How to Master Split Screen Mode on Android

ByJim Miller

In today's fast-paced world, multitasking has become a necessity. Imagine being able to scroll through your social media feed while watching your favorite YouTube video without any interruptions. Well, with Android's split screen mode, you can do just that. If you're unfamiliar with this feature, don't worry. In this article, we'll show you how to use split screen mode on Android and answer some common questions. Let's get started!

How to Use Split Screen Mode on Android

By default, split screen mode is already enabled on Android devices. Here's how you can use it:

  1. Open both the apps that you want to use in split screen mode. Then, swipe up from the bottom of the screen and hold to bring up the app switcher.

  2. From the app switcher, navigate to one of the apps you want to use. Press and hold on the app icon, then tap on the “Split screen” option.

  3. Now, select the second app from the app switcher.

That's it! You can now use both apps simultaneously in split screen mode. You can even use them in landscape mode. By default, the apps will be split into a 50-50 ratio, but you can adjust this by dragging the black bar in the middle of the screen.

How to Use Split Screen Mode on Samsung Phones

If you're using a Samsung device or a phone with button-based navigation, the split screen mode works similarly. Here's how:

  1. Open both the apps you want to use in split screen mode. Then, tap on the “Recent Apps” button (the one with three vertical lines) to bring up the app switcher.

  2. From the app switcher, go to the app you want to use in split screen mode. Tap and hold the app, and select the “Open in split-screen view” option from the menu.

  3. The app will now appear in the top half of the screen. Find and select the second app you want to use in split screen mode.

To exit split screen mode, simply move the black bar in the middle of the screen in the direction of the app you no longer want to use.

How to Use Split Screen Mode on Any App on Android

While using split screen mode on Android, you may notice that some apps like Instagram, Camera, and ESPN don't support this feature. However, there's a hidden setting in Android that allows you to force these apps to work in split screen mode. Here's how:

  1. Launch the “Settings” app on your Android device and go to “About phone.”

  2. Scroll down to the end of the page and tap on “Build number” seven times. You'll be asked to enter your lock password to verify your identity. Once verified, you'll see a message that says “You are now a developer.”

  3. After enabling developer options, go back to the “Settings” menu and select “System.” Then, expand the “Advanced” menu and choose “Developer options.”

  4. In the Developer options, scroll down to the Apps section and find “Force activities to be resizable.” Toggle the switch next to it to enable this option.

Now, you can try using the split screen mode on apps like Instagram. Every app should now work in split screen mode.

Wrap Up: Master the Split Screen Mode on Android

Multitasking is an underrated feature on Android, especially on devices with larger screens. As we've seen, using split screen mode is simple and convenient on all Android devices. So go ahead and make the most out of your Android device by using split screen mode for efficient multitasking.

Also Read: How to Use iPadOS 15 Split Screen Multitasking Features