If you are an Android user who is willing to increase you productivity, the split screen on Android devices feature should be your new favorite. For instance, you may wish to chat with friends as you view a video or take notes while browsing the web.
This makes multitasking so much easier than before, and trust me, I have had experiences with this feature on a personal level.
It’s a game changer! In this guide I will show you how to do split screens on Android devices, including a few personal experiences and response to some FAQs.
Table of Contents
What is Split Screen?
Split Screen is a feature of an Android device that supports the display and interactive operation of two applications at the same time.
What this means is, you could have your email open at the same time as you are checking your calendar or keep a social media application running beside a video
How to Enable Split Screen on Android Devices?
Here’s how to enable split screen on Android devices:
- Start the First App: You should launch an app you want to use first. You may, for example, want to open your web browser.
- Look for Recent Apps: Find the Recent Apps button at the bottom of your screen. It will show as a square or two rectangles superimposed over each other.
- Enable Split Screen: Open the application you’ve launched using Recent Apps. Tap the app’s icon (or long-press it, depending on your device) to bring up the shortcuts menu and select “Split Screen.”
- Choose your Second App: After enabling split screen, your first app moves to the top or side of the screen. A list of recently used apps will appear. Select the second app to open it in the other half of the screen.
- Resize the Divider: You can adjust the space each app uses by dragging the divider. This is helpful when you want one app to take up more screen space than the other.
Personal Experience
Having the possibility of using the split screen feature for a week, I must confess that it made tasks like studying and working at home so simple.
For example, I usually open my notes on one side of the display while researching on the other side. Really helps me save a lot of time and stay organized!
Also Read: Top 5 Best Ad Blockers for Non-Root Android Phones
Practical Uses for Split Screen
Here are some practical ways you can use split screen on your Android device:
- Research and Note-Taking: Keep a research web page open while taking notes in a document.
- Social Media and Video: You can watch a video on YouTube as you scroll through your social media feed.
- Messaging and Navigation: Use a maps app for directions while talking to friends about your plans.
- Calendar and Email: Keep your schedule while responding to emails without needing to toggle back and forth.
From a brief observation of the usage, majority of the users in forums such as Reddit have spoken about how they use split screen on Android devices for their different uses, and the fact is, the feedback is overwhelmingly positive!
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Though it is pretty simple to enable split screen on Android devices, there are a few issues that you may run into. Here are some common problems and how to resolve them:
- App Compatibility: Not all apps support split screen mode. If you seem not to find the option to open an app in split-screen, then maybe that particular app does not support the feature. Most of the popular ones like messaging and productivity tools do.
- Performance: If your device lags while in split-screen mode, try to close all background apps and restart your device to return performance to normal.
- Inconsistent behavior: The functionality of the split screen could be slightly different across Android versions and device manufacturers. If the behavior of the application seems a bit inconsistent, ensure that software updates have been applied to gain access to the new features.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can any app be placed into split-screen mode?
No, not every app supports split-screen. Most social media, messaging, and productivity apps do, but some games or older apps might not work.
How do I end my split screen mode?
To turn off split screen, drag the middle divider to the top or bottom of the screen until only one application is left.
Do all Android devices come with split screen?
Split screen works on Android 7.0 (Nougat) and above; however, due to slight differences in manufacturers, the steps may not be exactly the same.
Can I exchange the apps while I am in split screen?
Yes! You can swap the apps by tapping the Home button and selecting a different app for one of the split-screen positions.
Conclusion
With split screen on Android devices enabled, a whole new experience in multitasking will be achieved with your device.
I just tried this myself and can honestly say it has changed the way I manage things and stay organized. Split screen is one of those features you are going to want to use, be it studying, working, or just trying to stay connected.
Give it a try — you could reap the same benefits I have. If you have any questions or tips, write them below in the comment section.
