How to Use Split Screen Multitasking on Android 1

How to Use Split Screen Multitasking on Android

This guide will go over everything you need to know about split-screen multitasking on Android Nougat. Google’s Android 7.0 update is available on multiple devices and introduces a host of new features. Many people who own the Galaxy S7 or other devices are curious about what’s new and how to use them.

New phones can run two apps on the screen at the same time. This is called split screen mode. Additionally, the same features add some impressive multitasking capabilities to Android as a whole.

Whether you’re an experienced user or just want to be more efficient and faster when using Android, this is it. Owners can quickly switch between their most recently used apps, run both at the same time, and more. Read on for additional details and how to quickly navigate.

There are more than 50 changes in Android 7.0 Nougat, but most of them are not visibly noticeable. That’s why we recommend taking a deep dive into our new posts linked above. Once you’ve learned all about Nougat and the features it offers, get started with split-window mode and multitasking.

For those who don’t know, Android now has an extremely useful feature similar to the task switcher in Windows. Users can instantly switch between recently used programs or windows without using the mouse by holding down the ALT key and pressing the TAB key. This is a feature that many people have enjoyed since Windows 3.0 years ago. You can do this and more on Android smartphones and tablets.

Double Tap on Recent Apps Button

Most Android smartphones have a square icon in the lower right corner of the screen or lower left for Samsung users. This is the “recent apps” button that most people use for multitasking. Press this and you will see a list of all running applications or browser windows.

Have you tried double tapping this icon? Just double tap on recent apps (multitasking button); you will immediately switch from the current app to the app you last used. Watching a YouTube video but needed to reply to an email? Double tap and it will instantly return to YouTube.

How to Use Split Screen Multitasking on Android 4

This works anywhere and whatever. Even if you are on the home screen, it will return to any previously opened app or window with a double tap. Many don’t know it exists, but I use it every day.

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Use Two Apps Simultaneously (Split Screen)

Next, we’ll explain how to run two apps at the same time. This differs slightly between devices, but now that it’s a default feature in Nougat, it’s easier than ever before.

On a Samsung device, simply press the recent apps button on the bottom left of the device. Instead of choosing an app to launch, hit the “split square” or two rectangle-like buttons next to the X in each app. As shown below. This will start the split screen mode. Now select an app from the home screen or tap on recents again and open a second app.

How to Use Split Screen Multitasking on Android 5

As you can see, we tapped on recent info and then the split square icon to open the two apps at the same time. Now users can check their email or do two things at once while viewing the web. The options are almost endless, too. Most apps only work with that instead of just choosing a few like older LG or Samsung devices.

For all other phones like LG, Motorola or Google, the method is slightly different. Open an app and now press and hold the recent apps button. This starts the split screen mode. Now just click another app and the phone will open both apps at the same time. This app is easier than Samsung.

Other details

These two applications can be used simultaneously on all devices, the window can be resized by dragging the middle bar. Tapping back or swiping all the way up or down (from the middle) closes one app and leaves the other running. It is extremely useful, powerful and makes multitasking a breeze for power users. Owners can also press and hold the recent apps button again to disable split screen mode.

This is especially useful on larger devices like the upcoming Galaxy S8 or Pixel C tablet. It offers desktop features for mobile users. There’s also a similar picture-in-picture mode for Android TV for those interested.