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Using Multi-Window Mode on Android

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Using Multi-Window Mode on Android

Multi-window mode is a feature available on Android devices that allows you to use multiple apps simultaneously in split-screen or picture-in-picture (PIP) mode. This feature is especially useful when you want to multitask and view multiple apps side by side or continue watching a video while using other apps. In this tutorial, we will explore how to use multi-window mode on Android devices.

Prerequisites

Make sure that you have the following prerequisites before getting started:

  • An Android device running on Android 7.0 (Nougat) or higher.
  • Compatible apps that support multi-window mode.

Enabling Multi-Window Mode

By default, multi-window mode is usually enabled on most Android devices. However, if it is not enabled on your device, you can follow these steps to enable it:

  1. Open the Settings app on your Android device.
  2. Scroll down and tap on Display or Display & Brightness (depending on your device).
  3. Look for Multi-window or Split screen and tap on it.
  4. Toggle the switch to enable multi-window mode.

Once multi-window mode is enabled, you can proceed to use it.

Using Multi-Window Mode

Here's how you can use multi-window mode on your Android device:

  1. Open the first app that you want to use in multi-window mode.
  2. Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to access the app drawer or recent apps overview.
  3. Find the second app you want to use and long-press its icon until a menu appears.
  4. In the menu, tap on Open in split-screen view or Open in multi-window (the option may vary depending on your device and Android version).
  5. The screen will split, and both apps will appear side by side.
  6. Adjust the size of each app's window by dragging the divider between them.
  7. To switch the position of the apps, long-press the divider and drag it to the left or right side of the screen.
  8. To exit multi-window mode, long-press the overview button (the square or recent apps button) and tap on either app's icon.

Note: Not all apps support multi-window mode. If an app does not support multi-window mode, you may see an error message or the app may not function properly in split-screen view.

Using Picture-in-Picture Mode

Picture-in-Picture (PIP) mode is another multi-window mode available on Android devices. However, it is primarily used for video playback. Here's how you can use PIP mode:

  1. Play a video in an app that supports PIP mode (e.g., YouTube or Google Chrome).
  2. While the video is playing, tap the home button on your device.
  3. The video will shrink into a small window and continue playing in the corner of your screen.
  4. You can drag the window to different corners of the screen or pinch to resize it.
  5. To close the PIP mode, tap on the window and drag it to the bottom of the screen.

Note: Not all apps support PIP mode. Additionally, the availability and functionality of PIP mode may vary depending on the app and Android version.

Conclusion

Multi-window mode on Android devices provides a convenient way to multitask and use multiple apps simultaneously. By following the steps outlined in this tutorial, you can enable and use multi-window mode on your Android device effectively. Remember that not all apps support multi-window mode, so the availability and functionality may vary. Experiment with different apps and enjoy the flexibility of multitasking with multi-window and PIP mode on your Android device!