How to Use Split Screen on Android

Edited 3 weeks ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

AndroidSplit ScreenMultitaskingUser InterfaceSmartphonesSettingsProductivityMobile DevicesFeaturesTips and Tricks

In today's fast-paced digital world, it's more important than ever to be able to multitask efficiently on our mobile devices. Android's split-screen mode is a great feature that allows you to run two apps simultaneously on your screen. This can boost productivity by letting you view information in two different apps without having to constantly switch back and forth. Whether you're comparing data, taking notes, watching videos while browsing, or managing multiple messaging apps, split-screen mode can make your experience much smoother and more fun.

Introducing split screen mode

Split screen mode was introduced to Android several versions ago and has since become a staple feature for users who need efficient multitasking on their device. This feature allows you to split your screen into two parts, each of which displays a different application. Although not all apps support split screen, many popular apps do, allowing users to accomplish various tasks in a more convenient way. This guide will take you through the steps to activate this feature on different Android devices, explore different use cases, and discuss limitations and tips for getting the most out of split screen mode.

Activate split screen mode

Let's see how you can activate split screen mode on an Android device. Before we begin, make sure your Android system is up-to-date as the steps may vary slightly depending on the version you're running.

Common steps for most devices

1. Open your Recent Apps menu: This is usually done by tapping the Recent Apps button, typically represented by a square or three vertical lines at the bottom of your screen.
2. Select one of the apps you want to use in split screen mode. Hold your finger on the app's title or icon until a menu appears.
3. Tap the icon that says "Split Screen" or Split Screen Mode. This may vary slightly depending on your device's manufacturer.
4. Your app will move to the top half of the screen (or the left, if your phone is in landscape mode). A list of recently used apps will appear in the bottom half.
5. Now, select another app from the Recent Apps menu to fill the remaining half of your screen.

Once both apps are on the screen, you can adjust the size allocated to each app by dragging the dividing line.

Steps for specific manufacturers

Some Android phone manufacturers have customized interfaces that may slightly change the split screen process. Here are some instructions for certain brands:

Samsung devices

Using split screen on Samsung devices is quite intuitive:

1. Access recent apps by tapping the Recent button.
2. Tap the app's icon or options menu.
3. Select "Open in split screen view."
4. Select another app from the list of apps that appears.

LG devices

For LG users the steps might be:

1. Go to the Recent Apps view.
2. Locate the app you want to use in split screen and tap the Dual Window icon.
3. Select your second app from the remaining half of the screen.

Huawei devices (EMUI)

Huawei's EMUI interface may look slightly different:

1. Press the Recent Apps button to open the menu.
2. Find an app to use in split screen and tap the app's icon.
3. Select "Split Screen."
4. Select the other app you want to view at the same time.

Use cases for split screen mode

Splitting your screen can be effective in many scenarios. Here are some examples:

• Note taking: If you're attending a virtual lecture or watching an educational video, you can take notes simultaneously by having the video on one side and the note-taking app on the other.
• Comparing products: When shopping online, you may want to compare prices or specifications of two products by viewing them in separate browser tabs in split screen mode.
• Chatting while browsing: Stay connected with friends or coworkers on messaging apps while browsing the web or checking email.
• Calendar management: Organize tasks by viewing your calendar while researching scheduled tasks or projects in a nearby app.
• Email and document editing: When writing an email, you may need to open and refer to a document. Split screen lets you view both your email and your document simultaneously.

Limitations of split screen mode

Although the split screen feature is highly functional, it still has some limitations that you should be aware of:

• App compatibility: Not all apps support split screen mode. Some apps, typically games or camera apps, may not work as expected, requiring full attention and resources.
• Screen size: On smaller screens, split screen can reduce the usability of an app, as the space available for each app is limited.
• Battery usage: Running two apps at once can drain the battery faster than running a single app.
• Performance impact: On older devices or devices with limited processing power, using split screen mode may slow down overall performance.

Tips for maximizing split screen functionality

1. Prioritize key tasks: Only use split screen for apps that benefit significantly from being used together. For example, combining a calculator app with a budgeting app can be particularly helpful.
2. Adjust the screen ratio: Make sure to adjust the dividing line to give more space to the app that needs more visibility or interaction.
3. Landscape mode: Consider using split screen in landscape on the phone to maximize visibility, especially if you're watching videos along with text-based apps.
4. Experiment with app combinations: Try different app pairs to see which one provides the best experience for your needs.

Conclusion

Using split screen mode on your Android device unlocks new levels of multi-tasking and efficiency. While it may take some getting used to, once you incorporate it into your routine, you'll find it indispensable. In short, whether you're a productivity enthusiast, a busy professional, or just someone who likes to have multiple streams of information at your fingertips, the split screen feature is a valuable tool worth exploring.

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