Enable Split Screen OnePlus: Step-by-Step Guide
To enable split screen on a OnePlus phone, open the recent apps view, tap and hold the app icon at the top of the app preview, then select “Split screen” from the menu. This works on all recent OnePlus models running OxygenOS or Android 12 and later. Below, you’ll find the full steps for different gestures, plus tips for resizing, switching apps, and fixing common problems.
What Is Split Screen on OnePlus?
Split screen is a multitasking feature that lets you run two apps side by side on the same screen. On OnePlus phones, it’s built into the Android system and works with most apps that support resizable windows. You can use it to watch a video while texting, take notes while reading, or compare two documents without switching back and forth.
OnePlus devices run OxygenOS (on older models) or the newer OxygenOS based on Android 13/14. The split screen feature is part of the core Android framework, so the steps are very similar across OnePlus 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and the Nord series. The only real difference is the navigation style you use (gestures vs. buttons).
How to Enable Split Screen (Step-by-Step)
Follow these steps on any OnePlus with Android 10 or newer:
- Open the first app you want to use.
- Swipe up from the bottom and hold to open the Recent Apps view (or tap the square button if you use button navigation).
- Find the app you want to keep on top. Tap and hold the app’s icon at the top of the preview card.
- Tap “Split screen” from the pop-up menu.
- The app will move to the top half of the screen. The bottom half will show your recent apps; choose the second app from there, or tap the home button and open another app.
If you don’t see the icon, you can also swipe up on the app’s preview card in the Recent Apps view to bring up the menu. Some apps (like games or the camera) don’t support split screen, so the option won’t appear for those.
Using Gesture Navigation vs. Button Navigation
The steps above work with both navigation styles, but the way you open Recent Apps differs:
- Gesture navigation: Swipe up from the bottom of the screen and hold for a second until the recent apps carousel appears.
- Button navigation: Tap the square (Overview) button at the bottom right.
If you’re using gesture navigation and the swipe-up-and-hold doesn’t work, make sure your system navigation is set to “Gestures” in Settings > System > System Navigation. You can also switch to buttons temporarily to see if that makes the recent apps view easier to trigger.
Adjusting and Managing Split Screen
Once split screen is active, you have several options:
- Resize the divider: Drag the black bar in the middle up or down to give more space to one app. You can’t make one app take less than about 30% of the screen.
- Swap the apps: Tap the white circle on the divider and drag it to the other side, or tap the app icon in the top app and select “Swap.”
- Close one app: Drag the divider all the way to the top or bottom of the screen to exit split screen and keep the remaining app.
- Switch the second app: Tap the app icon in the bottom app’s window and select “Recent apps” to choose a different one.
You can also take a screenshot of both apps at once by pressing the power and volume-down buttons together.
Common Problems and Fixes
If split screen isn’t working, try these solutions:
- App doesn’t support it: Some apps, especially games and certain streaming services, disable split screen. Check if the app resizes in split screen on another phone.
- Option missing from menu: If you don’t see “Split screen” when you tap and hold the app icon, the app may not support it, or you might be on an older Android version. Update your phone to the latest OxygenOS version.
- Recent apps view not showing: If swiping up and holding doesn’t work, go to Settings > System > System Navigation and switch to “Buttons,” then tap the square button. If that works, switch back to gestures.
- Split screen keeps closing: This happens if you accidentally drag the divider too far. Be gentle when resizing.
- Only one app appears: Make sure you select a second app from the recent apps list or by opening it from the home screen. You can’t have the same app twice in split screen.
Split Screen vs. Pop-Up View
OnePlus also offers a pop-up view (floating window) that’s different from split screen. Pop-up view lets you open an app in a small movable window that floats above other apps. To use it, open Recent Apps, tap the app icon, and select “Pop-up view.” You can move it around, resize it, and use it while another app is open.
Which should you use? Split screen is better when you need to see both apps simultaneously at a decent size—like comparing two documents or watching a video while browsing. Pop-up view is better when you just need quick access to a calculator or chat app while using a main app full-screen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why doesn’t split screen work on my OnePlus?
The most common reason is that the app you’re trying to use doesn’t support split screen. Games, camera, and some banking apps often disable it. Also, make sure you’re running Android 10 or newer; older versions had a different method (long-press the recent apps button).
Can I use split screen with two instances of the same app?
No, Android doesn’t allow the same app to run in both halves of split screen. You can, however, use pop-up view for a second instance of some apps, but that’s not true split screen.
How do I exit split screen on OnePlus?
Drag the divider all the way to the top or bottom of the screen. The app that remains will take over the full screen. You can also tap the app icon in one window and select “Full screen.”
Does split screen work on OnePlus Nord?
Yes, all OnePlus Nord models (including Nord CE and Nord N series) running Android 10 or later have the split screen feature. The steps are identical to other OnePlus phones.
Can I use split screen while watching YouTube?
YouTube supports split screen, but you need a YouTube Premium subscription to play videos in the background or in split screen with the screen off. Free users can still use split screen, but the video will pause when you switch to another app unless you have Premium.
Is there a way to force split screen on unsupported apps?
You can enable “Force activities to be resizable” in Developer Options (Settings > System > Developer Options). This may allow some apps to work in split screen, but it can cause display glitches. Use it at your own risk.
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