Summarize this article with:
Switching between apps wastes time. Learning how to split screen on Android lets you run two apps simultaneously on your phone or tablet.
The multi window feature works on Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, and most Android devices running version 7.0 or later.
This guide shows you exactly how to:
- Open the recent apps menu
- Select apps for split view
- Adjust window sizes
- Exit split screen mode
You will also learn Samsung-specific methods using Edge Panel and app pairs.
Takes about 2 minutes to master.
Introduction
Split screen on Android is the process of displaying two apps simultaneously on a single display using the multi window feature.
Users need this when comparing information between apps, copying text from one window to another, or watching videos while browsing.
This guide covers 5 steps requiring 1-2 minutes and Android 7.0 Nougat or later.
Prerequisites
- Android version: 7.0 Nougat or later (Android 14/15 recommended)
- Device: Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, or any stock Android phone
- Navigation type: Gesture navigation or 3-button navigation enabled
- Apps: Two apps that support split screen view installed
- Time needed: 1-2 minutes
Not all apps work with dual window mode. Games and some camera apps block this function.
Step One: How Do You Access the Recent Apps Menu?
Open the recent apps menu by swiping up from the bottom edge of your screen and holding for one second. The app switcher displays all running applications as cards in a horizontal carousel.
Action
- Gesture navigation: Swipe up from bottom edge, hold 1 second, release
- 3-button navigation: Tap the square icon on the navigation bar
- Result: App cards appear showing recent apps
Purpose
The overview menu provides access to the split screen option through each app’s icon menu. You cannot activate multitasking from the home screen directly.
If your recent apps button is missing, you may need to enable the recent apps button in your Android settings.
Step Two: How Do You Select the First App for Split Screen?
Tap the app icon at the top of the app card (not the preview itself) to open a dropdown menu with window management options.
Action
- Location: App icon above each app preview card
- Tap: The small icon, not the large preview area
- Select: “Open in split screen view” from dropdown
- Result: App moves to top half of display
Purpose
Tapping the icon opens context options for that specific application. The preview area just opens the app normally.
Samsung Galaxy devices running One UI show this as “Open in split screen view.” Stock Android and Google Pixel phones display “Split screen” or “Split top.”
Step Three: How Do You Choose the Second App?
Select your second application from the remaining app cards or open the app drawer to find another program.
Action
- Option A: Tap any visible app card in the bottom half
- Option B: Tap the app drawer icon to browse all apps
- Result: Both apps display on screen simultaneously
Purpose
The bottom section becomes your selection area after pinning the first app. Your phone now runs two apps at once in side by side mode.
The screen divider bar appears between both windows. If you need to close apps on your Android device before starting, clear some from memory first.
Step Four: How Do You Adjust the Split Screen Size?
Drag the divider bar between both apps to resize each window according to your preference.
Action
- Location: Center line between top and bottom apps
- Gesture: Touch and drag up or down
- Ratios available: 50/50, 70/30, or 30/70
- Result: Apps resize while maintaining functionality
Purpose
Different tasks need different window sizes. Give more space to the app requiring focus; shrink the reference app.
Step Five: How Do You Exit Split Screen Mode?
Close the split view by dragging the divider to the top or bottom edge of your screen.
Action
- Method A: Drag divider bar to top edge (keeps bottom app)
- Method B: Drag divider bar to bottom edge (keeps top app)
- Method C: Tap home button or swipe up to go home
- Result: Single app returns to full screen display
Purpose
Multiple exit options let you choose which app stays open. The home gesture closes both apps entirely.
Verification
Confirm split screen mode works correctly by checking these indicators:
- Both apps visible on screen simultaneously
- Divider bar appears between windows
- Each app responds to touch input independently
- Content scrolls separately in each window
- Apps maintain their state when switching focus
If one app freezes, it may be consuming too much memory. You can check apps running in background to free up resources.
Troubleshooting
Issue: App Does Not Show Split Screen Option
Solution: Some apps block multi window mode. Check Settings > Apps > [App name] > Advanced > Picture-in-picture or Multi window permissions.
Games, banking apps, and DRM-protected streaming apps commonly disable this feature for security or performance reasons.
Issue: Split Screen Closes Unexpectedly
Solution: Low RAM causes Android to kill background processes. Close unused apps, clear cache, or restart your device.
Devices with 4GB RAM or less struggle with demanding app combinations. Learn how to clear cache on Android for better performance.
Issue: Divider Bar Disappears or Stops Responding
Solution: Navigate to Settings > Display > Navigation bar and verify gesture settings. Toggle split screen gestures off and on.
On Samsung devices: Settings > Advanced features > Multi window > enable “Swipe for split screen.”
Issue: Apps Display Incorrectly in Split View
Solution: Some apps lack responsive layouts for narrow aspect ratios. No fix exists; the app developer must update their code.
Alternative Method: Samsung Galaxy Devices
Samsung phones running One UI offer additional ways to activate split screen beyond the standard method.
Method Comparison
| Feature | Stock Android | Samsung One UI | | — | — | — | | Activation | Recent apps menu only | Recent apps, Edge Panel, gestures | | App pairs | Limited support | Save and launch from home screen | | Gesture options | None | Two-finger swipe, corner swipe | | Pop-up view | Basic | Floating windows with minimize |
Samsung Galaxy devices provide deeper multitasking integration, especially on Galaxy Z Fold and Galaxy Z Flip models.
Alternative Method: Using Edge Panel on Samsung
The Edge Panel lets you launch split screen instantly without opening recent apps.
Steps
- Swipe left from the right edge of your screen
- Long-press an app icon in the panel
- Drag it to the top or bottom half of display
- Select second app from panel or app drawer
Create App Pairs
- Open two apps in split screen view
- Tap the three-dot menu on the divider bar
- Select the star icon to save pair
- Choose “Home screen” or “Apps edge panel”
App pairs launch both applications in split mode with one tap. Perfect for routine combinations like Slack + Asana or YouTube + Chrome.
If you prefer organizing apps differently, you can also group apps on Android into folders for faster access.
Related Processes
- How to check screen time on Android
- How to stop apps from opening automatically on Android
- How to clone apps on Android
- How to lock apps on Android
- How to hide apps on Android
FAQ on How To Split Screen On Android
What Android version supports split screen?
Android 7.0 Nougat introduced split screen mode in 2016. All newer versions including Android 14 and Android 15 support the multi window feature with improved functionality and gesture controls.
Why can’t I split screen certain apps?
Some apps disable split screen for security or performance reasons. Banking apps, games, and DRM-protected streaming services commonly block this feature. The app developer controls this setting, not Android.
Can I use split screen on Samsung Galaxy phones?
Yes. Samsung Galaxy devices running One UI offer enhanced multitasking features including Edge Panel shortcuts, app pairs, and swipe gestures. Galaxy Z Fold and Galaxy Z Flip models provide the best split screen experience.
How do I resize windows in split screen mode?
Drag the divider bar between both apps up or down. Android supports 50/50, 70/30, and 30/70 ratios. Release the bar when windows reach your preferred size.
Does split screen drain battery faster?
Running two apps simultaneously uses more RAM and processing power. Battery drain increases moderately compared to single-app use. Close split screen when not needed to conserve power.
Can I copy text between split screen apps?
Yes. Long-press to select text in one app, tap copy, then switch focus to the second app and paste. Some Samsung devices also support drag and drop between windows.
How many apps can I run in split screen?
Standard split screen supports two apps. Samsung Galaxy tablets and foldable phones allow three apps using pop-up view. Google Pixel Fold also supports multiple floating windows alongside split view.
Why does split screen keep closing?
Low RAM causes Android to kill background processes. Devices with 4GB RAM or less struggle with demanding app combinations. Close unused apps or restart your device to free memory.
Can I save app combinations for quick access?
Samsung One UI lets you create app pairs saved to your home screen or Edge Panel. Stock Android and Google Pixel devices offer limited app pair support on newer versions.
Does split screen work in landscape mode?
Yes. Rotate your phone sideways and apps display left-to-right instead of top-to-bottom. Landscape split screen works best on tablets and foldable devices with larger displays.
Conclusion
You now know how to split screen on Android using both stock Android and Samsung One UI methods.
The multi window feature transforms your phone into a productivity tool. Open two apps, drag the divider bar, and work with side by side apps without constant switching.
Samsung Galaxy owners get extra options like app pairs and Edge Panel shortcuts. Google Pixel users rely on gesture navigation and the taskbar on foldable models.
Start with simple combinations. YouTube and Chrome work great together. So do messaging apps and note-taking tools.
Practice the swipe gestures until they become automatic. Multitasking on Android gets faster with muscle memory.
Your phone already has this feature built in. Use it.
Many of his resources are available on various design marketplaces and for free on Codepen.
Over the years, he's worked with a range of clients and contributed to design publications like Design Your Way, Designmodo, WebDesignerDepot, WPDean, and Speckyboy, and Slider Revolution among others.
