Before you start
- Android 7 or later
- Apps that support multi-window (most do)
Method 1 Open split screen (Pixel and most Android phones)
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Step 1: Open Recents
Open the first app. Then swipe up from the bottom and hold, or tap the Recents (square) button if you use 3-button navigation.
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Step 2: Tap the app icon
Tap the app icon above the app’s preview and choose Split screen (or Split top).
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Step 3: Choose the second app
Tap another app in Recents, or go to the home screen and open one. Both now share the screen.
Method 2 Open split screen on Samsung
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Step 1: From Recents
Open Recents, tap the app icon above the preview and choose Open in split screen view. Pick the second app.
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Step 2: With a gesture
Turn on Settings > Advanced features > Labs > Swipe for split screen. Then swipe up from the bottom with two fingers inside any app.
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Step 3: Use pop-up view
For a floating window instead, tap the app icon in Recents and choose Open in pop-up view. Resize it by dragging its corners.
Method 3 Adjust, swap and save app pairs
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Step 1: Resize
Drag the divider between the apps up/down (or left/right in landscape).
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Step 2: Swap
Double-tap the divider to swap the apps’ positions (on Samsung, tap the divider and choose the swap icon).
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Step 3: Save a pair
On Pixel (Android 14+), open Recents, tap the app icon on the split preview and choose Save app pair. On Samsung, tap the divider and the star icon to add the pair to your Edge panel or home screen.
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Step 4: Exit split screen
Drag the divider all the way to the top or bottom edge. The app you drag towards closes.
Troubleshooting
“App doesn’t support split screen”
Some apps (often games and camera apps) don’t allow it. On Samsung, you can force it with Settings > Advanced features > Labs > Multi window for all apps; it may not work perfectly.
The Split screen option is missing
Make sure you tapped the app icon above the preview, not the preview itself. Update your phone software if you’re on an old Android version.
Frequently asked questions
Can I split the screen with three apps?
On Samsung foldables and tablets, yes: up to three apps plus pop-up windows. Most phones support two.
Does split screen use more battery?
Slightly, because two apps are active. It’s not usually noticeable.
Can I copy and paste between split-screen apps?
Yes, and on many phones you can drag text or images from one app into the other.
Summary
Open Recents, tap the app’s icon and choose Split screen, then pick the second app. Drag the divider to resize or close it, and save favourite app pairs to open them together next time.
