Did you know you can use two apps at the same time on your Android phone? With the split screen feature, you can divide your screen in two and use two apps side by side or one above the other. This is perfect for multitasking, for example watching a video while you answer messages. In this article we explain how to turn on split screen and get the most out of it.

What is split screen on Android?

Split screen is a multitasking feature that's available on Android phones starting with Android 7.0 Nougat. With this feature you can divide your phone's screen into two equal parts, with each half showing a different app. You can see and use both apps at the same time, which makes it easier to copy information or do several tasks at once.

Think of following a recipe video while taking notes, comparing prices in two online stores, or chatting with someone while you scroll through social media. The possibilities are endless and make your phone much more productive.

Turning on split screen from recent apps

The most common way to turn on split screen is from the recent apps overview. The exact steps can vary slightly depending on your Android version and phone brand.

Step 1: Open the recent apps overview

First, go to the overview of your recent apps. You do this by:

  • Tapping the square navigation button (if you use buttons)
  • Swiping up from the bottom of the screen and holding (if you use gestures)

Step 2: Select the first app

In the recent apps overview you'll see all the apps you've used recently. Find the app you want to use first in split screen. Long-press the app icon at the top of the app card, or tap the three dots next to the app name.

Step 3: Choose split screen

A menu with options appears. Select 'Split' or 'Split screen'. On some phones it says 'Open in split screen view'. The first app is now pinned to the top half of your screen.

Step 4: Select the second app

The bottom half of your screen now shows your recent apps or your app drawer. Select the second app you want to use. As soon as you select an app, both apps are shown next to each other.

Split screen on Samsung phones

Samsung phones have their own implementation of split screen, which works a little differently but also offers extra features.

Method 1: From recent apps

Open the recent apps overview. Tap the app icon at the top of an app card. Select 'Open in split screen view'. Then choose the second app from your recent apps or app drawer.

Method 2: With the Edge Panel

Samsung phones have an Edge Panel that you open by swiping inward from the edge of the screen. Add apps to your Edge Panel and drag them onto the screen to turn on split screen. Drag the first app to the top and the second to the bottom.

App Pair on Samsung

A unique Samsung feature is App Pair, which lets you link two apps and open them together in split screen with a single tap. Go to the Edge Panel, tap the three lines and select 'Edit'. Here you can create App Pairs by combining two apps.

Adjusting the screen split

By default the screen is split exactly in the middle, but you can adjust the split. Between the two apps you'll see a black line or bar. Tap and drag this line up or down to give an app more or less space.

This is handy if, for example, you want to watch a video that needs more space while keeping a chat app smaller. Some phones even support a 70/30 split for even more flexibility.

Switching apps in split screen

Sometimes you want to replace one of the apps with another app. This is easy to do without leaving split screen mode entirely.

On stock Android

Tap the recent apps overview while you're in split screen. The active app is replaced by the app you select from your recent apps.

On Samsung

Double-tap the divider line to swap the positions of the apps. Or long-press the divider line for more options, such as switching apps or ending split screen.

Ending split screen

Done multitasking? There are several ways to end split screen:

  • Drag the divider line all the way to the top or bottom to make one app full screen
  • Tap the home button to go to the home screen (split screen stays in the background)
  • Open the recent apps overview and swipe the split apps away
  • On some phones: long-press the recent apps button

Which apps support split screen?

Most apps support split screen, but not all of them. Apps that don't support split screen show a message that split screen isn't available. This often happens with:

  • Games that require full screen
  • Camera apps
  • Some banking apps, for security reasons
  • Apps specifically designed for full screen

Forcing split screen

Still want to use split screen with an app that doesn't support it? On some Android versions you can force it through the developer options. Go to Settings > System > Developer options and turn on 'Force activities to be resizable'. Note: this can make some apps unstable.

Tips for effective multitasking

Here are a few tips to get the most out of split screen:

Copy text between apps

In split screen you can easily copy text from one app and paste it into the other. Select text in one app, tap 'Copy' and paste it into the other app. This is perfect for transferring information.

Drag files between apps

On some Android versions and Samsung phones, you can drag files, images or text from one app to the other. Long-press an item and drag it to the other app.

Use a bigger screen

Split screen works best on phones with a bigger screen. On smaller phones, apps can feel cramped. Consider a tablet or foldable phone if you multitask often.

Picture-in-Picture as an alternative

Besides split screen, Android also supports Picture-in-Picture (PiP). This is ideal for videos you want to keep watching while you use other apps. The video appears as a small floating window that you can move around.

Apps like YouTube, Google Maps and Netflix support PiP. To turn it on, start a video and tap the home button. The video automatically shrinks to a floating window.

Conclusion

Split screen is a powerful feature that can greatly increase your productivity on Android. Whether you want to watch videos while chatting, compare prices or take notes while reading, split screen lets you use two apps at the same time. Experiment with different app combinations and discover how multitasking can improve your everyday phone use.

Frequently asked questions

Do all Android phones support split screen?

Split screen is available on Android phones running Android 7.0 Nougat or newer. Most modern phones support this feature, although the exact steps can differ by brand and model.

Can I use any app in split screen?

No, not all apps support split screen. Games, camera apps and some security-sensitive apps often don't work in split screen. You can sometimes force it through the developer options, but this can cause instability.

How can I adjust the size of the apps in split screen?

Drag the black divider line between the two apps up or down to adjust the split. This lets you give one app more space than the other, depending on your needs.

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