How to Use Split Screen on Your Phone

Edited 1 week ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

Split ScreenMultitaskingSmartphoneAndroidiPhoneMobile OSUser InterfaceProductivityScreen ManagementDevice Usage

In today's fast-paced world, multitasking has become an integral part of our daily lives. Whether it's working on a project, chatting with friends, or watching videos, being able to do multiple things at once can save you a lot of time and effort. One feature that helps with multitasking on mobile phones is the split-screen mode. This guide will teach you in detail how to use the split-screen feature on your phone.

What is split screen mode?

Split screen mode lets you display and use two apps simultaneously on your smartphone. This feature is especially useful for running two apps side by side, making it easier to do things like compare data, copy information from one app to another, and stay organized.

Requirements for using split screen

Most modern smartphones running on iOS and Android support split screen mode. However, there are a few requirements and prerequisites that you need to know about:

• Operating system: Your smartphone must be running on the latest version of iOS or Android. For Android users, versions 7.0 (Nougat) and later usually support split screen mode. For iOS users, this feature is mainly available on iPads.
• Hardware: Although older devices may support split screen mode, their experience may not be as seamless compared to newer devices with better hardware.
• App compatibility: Not all apps are compatible with split screen mode. Some apps may not work correctly or offer full features when run in split screen.

Steps to use split screen on Android

If you’re using an Android device, follow these steps to activate split screen mode:

Step 1: Open Recent Apps

First, you'll need to open the Recent Apps screen. This can be done by tapping the Recent Apps button, which is usually found at the bottom of your screen. On some devices, you may have to swipe up from the bottom of the screen and hold to access Recent Apps.

Step 2: Choose the first app

In the list of recent apps, find the app you want to use in split screen mode. Tap and hold the app icon or app window until you see some options. Select the option that says "Split Screen" or something similar.

Step 3: Choose another app

Once you select the first app for split screen mode, the top or left half of your screen will show the first app, and the bottom or right half will be empty. Now, you need to select the second app. To do this, find the second app in your recent apps list or select it from your home screen. The second app will now occupy the empty half of the screen.

Step 4: Adjust the split screen layout

You can adjust the size of each app's window by dragging the dividing line that appears between the two apps. Simply tap and hold the dividing line and drag it up or down (or left or right, depending on the orientation) to resize the window. Release the line when you've achieved the desired layout.

Step 5: Using split screen mode

You can now use both apps simultaneously. Both apps will work independently, allowing you to multitask efficiently. Navigate to each app as you normally would, and switch your attention between them seamlessly.

Step 6: Exiting split screen mode

To exit split screen mode, drag the dividing line to the edge of the screen to close one of the apps. Alternatively, you can go back to the Recent Apps screen and close one of the apps from there.

Steps to use split screen on iOS (iPad)

For iOS users, especially on the iPad, the split screen feature is known as "Split View". Follow these steps to activate split screen mode on the iPad:

Step 1: Open the first app

First, open the first app you want to use in split screen mode. Make sure the app is compatible with Split View.

Step 2: Access the Dock

Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to access the Dock. The Dock is a row of icons at the bottom of the screen that allows you to quickly switch between your favorite and recent apps.

Step 3: Choose another app

Tap and hold the icon of the second app you want to use in split screen mode. Drag the app icon from the Dock to the left or right edge of the screen until the first app moves away and makes room for the second app.

Step 4: Adjust the Split View layout

Once both apps are in Split View, you can adjust the size of each app's window by dragging the dividing line that appears between them. Move the line to the desired location to resize the window.

Step 5: Using Split View

Both apps will now appear side by side, and you can use them simultaneously. Navigate to each app as you normally would and easily switch your focus between them.

Step 6: Exit Split View

To exit Split View, drag the dividing line to the edge of the screen to close one of the apps. Alternatively, you can close both apps by going to the app switcher and swiping them apart.

Advanced tips and tricks

Dealing with split screen mode is just the beginning. Here are some advanced tips and tricks to help you get the most out of this feature:

1. Use app pairing

Some Android devices, such as Samsung Galaxy phones, offer an app pairing feature that allows you to create shortcuts to open two apps at once in split screen mode. To create an app pair, follow these steps:

• Open two apps in split screen mode using the above steps.
• Tap the Recent Apps button to go to the Recent Apps screen.
• Tap the App Pair icon that appears in the split screen window.
• Save the app pair to your home screen for easy access.

2. Use floating apps

On some Android devices, you can use floating apps, which allow you to create small, resizable windows of certain apps that float above the rest of the screen. This is useful for quick multitasking without fully entering split screen mode. To use floating apps, follow these steps:

• Open the app you want to use as a floating app.
• Tap the Recent Apps button to go to the Recent Apps screen.
• Find the app and tap the floating window icon, which resembles two rectangles overlapping each other.
• Resize and move the floating window as needed.

3. Keyboard shortcuts (iPad)

If you're using an iPad with a physical keyboard, you can use keyboard shortcuts to make multitasking even more efficient. Here are some useful shortcuts:

• Command+H: Return to the Home screen.
• Command+Space: Open Spotlight search.
• Command+Tab: Switch between open apps.
• Command+Option+D: Show or hide the Dock.

4. App sides (Android)

On some Android devices, such as Samsung's, you can save app sides for quick access to specific app functions in split screen mode. To use app sides, follow these steps:

• Open the app you want to save sides for.
• Activate split screen mode with another app.
• Tap the Recent Apps button to go to the Recent Apps screen.
• Tap and hold the app icon and select “App Side.”
• Save the side panels for easy access.

5. Picture-in-picture mode

Some Android apps and iPads also support picture-in-picture (PiP) mode, which allows you to watch videos in a small, movable window while you use other apps. This is especially useful for watching videos while texting, web browsing, or taking notes. To enable PiP mode, follow these steps:

For Android:

• Open a supported video app like YouTube or Google Duo.
• Play a video or start a video call.
• Tap the Home button to minimize the app to a PiP window.
• Move and resize the PiP window as needed.

For iPad:

• Open a supported video app, such as FaceTime or Safari (for video).
• Play a video or start a video call.
• While a video is playing, swipe up to go to the Home screen.
• Move and resize the PiP window as needed.

Common problems and troubleshooting

Split screen mode is generally easy to use, but you may encounter some common problems. Here's how to troubleshoot them:

1. The apps are not compatible

If one of your apps doesn't support split screen mode, you won't be able to use it in split screen. In this case, try using another app that offers the same functionality.

2. Performance issues

Running two apps at the same time can be very taxing on your device's hardware. If you experience performance issues, try closing other background apps to free up resources. You can also restart your device to improve performance.

3. Orientation issues

Split screen mode may not work properly if your device's screen orientation is locked. Make sure auto-rotate is enabled in your device's settings.

4. App layout issues

Some apps may not display correctly in split screen mode, especially if they are not optimized for this feature. In such cases, you may need to switch to another app or use picture-in-picture mode if available.

Conclusion

Split screen mode is a powerful feature that can greatly boost your productivity by allowing you to use two apps simultaneously on your smartphone. Whether you're using an Android device or an iPad, the steps in this guide will help you master split screen mode and make the most of your device's multitasking capabilities. With a little practice and the right techniques, you can become a multitasking pro and handle multiple tasks with ease.

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