Android’s split-screen mode is a practical feature of the Google-owned mobile operating system. Users can truly benefit from split-screen Android capability, ideally with larger screens or tablets.
Through the feature, they can use two apps or functions simultaneously without having to switch between them. This can help to get so much work done, or just allow you to focus. In this article, we’ll show you how to use Split-Screen to multi-task on your Android device. This is very beneficial for those using their devices for work or leisure.
However, before you can think of multi-tasking, you must first learn how to split screen on Android. Good enough, it’s a very easy thing to do. You must also keep in mind that the procedures vary depending on the version of Android you’re using.
Here’s how to Split-Screen and Multitask on your Android device
Split Screen on Android 13 and Higher Versions
Splitting the screen on Android 13 is very simple, just follow these instructions;
First step
- Open the two apps you wish to use
You must first open the apps that you wish to utilize at the same time to split screen on any Android version. You can typically use two apps simultaneously on most smartphones and tablets.
- Scroll up on your device’s home screen to access the Apps screen to see them in a split-screen format.
- Next, scroll to select the first app you wish to open, and then launch it.
- Use the home button on the bottom bar of your device to close the app without actually closing it.
- Do the same for the second app that you want to use on a split screen.
Second step
- Locate the First App to Open in Split Screen
Usually found in the lower left corner of the screen, this button is symbolized by three vertical lines. However, some models have the button at the top right corner. This button might be shown as a rounded square instead of vertical lines.
You can see a visual representation of all open and idle apps by tapping this button. Find the app you wish to launch on a split screen by swiping.
Third step
- Open the First App in Split Screen
- Each open app is presented in a distinct tab on the Recent App screen, with the app icon sitting on top. To open it on a split screen, tap and hold the symbol.
- You won’t need to make any additional selections or confirm your selection because your app will open in a split window automatically.
- If you mistakenly tap the icon while holding it down, you can end the split screen mode by tapping the back button at the bottom of the screen. An arrow stands in for the back button.
Forth step
- Open the Second App in Split Screen
- The vacant half of the screen will display all other recently used apps once the first app has been started in split screen.
- Next, select the app you wish to use and press on it. Alternatively, you can perform the actions listed above and then tap on Recent Apps to launch the second app.
Split Screen on Android 12 and Earlier Versions
On Android versions 12 and below, splitting the screen is just as simple, but it involves an additional step.
Go to Recent Apps after opening the apps you wish to utilize in the multi-view interface by following the instructions above.
First Step
- Open/Launch the First App in Split Screen
- To open an app in a split screen, scroll through Recent Apps to find it. Click and hold the icon.
- If you have a Galaxy device, choose Open in split screen view from the pop-up menu; otherwise, choose Split Screen on all other Android devices.
Second Step
- Open/Launch the second app
- With Android 12 and its prior versions, the screen doesn’t automatically split when you launch the first app. Instead, while the Recent Apps tab is still active at the front, the first program will start in a background window.
- You can scroll to find the second app you want to launch, then tap it. You can tap anywhere on the app at this time instead of having to tap and hold the icon.
- When you choose the second app, the screen is divided into two parts so you can use both of them.
Third Step
- Open in a new app
Multiple split displays are not supported by older versions of Android. Rather, when you start a new app in a split screen, one of the initial two apps you’ve chosen will be immediately replaced.
By touching on the window you want to replace, the new program will launch in split-screen mode. That window selected is indicated by a blue border.
Select the Split Apps button, which in this mode takes the place of Recent Apps.
You need to tap on the new app you want to open after choosing it. The old app in the split screen will be swapped out with the recently chosen app.
Fourth Step
- Leaving Split Screen Mode
- On Android versions 12 or earlier as opposed to Android 13, returning to the default screen view is also different. On later Android versions, tapping the back button merely closes the window that is presently chosen, whereas the latter returns to full-screen mode.
- Tap the back button on one of the apps to leave split screen mode, then tap the X button at the top of the screen.
Conclusion
Regardless of the version, Android makes it effortless to split the screen. Android 13 streamlines the procedure with some automation.
Additionally, you can use numerous split screens and navigate between them using Recent Apps. While earlier Android versions did not have some of these features, dividing the screen and leaving this mode remain a simple action regardless of the OS version you’re running.
