How to use split screen on an Android phone

2 min read · 5 steps · Updated 2 October 2026

Short answer

Open the first app, swipe up and hold to see your recent apps, tap the app's icon at the top of its card and choose Split screen. Then pick the second app. Drag the bar in the middle to resize.

Split screen shows two apps at once, one above the other. It is handy for copying details from an email into a form, or watching a video while you message.

Step by step

  1. Open the first app

    Then open the recent apps view: swipe up from the bottom and hold for a moment. With button navigation, tap the square button.

  2. Tap the app icon above its card

    A small menu opens. On Samsung, the icon is also at the top of the card.

  3. Tap Split screen

    On Samsung it is called Open in split screen view. The app moves to the top half.

  4. Choose the second app

    Tap another recent app, or go to the Home screen and open one.

  5. Resize or close

    Drag the bar between the apps to give one more room. Drag it all the way to the top or bottom to go back to one app.

Good to know

Not every app supports split screen. Games and some camera and banking apps open full screen only.

Recent Pixel phones can save a pair: in the recent apps view, tap the icon above the split pair and choose Save app pair. It then sits on the Home screen as one icon.

On tablets and foldables, apps sit side by side and a taskbar lets you drag apps into either half.

In short: Recent apps, tap the app icon, Split screen, choose the second app.

Sources
  • Google Android Help: Use two apps at once on Android

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