How to Split Screen on Android

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How to Split Screen On Android | Getting Started

Have you ever wished to run two applications simultaneously on your Android smartphone or tablet? If so, you’re in luck.

Many modern Android phones from various manufacturers now support split-screen mode, which allows you to use and view two apps simultaneously.

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The Android split-screen feature is relatively straightforward to use. However, this feature might drain your battery faster than running applications separately on your smartphone or tablet.

Not all Android applications support launch in split-screen mode. Apps requiring the full screen, such as games, often don’t offer this option.

Additionally, not all Android devices support split-screen mode. But if your Android smartphone or tablet does, here’s how to launch and use two applications simultaneously.

Open Two Apps Simultaneously on Android

Tap the ‘Recent Apps’ icon in the bottom left corner of your Home screen, denoted by three parallel lines or a square, depending on your device.
Find the app you wish to use in split-screen under ‘Recent Apps.’ Long-press on that app to launch a menu. Note that some applications are not compatible with split-screen mode.
Select ‘Open in split screen view’ from the menu that appears.

How to Split Screen On Android

The chosen app will anchor to the top of your screen. To select the second app for the split screen, tap on it from your home screen or app drawer.
Both apps will now display in split-screen mode, separated by a black divider, which you can adjust to change the space allocated to each app.
To exit split-screen mode and close one of the apps, drag the black divider towards the app you wish to close.
Your screen may briefly flash blue as the app closes, leaving the other app in full-screen mode.

How to Split Screen On Android

Certain apps work better in split-screen mode than others. Apps like Netflix and YouTube are well-suited for split-screen due to their minimal interaction requirements. In contrast, mobile games demanding intensive player engagement may not effectively support split-screen.

Open Applications as Pop-Ups

Some devices offer additional multitasking features, such as opening an app in a floating window called a pop-up view.

On Samsung devices, the Pop-up view feature minimizes the chosen app to a movable window on the screen, allowing you to interact with other apps simultaneously. To launch an app in pop-up view:

Access your recent applications.
Tap the app icon above the app you’d like to open in pop-up view, then select ‘Open in pop-up view.’
The app will now launch in a resizable pop-up window on your screen.

How to Split Screen On Android

Troubleshoot Android Split Screen Problems

If you’re unable to access the split-screen function on your Android smartphone, follow these troubleshooting steps:

Firstly, verify your phone’s features on the manufacturer’s website to confirm if it supports split-screen mode.

If your device supports the feature but it’s not working, consider these

tips:

Ensure your smartphone has the latest updates: Bugs or outdated software might need correcting with an update.
Check your smartphone’s temperature: Overheating may temporarily deactivate split-screen mode. Consider turning off your device for a few minutes to cool down.
Reboot your smartphone: Often the simplest solution to resolve issues.
Factory reset your smartphone: Use this as a last resort, ensuring you have backed up your data beforehand.

Note: Compatibility with split-screen mode varies among apps. Also, if you wish to use split-screen in landscape mode, ensure ‘Auto Rotate’ is enabled in your settings. Then, when you split your screen, you can rotate your device horizontally.

Final Thought

As demonstrated, using the Android split-screen feature is quite straightforward. Although split-screen may demand more from your battery, it’s an efficient way to multitask on your smartphone without constantly switching between apps. Follow the steps outlined above to enable split-screen mode and multitask effectively on your Android device.