, but it falls short when you need to actually work: following a video call while consulting a document, copying data from an email to a spreadsheet, or comparing information between two websites. On a computer, we open two windows and that's it; on a mobile device, most people jump from one app to another, wasting time and, above all, losing track of what they were doing.
The good news is that Android has been offering that for years. multitasking functions These features allow you to use two apps (or even more, depending on the manufacturer) on screen simultaneously. The problem is that these options are quite hidden, vary slightly depending on the brand, and many people don't even know they exist. In this guide, we'll see, in detail, how to work with three apps at once on Android, which phones do it best, and what tricks can save you countless taps and swipes throughout the day.
Multitasking on Android: how it basically works
Android includes a split-screen system as standard. It works on most modern phones (Android 12 or higher, although earlier versions had variations). It doesn't matter if you have a Pixel, a Xiaomi, an OPPO, a OnePlus, a Motorola, or a Samsung: they all share a basic idea—opening two apps simultaneously on the same screen so you can interact with both without constantly switching between them. Furthermore, in recent versions like Android 16 Improvements have been added that expand multitasking capabilities.
The experience, however, varies greatly depending on the screen size and hardware.On phones 6 inches or smaller, split-screen mode is quite cramped and only convenient for quick checks. From 6,5 inches upwards, and especially at 6,7 inches or larger, split-screen becomes truly usable for work: reading on one half and taking notes on the other, following a script while responding to a chat, etc. Furthermore, with more powerful processors and more RAM, the smoothness of running two apps simultaneously is far superior to what it was a few years ago. It's also worth checking the key Android settings to improve performance and stability.
Another important point is that not all apps support split screen.Most do, but there are exceptions: some games, certain banking apps, or apps like Instagram may block this feature at the developer's discretion. On many Samsung devices, you can even partially force compatibility through advanced settings, but generally, you should expect that a few apps will resist opening in multi-window mode.
Beyond the classic split screen, some manufacturers have added their own systems To take multitasking a step further: floating windows that can be moved around the screen, side panels with shortcuts to app combinations, and even desktop modes that transform the phone into something similar to a PC when connected to a monitor. These features, like those described in new way to use your mobile phoneThey offer different approaches to make better use of space and tactile interaction.
Split screen on Android: universally run two apps at once
The most standard way to work with multiple apps at once on Android It's the split-screen view. The exact path varies slightly depending on the manufacturer's interface, but nowadays there's a fairly universal method in Android 12 and later versions.
To use split screen, first open the two apps you want to combine.For example, open your browser, and then your notes app or email client. It's fine if you open another app afterward; the key is that the two you want to use are among your recent apps.
Next, go to the recent apps menu: usually by tapping the square or striped button at the bottom, or by sliding upwards from the bottom edge and holding for a second if you use gesture navigationYou'll see a carousel with the apps you've used recently.
In this recent apps view, locate the first app you want to pin to the screen. Then tap its icon at the top of the preview window (not within the content, but on the app icon). A small context menu will open, usually containing an option like "Split screen," "Open in split view," or something similar. Tap it.
At that moment, Android will place that first app at the top of the screen. (if your phone is in portrait mode) or on the left side (if it's in landscape mode). The remaining area of ​​the screen will then be available to choose the second app. Now you just have to tap on the other app you want to use from the recent apps list or the app drawer, and it will open, taking up the remaining space.
Once you have both applications open in split-screen modeYou'll see a dividing bar between the two. You can drag it up or down (or to the side, depending on the orientation) to adjust the size of each section: split the screen 50/50, leave one app larger at 70/30, or find the balance that best suits you at any given time.
When you're finished using split screen, you can exit it very easily.Drag the slider all the way up or down until one of the apps fills the entire screen, or close one of the apps as you normally would. The system will then return to single-window mode without further issue.
Bonus tip: Use two Chrome windows at the same time
A very common situation in Android is needing two web pages visible at the same timeCompare prices from two stores, follow a manual in one tab while filling out a form in another, or read a document while consulting a support website. With Chrome for Android, you can do this very conveniently using split-screen mode.
The first step is to have split-screen mode enabled and use Chrome in one of the halves.Configure multitasking as we saw earlier: open Chrome, go to recent apps, choose "Split screen," and keep the browser in one of the two screen areas. You can have any other app in the other half for now; it doesn't matter too much.
Within Chrome, tap the three vertical dots menu Located in the upper right corner of the browser. In that list of options, you'll see an entry called something like "New window" or "Open in another window." This option allows you to create a second, completely independent instance of Chrome.
By selecting "New window", Android will automatically open that second instance. The browser window occupies the other part of the split screen. This way you'll have two Chrome windows side by side, each with its own tabs, its own session, and even, if needed, different associated Google accounts.
Working with two Chrome windows side-by-side is especially useful to compare information without having to keep closing and opening tabs. You can, for example, have a Google Docs document open in one window and a reference search open in the other, or check two news websites simultaneously to compare data.
Beyond split screen: floating windows and advanced modes
Split screen isn't the only way to multitask on AndroidMany manufacturers have added their own systems to gain flexibility and allow working with more than two apps at once without overloading the screen.
One of the most interesting additions is the floating windowsThese pop-up windows function similarly to a window on a computer: they can be freely moved around the screen, resized, and placed over other apps. While the exact implementation varies, the idea is always the same: to turn an app into a kind of pop-up window. If you ever want to limit or disable these windows, you can find out how. limit the floating window in some layers like MIUI.
In brands like Samsung, Xiaomi, OPPO or OnePlus There are usually options like "Open in pop-up window" or "Floating window" that appear when you press and hold an app icon on the recent apps screen or home screen. Enabling this option frames the app in a small window that you can drag wherever you want.
Thanks to this system, it is possible to work with three or even four applications at the same time.For example, you could have a document and a browser in split-screen mode, with a small floating chat window or calculator on top. There's always a reasonable limit to avoid turning your phone into a visual mess, but when used well, it can be incredibly practical.
Another very useful addition, found especially on Samsung devices, is the side app panel.It's a bar that opens from the edge of the screen and gives you direct access to your favorite apps and multitasking combinations. You can save pairs of apps to open directly in split-screen mode (for example, WhatsApp + Chrome) with a single tap, which greatly speeds up your daily workflow.
Samsung Galaxy: the multitasking champion on Android
If we're talking about working with three apps simultaneously on Android in a comfortable and powerful way...Samsung Galaxy phones with One UI are clearly ahead of the rest. The Korean brand has been investing for years in multitasking features and refining details that make all the difference when using your phone as a work tool.
On Galaxy devices, in addition to the standard split screen, you have the option to open apps in pop-up view. From the recent apps menu, selecting "Open in pop-up view" turns the app into a floating window that you can move, resize, and minimize to a small bubble icon. This way, you can keep two apps open in split-screen mode and a third in a floating window without significantly impacting system performance.
Samsung's Edge Panel is another of its strong pointsFrom there, you can drag an app to the top or bottom to create a split screen, or drop it in the center as a pop-up window. You can even save preset multitasking combinations: for example, tapping an icon will automatically open your browser and email side-by-side, just as you left them last time.
For those who own a Galaxy Fold or Flip, Flex Mode also comes into play.When you fold the phone, the screen can automatically split so that one app appears on top and the controls on the bottom, or so that two apps are better distributed. On larger foldable phones, like the Fold, working with multiple windows simultaneously feels quite similar to using a small tablet.
Samsung also offers DeX, a full desktop mode. This feature activates when you connect your phone to a compatible monitor or TV. In this environment, you can manage multiple resizable windows just like on a PC, although technically you're no longer working solely on the phone's screen. Even so, it demonstrates the extent to which the brand has committed to multitasking that closely resembles that of a computer.
Regarding performance, in recent high-end models It's perfectly possible to keep three or four apps open on screen at the same time (both split and floating) without the system struggling too much. Obviously, the more RAM and better processor you have, the smoother the experience will be.
Other Android brands: Pixel, Xiaomi, OPPO, OnePlus, and others
Beyond Samsung, other manufacturers have also significantly improved their multitasking capabilities.Although they usually fall a step behind in terms of options and polish, they are still more than sufficient for most users to work with multiple apps simultaneously.
On Google Pixel phones, Android offers standard split-screen functionality. With a very clean interface and without too many frills. Starting with Android 16, Google has been refining the gestures and the native desktop mode when the phone is connected to an external monitor, but on the phone itself the experience is still mainly based on the 50/50 split or other proportions.
Xiaomi, OPPO, and OnePlus usually add their own floating window featuresFor example, Xiaomi's MIUI allows you to open a response to a notification from certain apps in a small window without interrupting what you're doing. You can also convert some apps into floating windows from the recent apps menu or quick settings.
In all these cases, the idea for working with three apps is similar.Use split-screen mode for the two "main" apps you need to keep visible at all times, and add a third in a floating window for quick reference or occasional interaction. The practical limit depends largely on screen size and how much you're willing to tolerate in small windows.
It's important to note that each brand may change the names and locations of the controls.What one phone says "Split Screen" might appear as "Split View," "Multi Window," or something similar on another. The general procedure, however, almost always involves going to the recent apps menu and pressing and holding the app icon in that view.
Quick gestures and productivity tricks without split screen
Although true multitasking involves splitting the screen or using floating windowsThere are several gestures and shortcuts that allow you to gain a lot of speed when moving between apps even when you only have one visible.
The gesture of quickly switching between the last two used applications It's one of the most useful and least known. On Android, if you have gesture navigation enabled, simply swipe the bottom bar to the right or left to jump between the current and previous apps almost instantly. It's perfect for, for example, copying data from an email to a notes app without having to return to the recent apps view each time.
If you use a Bluetooth keyboard connected to your Android phone or tabletMany typical computer keyboard shortcuts also work: Alt+Tab or similar combinations to switch apps, Control+C and Control+V to copy and paste, etc. This, combined with the landscape screen and a phone stand, turns the device into a rather handy mini-laptop for light office tasks.
The advanced clipboard is another great ally for multitasking.Some manufacturers, like Samsung, include a history of copied items, so you can retrieve text or images you've copied before without having to return to the original app. If your phone doesn't have this feature, there are third-party Android apps that add it and greatly simplify transferring data between applications.
Finally, the importance of a simple table stand should not be underestimated.Placing your phone horizontally, activating split screen with two apps, and complementing it with a keyboard or, at least, a good viewing angle, makes working with several apps stop being a temporary fix and become a serious option when you're away from your computer.
Limitations, battery consumption, and overall rating
Working with multiple applications simultaneously on Android, like everything else, has its limits.The first one we've already mentioned: some apps don't allow you to open them in split screen, usually by decision of the developer or because they are full-screen games and content that don't adapt well to smaller windows.
Another aspect to consider is battery consumptionHaving two or three apps running and updating simultaneously slightly increases energy consumption. In real-world tests with recent high-end phones, the increase is usually around 5 to 10% during long sessions of intensive multitasking, which shouldn't be a problem if you have sufficient battery power or a charger handy. Furthermore, monitoring which apps are running can help. apps run in the background It helps to moderate that consumption.
Smoothness also depends heavily on the hardware.On devices with limited RAM or less powerful processors, heavy multitasking can cause lag, app loading, or forced closures. In these cases, it's best to limit yourself to two apps on screen and avoid keeping many more running in the background.
If we look at which manufacturer offers the best mobile multitasking experienceSamsung clearly takes first place thanks to its pop-up window system, side panel, app combinations, and DeX mode. Right behind are the Pixel phones and other manufacturers with a stock Android experience, who have been improving support for split-screen and external desktop mode. Apple, meanwhile, continues to reserve true multitasking for the iPad, as the iPhone lacks native split-screen functionality, limiting options to features like Picture-in-Picture for video.
In your day-to-day life, if your job involves constantly switching between apps (Slack, Notion, Google Docs, Excel, WhatsApp, PDF, browser, etc.), an Android phone with good multitasking can make you much more productive than a device that only allows one app at a time. By combining split-screen, floating windows, quick gestures, and a simple desktop stand, you can transform your smartphone into a small mobile workstation without needing to get out your laptop for every task. If an app ever freezes, knowing how force the closure of frozen apps It is very useful.
The ability to work with three apps at once on Android is no longer a hidden trickbut a mature function that, when properly configured, allows you to read, write, communicate, and consult information simultaneously with considerable ease; you just need to know where the split-screen and pop-up window controls are in your specific brand and experiment a bit until you find the configuration that best suits your way of working.
