How to Use Split Screen Multitasking on Android and iPhone

Published 2026-10-16 · Marion Phone Repair

Split screen lets you run two apps side by side on your phone screen at the same time. You can watch a video while texting, reference a document while writing an email, or follow a recipe while running a timer. Android has supported split screen multitasking since Android 7.0, and while iPhone handles it differently through features like Slide Over and Picture-in-Picture, both platforms let you work with multiple apps simultaneously once you know how to set it up.

Split screen on Android

Standard Android (Pixel, Motorola, OnePlus)

1. Open the first app you want to use in split screen
2. Tap the Recent Apps button (the square icon at the bottom of the screen) or swipe up from the bottom and hold to open the recent apps overview
3. Tap the app icon at the top of the app card in the overview. A menu appears with Split Screen or Open in Split Screen View
4. The first app moves to the top half. Your recent apps appear in the bottom half. Tap another app to fill the bottom half, or open a different app from your home screen
5. Both apps are now running simultaneously. The divider between the two apps can be dragged up or down to resize the space each app gets

Samsung phones

1. Open the first app. Tap the Recent Apps button or swipe up from the bottom on gesture navigation
2. Tap the app icon at the top of any app card. Select Open in Split Screen View
3. The first app pins to the top half. Select the second app from the bottom half
4. Samsung also supports split screen from the Edge Panel: swipe inward from the edge of the screen to open the Edge Panel. Drag an app to the top or bottom to start split screen directly
5. Samsung phones support a third app in a floating popup window on top of the split screen. In the recent apps view, tap the app icon and select Open in Pop-Up View

Adjust split screen

• Resize apps: Drag the center divider up or down to give more space to one app. Some apps have a minimum size and will not resize below it
• Swap positions: On Samsung, tap the divider and select the swap icon to flip which app is on top and which is on bottom
• Exit split screen: Drag the divider all the way to the top or bottom to make one app full screen

Multitasking on iPhone

iPhone does not have traditional split screen on standard iPhone models. However, iPhone has several multitasking features that let you use multiple apps effectively:

Picture-in-Picture

• While watching a video in a supported app (Safari, FaceTime, Apple TV, Netflix, YouTube Premium), swipe up or press the Home button. The video shrinks to a small floating window that stays on top of whatever app you open next
• You can move the PiP window to any corner by dragging it. Pinch to resize. Tap for playback controls. Tap the expand icon to return to the full app
• If PiP does not activate, check Settings, General, Picture in Picture, and make sure Start PiP Automatically is enabled

App Switcher quick switch

• On iPhone with Face ID, swipe left or right along the bottom bar to quickly switch between recent apps. This is faster than using the app switcher
• On iPhone with a Home button, double-click the Home button to open the app switcher

Best apps for split screen

• Messaging and video: Watch YouTube on top while texting on the bottom. Great for following tutorials while staying in a conversation
• Notes and browser: Research in a browser on one half and take notes in the other. Useful for studying or work research
• Maps and messaging: Follow navigation on top while communicating with the person you are meeting on the bottom
• Email and calendar: Read an email about a meeting while checking your calendar to find availability

Apps that do not support split screen

• Some apps block split screen mode. Games, camera apps, and some banking apps disable split screen because they require full screen to function properly
• On Android, there is a developer setting to force split screen for all apps. Go to Settings, Developer Options, and enable Force Activities to Be Resizable. This forces apps into split screen even if the developer disabled it but the app may not display correctly

Samsung DeX and desktop mode

• Samsung phones support Samsung DeX, which provides a desktop-like experience with multiple floating windows. Connect your Samsung phone to a monitor via USB-C or wirelessly via Miracast
• On the phone itself, Samsung offers two split screen apps plus up to five floating popup windows running simultaneously

Multitasking tips

• App pairs (Samsung): After setting up a split screen combination you use frequently, tap the divider and select the app pair icon. This saves the combination as a shortcut on your home screen
• Landscape mode: Turn your phone sideways for a wider split screen experience. In landscape mode, apps sit side by side with more horizontal space
• Freeform windows: Some Android phones (Samsung, Xiaomi, Oppo) support freeform floating windows. Long-press an app in recent apps and drag it to the center to create a floating window

Phone multitasking help in Marion

If split screen is not working on your phone, if certain apps crash when used in split view, or if you want help setting up app pairs and multitasking shortcuts, Marion Phone Repair can configure your phone multitasking features and troubleshoot any issues preventing split screen from working properly.