Split screen on a tablet lets you run two apps side by side at the same time
Most modern tablets—both iPad and Android—let you open two apps in the same view, each taking up half the screen or a custom portion of it. This is useful when you want to reference something in one app while working in another: reading an email while typing a response, watching a video while taking notes, or checking a recipe while cooking.
The exact steps depend on whether you have an iPad or an Android tablet, and which model you own. Both systems have built this feature in for several years, so if your tablet is reasonably recent, you have it available.
Key Takeaways
- iPad split screen (called Split View) works on iPad Air, iPad Pro, and iPad (5th generation and newer), and requires swiping up from the bottom or using the app switcher.
- Android split screen is available on most tablets made in the last five years and is accessed through the recent apps menu or settings, depending on your manufacturer.
- You can resize the dividing line between apps by dragging it left or right, giving one app more screen space than the other.
- Not all apps support split screen; some will refuse to open in the second window, in which case you will need to use a different app or switch back to full screen.
- Closing split screen is as straightforward as dragging the divider all the way to one edge or tapping the X button, depending on your device.
How to split screen on an iPad
iPad split screen is called Split View. It works on iPad Air (all models), iPad Pro (all models), and iPad (5th generation and newer). If you have an older iPad, this feature is not available.
To open Split View, start with one app already open. Then swipe up from the very bottom of the screen with one finger to reveal the Dock (the row of app icons at the bottom). Find the app you want to open in the second window and hold your finger on it, then drag it to the left or right edge of the screen. Release your finger when you see a preview of the split layout. The two apps will now sit side by side.
An alternative method: open the app switcher by swiping down from the top-right corner (on newer iPads) or swiping up from the bottom (on older models). Find the app you want and drag it to the left or right edge of the screen, the same way you would from the Dock.
Once Split View is active, you can adjust how much space each app gets by dragging the dividing line between them left or right. You can also tap the divider and select Merge Windows to close split screen and return to full-screen mode.
How to split screen on an Android tablet
Android split screen is built into most tablets made in the last five years. The exact method varies slightly by manufacturer (Samsung, Lenovo, Amazon, and others each have small differences), but the general approach is the same.
Start with one app open. Then open your recent apps menu—usually by swiping up from the bottom and holding, or by tapping the recent apps button (a square or three vertical lines, depending on your tablet). Find the app you want to open in the second window, tap and hold it, then look for an option that says Open in split screen, Split screen view, or Multi window. Tap that option. The app will open in the top half of the screen, and you can then select a second app to fill the bottom half.
On some Samsung tablets, you can also access split screen by opening Settings, going to Advanced Features, and turning on Multi window. Once enabled, you can drag apps from the edge of the screen to set up split view.
Like iPad, you can drag the dividing line to resize each app's space. To close split screen, drag the divider all the way to the top or bottom edge, or look for a close button (usually an X) near the divider.
Apps that do not support split screen
Not every app will open in split screen mode. Some developers have chosen not to support it, and some apps (particularly games and streaming services) are restricted by licensing agreements.
If you try to open an app in the second window and nothing happens, or you see a message saying the app cannot be opened this way, you have two options: use a different app that does the same thing, or close split screen and switch between full-screen apps instead. There is no way to force an app to work in split screen if the developer has not built that support in.
Resizing and switching between split apps
Once you have two apps open side by side, you can adjust the split by dragging the dividing line. On iPad, this line appears as a thin vertical bar in the middle of the screen. On Android, it is usually a thicker bar or a handle you can grab. Drag it left to give more space to the right app, or right to give more space to the left app.
You can also switch which app is in focus by tapping in that app's area. The app you tap will become active, and any keyboard input or gestures will go to that app. This is useful when you are typing in one app and need to tap something in the other.
When split screen slows down your tablet
Running two apps at once uses more of your tablet's processor and memory than running one. If your tablet is older or has limited RAM, you may notice it becomes slower or less responsive when split screen is active. This is normal and not a sign of damage.
If split screen causes noticeable slowness, close it and use full-screen apps instead. You can still switch between apps quickly by using the app switcher, which is faster than split screen on older or lower-powered tablets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have more than two apps open at once on split screen?
iPad supports a third app in a floating window called Slide Over, which sits on top of the split-screen pair. Swipe from the right edge of the screen to reveal it. Most Android tablets only support two apps at once in split screen, though some Samsung models allow a third floating window.
Will split screen drain my battery faster?
Yes, running two apps uses more power than one. The difference is usually small—a few percent per hour—but it is noticeable on longer sessions. If battery life is a concern, close split screen and use one app at a time.
Why does my app close when I try to open split screen?
Some apps are not designed to run in the background while another app is in the foreground. If an app closes when you set up split screen, it does not support the feature. Try a different app instead, or use full-screen mode.
Can I save a split-screen layout so it opens the same way next time?
iPad does not save split-screen layouts automatically. You have to set up the split each time. Some Android tablets, particularly Samsung, may remember your last split-screen pair, but this is not may provide across all models or updates.
What if the dividing line between apps will not move?
On iPad, the divider can only be dragged so far—each app needs a minimum width to function. If you are trying to make one app very narrow, you may have hit that limit. On Android, try tapping and holding the divider for a moment before dragging it, as some tablets require a longer press to set up the resize handle.