Usually you open the recent-apps menu (square button or swipe gesture), tap the app icon, and select 'Split Screen'. Then pick a second app from the list below. The exact steps vary depending on the manufacturer's interface, such as One UI.
Software & system
Split Screen: Definition & explanation
In a nutshell
Split Screen is a multitasking feature that divides the display into two areas, letting you use two apps at the same time. It's activated via gestures or the recent-apps menu.
How does Split Screen work?
Split Screen lets you display two apps side by side on one screen instead of constantly switching between them. Users typically activate it through the recent-apps menu, a long press on an app icon, or a dedicated gesture, then drag a second app into the empty area. A movable divider splits the screen horizontally or vertically, controlling how much space each app gets. Common uses include taking notes next to a video, chatting while browsing, or dragging content between two apps. Not every app fully supports split screen — some pause automatically or show a limited view in this mode. The feature is standard on Android devices from manufacturers like Samsung (One UI) and on iPadOS, though it's less commonly used on smaller phone displays. On tablets and foldables with larger screens, split screen reaches its full potential since there's enough room for two proper app windows. Many systems also offer a pop-up window mode, showing one app as a floating window over another.
Advantages of Split Screen
- True multitasking without app switching
- Fast content transfer via drag-and-drop
- Efficient use of large displays
- Great for comparisons and parallel tasks
Disadvantages of Split Screen
- Not very practical on small displays
- Not all apps fully support the mode
- Smaller view can complicate usability
- Higher battery use from two active apps
Frequently asked questions
No, it depends on the operating system and screen size. Very small displays or older Android versions often don't support split screen at all or only in a limited way. Foldables and tablets offer the best experience.
With split screen, two apps share the screen in fixed, separate areas. A pop-up window instead places one app as a floating, movable window over another, similar to a desktop operating system.
Guides with Split Screen
No linked guides for this term yet.