With Android 7.0 Nougat, Google introduced the ability to use multiple apps together in split-screen mode. Along with the introduction of Android Oreo, Google also announced the Picture-in-Picture mode. While both of these work fine, it is a pity that we cannot run multiple instances of the same application together. Imagine being able to chat with 2 different people on WhatsApp without having to switch between chat windows. Or browsing 2 web pages at the same time using the same browser. While we previously covered an article on how to do this in Nougat, unfortunately the method failed on Android Oreo until recently. So if you’re wondering how to run multiple instances of the same app on a device that rocks Google’s latest offering, read on as we show you how to run the same app in split-screen windows on Android Oreo:
Split Screen On Android Oreo Run Same App On Windows
note: I tried the following app on my LG Nexus 5X and Google Pixel running Android Oreo 8.0.0 and the method works fine.
- Download and install to get started Parallel Windows for Nougat and Oreo (Free) on your Android device.
- After installing the application, open it. You will now receive a disclaimer about the app that is in the trial phase. Tap the checkbox next to “I have read and understood” “Go on”. Next up, you’ll get a warning that although Android Oreo supports Picture-in-Picture (PiP) mode, the service only supports multi-window. Tick the checkbox at the bottom and tap on “Continue”.
- The main application window should now open. Necessary grant app permissions For drawing over other apps as well as activating the Accessibility service. To do this, tap the toggle next to each permission and grant the permission on the screen that follows.
- Now that you have given the necessary permissions to the application, customize various aspects of the sidebar. This sidebar will then be used to open multiple instances of the same app while in split screen mode. you can customize height, width and location sidebar according to your preferences.
- you should be able to access the sidebar from the right edgeoffering options to open app drawer, trigger split screen mode and option mirror applications to run a single app side by side in split screen mode.
- After configuring the sidebar, open an app or tap the Recents/Multitasking button. Then, just swipe from the right edge to open the screen. sidebar (as shown in the step above) and third option. Now you will be asked “Choose an app to mirror“. Just select the app and two windows of the same app should open in split screen mode.
SEE ALSO: How to Use Multiple WhatsApp, Facebook, Snapchat Accounts on Android
Use Multiple Windows of the Same App on Android Oreo
While the native multi-window feature available in Android is great, the addition of the ability to run multiple instances of the same app definitely takes things to the next level. It enhances the whole multitasking experience and makes things much easier. Although the app is in Alpha, it works surprisingly well and stable. So, did you find this nifty trick useful for your multitasking needs? Let us know in the comments section below.
