How to Use Split Screen on Android

Think of watching a video on one side of your screen and texting a friend on the other – that’s what split screen does! Those who knows how to use split screen on Android are enjoying their phone to the fullest.

It’s like turning your phone into a mini-computer so you can get more done without switching back and forth between apps.

Split screen is easy. Open the app you want to use. Then go to the app switcher (the button that shows all your open apps), tap on the app icon and select “Split Screen”. Then tap on the second app you want and voila! Both apps are open on the same screen.

This is super useful if you’re a multitasker. Maybe you want to take notes while watching a video, compare prices while shopping online or check directions while texting. Split screen can make your life easier and save you time. It’s a simple trick that can make everyday tasks smoother and more fun on your Android. Try it out and see how much more you can do!

It doesn’t matter if you have a Samsung Galaxy, a Google Pixel or another Android phone, the basics are the same. Learning how to use split screen on Android can boost your multitasking skills and help you get things done faster and more efficiently.

Here’s everything you need to know to use split screen on Android, troubleshooting and tips to get the most out of it.

Setup to closing split screen, we’ve got you covered.

How to Use Split Screen on Android

Split screen on Android lets you run two apps at the same time so you don’t have to switch between apps all the time. Here’s how:

1. Open the First App: Open the app you want to use. This can be any app, a messaging app, email app or even a web browser. Once the app is open, move to next step.
2. Recent Apps: Now press the recent apps button on your Android device. This button is usually at the bottom of the screen. On some devices it’s a square icon and on others it’s three vertical lines. Pressing this button will open your recent apps overview.
3. Long Press the App Icon: In the recent apps menu, find the app you want to use for split screen. Long press the app’s icon until a menu appears. From this menu select “Split screen” option. This will pin the selected app to the top of the screen and you can choose another app to open below it.
4. Choose the Second App: After selecting the first app for split screen mode, you will be prompted to choose a second app. You can either select an app from your recent apps or tap the home button to access other apps from your device. Once you select the second app, it will open in the bottom half of the screen.
5. Adjust the Divider: You can adjust the size of each window by dragging the divider in the middle of the screen. This will give you more space to one app and less to the other depending on your needs. For example, you might want to give the top app more space if you’re reading something or the bottom app if you’re browsing the web.
6. Switch between Apps: While in split screen mode, you can switch between the two apps as needed. If you want to switch which app is on top, tap and hold the divider and drag it left or right. You can also exit one app by swiping it off the screen.

How to Split Screen on Samsung Galaxy

For Samsung Galaxy users, the split screen process is a bit different as Samsung has its own interface, One UI. Here’s how to do it on a Samsung Galaxy:

1. Open Recent Apps: Tap the recent apps button at the bottom of your screen (three vertical lines on most Samsung devices).
2. Select App for Split Screen: Find the app you want to split screen and tap on the app icon at the top of the app preview. A menu will appear.
3. Open in Split Screen View: Tap “Open in split screen view”. This will move the app to the top.
4. Select Second App: A list of your other apps will appear. Select the second app you want to open and it will occupy the bottom half of the screen.
5. Adjust Split Screen: You can adjust the size of the apps by dragging the divider. To exit split screen, drag the divider all the way to the top or bottom of the screen.

Why Use Split Screen on Android

Using split screen on Android has many benefits especially for multitaskers. Here are some of the most useful ways you can use this feature:

• Research and Take Notes: Split screen allows you to have your browser open on one side and a note-taking app on the other. Perfect for students or professionals who need to research and take notes without switching between apps.
• Watch Videos and Chat: You can have a video playing on one half of the screen and chat with friends on the other half. Perfect for watching YouTube or Netflix while staying connected with your social media or messaging apps.
• Navigation and Messaging: If you’re traveling and need directions, you can use a map app for navigation while sending a message. Split screen lets you stay on top of both tasks without switching between apps.
• Work and Entertainment: If you need to get work done but want to be entertained, you can open a word processor on one half of the screen and your favorite music or video streaming app on the other.

Split Screen Troubleshooting

Using split screen on Android is pretty easy but there are some issues you may encounter. Here are some common problems and how to fix them:

• App Doesn’t Support Split Screen: Not all apps support split screen. Some apps especially games may not work in split screen mode as they require full screen functionality. If you find an app that doesn’t support split screen, try another one.
• Lagging or Freezing: If apps freeze or lag when you use split screen, it might be a performance issue. Try closing other apps running in the background and restart your phone to improve performance.
• Inconsistent Behavior: Different Android devices and versions may have slight difference in split screen behavior. If split screen doesn’t work as expected, check for software updates or refer to your phone’s manual for instructions.

How to Exit Split Screen on Android

Exiting split screen on Android is easy. Here’s how:

1. Move the Divider: Drag the divider up or down to resize the apps. If you want to close one app, drag the divider to the top or bottom of the screen to fill the entire screen with one app.
2. Exit Mode: Once you move the divider all the way to one side, split screen will exit and only one app will be open.

Conclusion

Using split screen on Android is a very useful skill for anyone who needs to do multiple things at once.

Whether you’re working, chatting or just having fun, split screen allows you to view and interact with two apps at the same time, making multitasking easier and faster.

There may be some minor difference in how it works on different Android phones but the process is the same. Follow this guide and you’ll get the most out of your Android device and be more productive.

Try it next time you need to do two things at once. Easy peasy!