How to Use Split Screen and Floating Windows on Android Tablets

Updated 5 November 2026 · Standard formula, shown below

Split screen and floating windows let you run two or more apps at once on your Android tablet, so you can watch a video while taking notes, or keep a chat window open over your browser. This guide walks you through both features on stock Android (Android 12 and newer) and common manufacturer skins like Samsung One UI, with clear steps for each.

What You’ll Need

An Android tablet running Android 8.0 or later (steps may vary slightly by version).
Apps that support multi-window mode. Most Google apps, Chrome, YouTube, and many third-party apps work, but some apps (especially games) may not.
Optional: A keyboard or mouse can make resizing and dragging easier, but touch works fine.

Step-by-Step

Using Split Screen

Open the first app you want to use. For example, open Chrome.
Open the Recents screen. Swipe up from the bottom of the screen and hold, or tap the square/three-line button (depending on your navigation style). On Samsung tablets, tap the Recents button (three vertical lines) or swipe up and hold.
Tap the app’s icon at the top of its preview card. A small menu appears.
Select “Split screen” (or “Split top” on some devices). The app will snap to the top half of the screen.
Choose the second app from the Recents list or the app drawer that appears at the bottom. Tap it, and it fills the bottom half.
Adjust the divider by dragging the black bar in the middle up or down to resize each app’s space.
Exit split screen by dragging the divider all the way to the top or bottom, or by tapping the full-screen icon (if visible) on one of the app windows.

Using Floating Windows

Open the app you want to float. For example, open Google Maps.
Open Recents as described above.
Tap the app’s icon at the top of its preview card.
Select “Open in floating window” (or “App pair” on some devices). The app will appear as a small, movable window on top of whatever else you’re doing.
Move the window by dragging its title bar (the thin bar at the top of the floating window).
Resize the window by dragging the corners or edges (if available). On some devices, you may need to tap the maximize/resize icon in the title bar first.
Close the floating window by tapping the X in its title bar, or by dragging it to the bottom of the screen.

Using App Pairs (Samsung and some others)

Open two apps in split screen as described above.
Tap the divider (the black bar between the two apps).
Select the save icon (or “Save as app pair”) to create a shortcut that opens both apps together.
Find the pair on your home screen or in the app drawer, and tap it to launch both apps at once.

Common Mistakes

Not all apps support multi-window. If you don’t see the “Split screen” or “Floating window” option in the app’s menu, the app likely doesn’t support it. Try a different app.
Dragging the wrong part of the screen. In split screen, you must drag the divider bar, not the app content. In floating windows, drag the title bar, not the content area.
Using the wrong navigation gesture. Some tablets use gesture navigation (swipe up and hold) while others use three-button navigation. Make sure you’re using the correct method to open Recents.
Forgetting to save an app pair. If you close the apps, the pair is lost unless you saved it.

Tips

Use split screen for productivity: Keep a video call on one side and your notes app on the other.
Use floating windows for quick tasks: Keep a calculator or chat app floating while you browse.
Drag and drop between apps: In split screen, you can often drag text or images from one app to another (e.g., drag a link from Chrome into a note).
Adjust the divider to give more space to the app you use most. You can even make one app take up most of the screen and the other a thin strip.
On Samsung tablets, you can also open floating windows from the Edge panel. Drag an app icon from the Edge panel to the center of the screen to float it.
Use keyboard shortcuts (if you have a keyboard): On many tablets, pressing Alt+Tab switches between apps, and some have shortcuts for split screen (e.g., Alt+Left/Right arrow on Samsung).

Troubleshooting

Split screen or floating window option doesn’t appear

Check if the app supports it. Some apps, especially games and video players, disable multi-window. Try a different app to confirm the feature works.
Update your tablet’s software. Older versions of Android may have limited multi-window support. Go to Settings > System > Software update to check for updates.
Check your manufacturer’s settings. Some devices (like Samsung) have a “Multi-window” setting that can be toggled off. Go to Settings > Advanced features > Multi-window (or Labs) and make sure it’s enabled.

The apps don’t resize properly

Some apps have a minimum size. If you drag the divider too far, the app may snap back or go full-screen. Just drag it to a reasonable position.
Try rotating your tablet. Some apps work better in landscape or portrait mode for split screen.

Floating window disappears

Check if you accidentally tapped the minimize button. Look for a small floating bubble or icon on the edge of the screen. Tap it to restore the window.
Some apps close floating windows when you open a full-screen video. This is normal behavior.

Split screen doesn’t work with certain apps

Try enabling “Force activities to be resizable” in Developer options. This can force apps to work in split screen, but may cause display issues. To enable Developer options, go to Settings > About tablet and tap “Build number” seven times. Then go to Settings > System > Developer options and toggle the setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use split screen with any app?

Most apps support it, but some (especially games and apps that use the camera) may not. If the option is missing, the app likely doesn’t support multi-window.

How do I close a floating window?

Tap the X in the window’s title bar, or drag the window to the bottom of the screen. On some devices, you may need to tap the minimize button first.

Can I have more than two apps on screen at once?

On stock Android, you can have one split-screen pair plus multiple floating windows on top. On Samsung tablets, you can also use pop-up view for multiple floating windows, but the number is limited by your device’s RAM.

Will split screen work on my tablet if I use gesture navigation?

Yes. Swipe up from the bottom and hold to open Recents, then follow the same steps. The gesture replaces the Recents button, but the rest is identical.

How do I save an app pair for quick access?

On Samsung tablets, open the pair in split screen, tap the divider, and select the save icon. On other devices, you may need to use a third-party app or create a shortcut manually.

Why does my tablet not have the floating window option?

Floating windows are not available on all Android devices. Stock Android has a limited version (called “freeform” mode) that is often hidden. Manufacturers like Samsung, Xiaomi, and OnePlus add their own floating window support. If you don’t see the option, your device may not support it.

Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.