How to Use Split Screen on Android: A Complete Guide (2025)

Do you ever wish you could do more than one thing at once on your Android phone? Maybe you want to watch YouTube while texting, or check your calendar while replying to an email. To use split screen feature on Android, Open the first app > Recent Apps button > App icon > Select “Split screen or Open in split screen view” and choose the second app from the app drawer.

In this complete guide, we’ll walk you through how to use split screen on Android, which devices support it, and how to fix common split screen issues.

Benefits of Using Split Screen on Android

Boosts productivity

Great for multitasking (e.g., chatting while browsing)

Easy to use

Reduces app-switching fatigue

Ideal for large-screen phones and tablets

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🧭How to Use Split Screen on Android

Note: The steps may vary slightly depending on your phone model and Android version, but here’s a general guide.

Method 1 : Using Samsung Devices (One UI)

Tap Recent Apps.

click the app icon above the app you want.

Tap “Open in split screen view.”

Select another app to fill the second half.

Method 2: Using Recent Apps Menu

Launch the first app you want to use.

Tap the Recent Apps button (usually a square icon or use the swipe-up gesture).

Tap the app icon at the top of its preview.

Select “Split screen” or “Open in split screen view” from the menu.

Choose the second app from the list or app drawer to open alongside it.

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Method 3: Using Gesture Navigation

Swipe up and hold to open Recent Apps.

Tap the app icon > choose Split screen.

Choose the second app from the recent list or app drawer.

How to Resize the Split Screen Apps

You’ll see a divider line between the two apps

Drag the line up/down or left/right to adjust app size

Slide it all the way to close one of the apps

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🔧 How to Exit Split Screen Mode

Exiting split screen is simple:

Drag the divider line all the way to the top or bottom of the screen.

Or tap the Home button, and both apps will close from split view.

Which Apps Support Split Screen on Android?

Not all apps support split screen. However, some apps, especially games and video apps (like Netflix), may block it.

Here are examples of apps that usually work well in split screen:

Chrome

YouTube (YouTube Premium supports picture-in-picture too)

WhatsApp

Gmail

Google Docs

Google Maps

Calendar

Facebook Messenger

Telegram

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Note : If an app doesn’t support split screen, you’ll get a message like “App doesn’t support split screen.”

Why Is Split Screen Not Working on My Android?

Here are common reasons why split screen might not work:

Issue	Solution
Old Android version	Update to Android 7.0 or higher
App doesn’t support split screen	Try another app
Custom skin limitations	Use third-party apps
Screen overlay disabled	Enable it in developer settings

Try these tips:

Restart your phone

Update Android OS and apps

Check if the app supports split screen

Clear cache

Try enabling Developer Options > Force activities to be resizable (advanced users only)

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🛠️ Best Third-Party Apps for Split Screen

If your device doesn’t support native split screen, try these apps:

Split Screen Shortcut

Floating Apps Free

Multi Window – Split Screen

These apps simulate split screen functionality and work on many older or unsupported devices.

🔎 Popular Questions About Android Split Screen

Can all Android phones do split screen?

No, only devices with Android 7.0 and above and apps that support multi-window can do it.

How do I force an app to use split screen?

Enable Developer Options > turn on Force activities to be resizable. Restart your phone.

Is there a shortcut for split screen on Android?

Yes, some phones let you use swipe gestures or long-press the Recent Apps button.