How to Do Split Screen on Android

Sometimes you need to multitask on your Android phone. Especially if you’re trying to refer to a text message for a code, or pull up that email password to log into an app on your device. So just how do you activate the split screen on Android? Keep reading to learn how to activate split screen and how to deactivate it.

How to Use Split Screen on Stock Android

It’s easy to activate the split screen option on modern versions of stock Android phones. On older versions of Android (pre-7.0), there were many extra steps to achieve this.

However on later versions of Android, this is a simple task, that's works with most third-party applications and requires minimal steps to achieve the goal of multitasking like a pro.

1. Go to the Apps menu and select any app of your choice. For this instance we chose Settings.

2. Then press and hold the center navigation button on the bottom of your device as you swipe upward. In some devices there may be a physical button however on newer devices it is a digital button.

3. As you swipe upward, the window Settings will highlight. Select Settings. The options for App info or Split screen appear. Select Split screen.

   

4. Your first app will be displayed at the top of the screen. At the bottom of the screen, chose the second app you would like to use in in split screen mode.

5. The second window opens so you see two windows side by side or top to bottom on your display. You are now able to freely navigate and multitask between the two windows.

How to Get Rid of Split Screen on Stock Android

When you're done multitasking with split screen or multi-window it's fast and easy to return your device to a single screen again.

In the split screen window, tap and hold the middle black bar dividing the two screens and swipe in the direction of the screen you no longer wish to use.

This will close that app allowing you to continue using the other program as the primary application.

How to Do Split Screen on Samsung Android

Producing the results on a Samsung device is very similar to the stock versions in that you also have to follow roughly the same steps.

1. First, you'll want to access your currently opened apps by pressing the Recent button to the left of the Home button.

2. In your Recently Used apps, touch the app icon for the first app you want to use in Split-Screen mode. It's located in the top, middle of the app card that displays in your Recently Used apps.

3. From the menu that appears, select the Open in split screen view option if it's available for that application.

   Not all apps are available for split screen mode. If you tap an app icon and the option to Open in split screen view doesn't appear, the split screen option isn't available and you'll have to use the app in full screen mode.

4. Then choose the second app you want to open in the Recent options, or you can select another app from the App List.

5. If it worked successfully, the second app should appear directly below the first app opened and have equal spacing on the screen.

   

How to Get Rid of Split Screen on Samsung Android

When you're done using the split screen option on Samsung Android, it's fast and easy to return your device to a single screen again.

In the split screen window, tap and hold the middle dividing bar and drag it in the direction of the screen you no longer wish to use.

This closes that app allowing you to continue using the other in Full Screen mode.

Be More Productive With Split Screen on Android

There aren't many difficulties with multitasking and it can be a simple process to achieve split screen on Android as long as the apps you're trying to use allow it. Some programs will not run in split screen view. For example, games typically require a full screen view and complete device resources to operate properly.

Apps that don't allow split screen appear on a case by case basis. Many apps that come bundled with your device, or for productivity and business purposes should work using the steps above.